Lucky Stars
Written by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer
Warning: This story contains mentions of Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime, Nazi occupation and war.
On September 1, 1939, Adolf Hitler launched an invasion of Poland.
Whilst Norway, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland declared their neutrality, Britain and France delivered ultimatums to Germany, saying that if they didn't withdraw their troops from Poland, they would enter a state of war. Hitler ignored these warnings and the following day, September 2, the Free City of Danzig was annexed to Nazi Germany.
Then, on September 3, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain made a speech that confirmed everyone's worst fears:
"I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street. This morning, the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a final note, stating that unless we heard from them by eleven o'clock, that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently, this country is at war with Germany."
And thus, the Second World War had begun. After seeing what happened during the First World War, I hoped and prayed nothing of that magnitude would ever happen again, much less that I would live to see it. It wasn't just Britain who declared war on Germany – France, New Zealand, Australia and India (by its Viceroy) declared war on Germany, as well and the Prime Minister of Canada Mackenzie King, in English, and Justice Minister Ernest Lapointe, in French, giving an international radio address stating the Dominion's intention to declare war as well.
Although U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt advocated neutrality in a nationwide radio address, there were widespread fears in Bigg City and the surrounding areas that sooner or later, America would enter the war as well. Because of this, Roosevelt would run for a third presidential term, since at the time, there was no two-term limit. Roosevelt was re-elected to that historic third term.
Meanwhile, the situation in Europe was grave as various countries such as France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands all fell to German conquest. After Norway was taken by Germany, Neville Chamberlain resigned as British Prime Minister and was replaced by Winston Churchill. Churchill had always warned everyone about Hitler. Now, his job was to lead the United Kingdom through its darkest hour and he would give motivational speeches and this swelled up courage during the Battle of Britain which began on July 10 and ended on October 31, 1940 with a victory for Britain.
Although the United States didn't take part in the fighting at first, they still became part of the war in a technical sense. The Lend-Lease Act, which was signed on March 11, 1941, enabled the United States to transfer arms and other materials to any nation it deemed was essential to its own defense. Britain had been among the handful of countries to receive such aid in the form of weapons, coal, iron and other vital goods.
Indeed, Bigg City saw a lot of shipment of these materials with both Stars and Z-Stacks busy. Ironically, it was the war effort that ended the Great Depression. But that fact was overshadowed given the harsh realities of war. Fortunately for the tugs, they were about to receive a welcome distraction from it.
Ten Cents, Hercules and Sunshine were at the coaling plant. Because Sunshine was full of innocence, the other tugs would often come up with topics to try and distract her.
"Ten Cents," asked Sunshine, "Hercules mentioned that Captain Star's father died of a heart attack. What exactly caused it?"
"Yes, I'd wondered," said Hercules. "Captain Star has always struck me as a healthy individual."
"Well," sighed Ten Cents, "Captain Star's father did not have the healthiest of diets and didn't do that much exercise. He built up a lot of cholesterol as a result, and that's what caused the heart attack. He died exactly two days after he bought Hercules."
Sunshine was shocked. "Did you know that last bit, Hercules?"
"I'm afraid so," said Hercules. "It was sent to me via telegram. I was stationed at New York at the time when the news came through as Captain Star and I would keep in contact prior to my arrival here."
"It's thanks to Captain Lucky that Captain Star leads a much healthier diet," explained Ten Cents. "You see, Captain Lucky is a vegetarian and they tend to eat healthier meals. She got Captain Star to eat things like salad and all that. It also helped Captain Star has always had a keen interest in sports and played for his school's basketball team. These days, Captain Star mostly eats vegetables and fish, only eating meat on the odd occasion. Whenever he has a day off, he likes to go walking in the area near Dun Tuggin'."
"Well, that's good to know," said Sunshine. "Ah hope he says hello to Boomer while he's up there."
"Oh, he always does," smiled Ten Cents.
"So how did he and Sarah meet?" asked Sunshine.
"Well, Captain Star was taking a business course since his father was taking plans to set up Star Tug and Marine," said Ten Cents. "This was spurred on by Captain Star, Captain Zero, Captain Lucky and Captain Salvage gaining interest in O.J.'s old fleet. Anyways, he was sharing a dorm with Sarah Barrett, as she was known back then. She was studying to become a history teacher. After they graduated, they got married in 1905 and a year after the Star Fleet was set up, Sarah gave birth to Thomas."
"Aww, that's sweet," said Sunshine. "Where does Captain Star's mother live now?"
"She lives in a retirement home with Captain Lucky's parents, Eliza and Jordan Tugg," said Ten Cents. "Sarah Star teaches at the same school where Captain Lucky's sister, Luna, is the principal and their sister Lacey Kirke is a nurse at the local hospital. Lacey's husband Leo is a firefighter at the fire station where Finbar works and they have twin daughters, Amelia and Belinda who help at Lucky's alongside Andrea."
Just then, O.J. arrived. "Captain Star and Captain Lucky want to see us back at the Star Dock," he said. "They've got some exciting news for us." The other three tugs were surprised by this. What was Captain Lucky doing at the Star Dock?
When they got there, they saw Big Mac, Warrior, Top Hat and Grampus waiting for them along with all members of the Star and Lucky families standing on the Star Dock. Andrea seemed to have her hands behind her back. Captain Lucky and I were upstairs in the announcing house with our megaphones sticking out of the window.
"Star Fleet," I boomed, "yesterday, both the Stars and the Luckys received some exciting news from Thomas Allen Star and Andrea Diane Lucky. Andrea?"
With a smile on her face, Andrea removed her hands from behind her back, and on her right hand was a yellow diamond engagement ring.
"Thomas and I are engaged to be married," she said proudly.
"That's amazing news!" replied Ten Cents. "Congratulations to you both!"
"Thank you, Ten Cents," replied Thomas.
"We're going to hold the wedding at Uptown in December," said Captain Lucky, "and you are all invited."
"To this end," I continued, "you will be given the day off so you can attend."
Over at the Zero Dock, Captain Zero was addressing his tugs about the news.
"Due to, err… 'personal circumstances'," said Captain Zero, "I will unfortunately not be attending the wedding. But you are all welcome to attend, regardless of my absence. In fact, I personally recommend it."
The Z-Stacks (except for Zak and Zeus) felt sorry for Captain Zero. They knew that his wife Ursula hated me and if Captain Zero attended the wedding, she would be livid.
"Considering all that Captain Lucky has done for us over the years," replied Zorran, "it would be ungrateful of us if we didn't attend. I'll be attending. And Captain Star and his tugs have been a positive influence on us too."
"You lot can go," sneered Zak. "I have no interest in attending the wedding for Captain Star's son."
"Neither do I!" huffed Zeus.
"Misery guts," muttered Zip and Zug.
"If I may, Captain Zero," said Zob, "there is, of course, the issue of the fact Andrea's father, Corporal Harry Lucky, cannot be there to give his daughter away. That's why I would like to volunteer to escort Andrea to the church personally and help Captain Lucky give her away on Corporal Lucky's behalf."
"That would be very touching of you, Zob," said Captain Zero with a small smile. "I'll let Captain Lucky know of your decision. So far, Zak and Zeus have declined due to their hatred of the Star Fleet. Zorran and Zob have confirmed they will attend. But what about the rest?"
"You know what?" said Zebedee. "The idea of a wedding would help to take my mind off the conflict in Europe, so I'm going."
"Yes, me too," agreed Zug.
"Count me in," chimed Zip.
"I-I'm going as w-well," said Zilly.
"Excellent," said Captain Zero. "I will be giving all of you the day off – even if two certain members of this fleet won't be attending."
News spread around Bigg City and the surrounding areas. Mr. Lloyd and the engines confirmed they would be attending as well, especially Kirke since Captain Lucky helped him after he had gotten in trouble on his first day. Captain Salvage and the Salvage team would also be in attendance as well as Sea Rogue, O'Malley, Billy Shoepack, Lillie Lightship, Sally Seaplane, Frank, Eddie, Pearl, Little Ditcher, Scuttlebutt Pete, Mighty Mo and Lord Stinker who decided to get an extra big washdown that day before the wedding so he would be spotless and smelt pleasant. Finbar and the Coast Guard team gave their apologies for not attending as Finbar was going to be needed in case of fire, and the Coast Guard team were on the lookout for any signs of trouble. Of course, Burke, Blair and Mr. Broke were not invited, not that they wanted to come, anyway.
There was buzz and excitement for it over the coming months and that pushed the ongoing conflict in Europe to the back of our minds.
Soon, December rolled in and on the day before the wedding, the Stars, Z-Stacks (minus Zak and Zeus), the Salvage Fleet and Robin were all excited about it. What helped in the festivities was that Christmas was rounding the corner, and we were already decorating the docksides with lights, holly and the Christmas trees.
"Just think," said Sunshine. "Tomorrow the Stars and the Luckys will become one family."
"That's great and all," said Scorpio, "but do we all have to get clean?"
"We have to look our best for tomorrow, Scorpio," Pisces replied sternly. "I know you don't like washdowns, but please make an exception."
"Yeah, Scorpio," replied Misty. "Lord Stinker is going to get a washdown."
"Okay, okay!" snapped Scorpio. "I'll do it!"
The rest of the Salvage Team and Robin burst into giggles and grinned.
"Besides, the Stars and the Luckys are a good group," Scorpio said quietly before also smiling. "They deserve the best."
Then, a worried look crossed Misty's face. "I've had a thought," said Misty. "What if this wedding becomes our last moment of happiness before the inevitable happens?"
"Don't worry, Misty," assured Pisces. "If the worst does happen, we will get it through it together."
"And if anyone tries to hurt either of you," said Scorpio, "they'll have me to answer to."
"Thanks, girls," said Misty.
"I must say, it's heartwarming to see you three look out for each other like sisters," smiled Top Hat.
"That's because we are sisters," replied Pisces.
The other tugs were shocked at hearing this.
"EXCUSE ME?!" exclaimed Top Hat, turning his wheelhouse so sharply his monocle fell off. A crew member went to fit it back on again.
"We… never mentioned that?" asked Pisces. "Ugh… how embarrassing."
"Wait, you three really are sisters?" asked Sunshine.
"That's right," replied Scorpio. "Us three were built at McCracken-Faust Shipbuilders in San Diego, California." They looked at the Water Sign trio to see their builders plates which confirmed it.
"Sorry we didn't mention this," said Misty.
"That's right, m'dears," assured Hercules. "We all make mistakes."
"Alright," said Ten Cents, "would anyone like to state where they were built and what potential siblings they might have?"
"Moonlight and I were built at Prendergast Shipbuilders in Newcastle," explained Moonlight, "hence my Northern English accent."
"Then why does Sunshine have a Southern American accent?" asked Zip.
"Because Ah wasn't assembled properly," explained Sunshine. "When Ah arrived, Ah was not in a serviceable condition. Mr. Mitton had to fix me up in his workshop, which took over a month. That was where Ah received mah first firing. Mr. Mitton came from Tennessee, which is why Ah speak with a Southern American accent."
"Makes sense to me," said Zip.
"I was built at Barrett Works in Southport, Merseyside," said Zebedee, "hence my Liverpudlian accent."
"What about you, Big Mac and Warrior?" asked Ten Cents.
"Griffin Wirks oan th' Anglo-Scottish border," replied Big Mac.
"That's why I don't have Big Mac's Scottish accent," explained Warrior.
"I was built at Hepple and Company of South Shields," said O.J.. "I'm the older brother to a tug named Eppleton Hall who was built in 1914."
"I was built at John H. Dialogue and Son, in Camden, New Jersey," Top Hat said proudly.
"Funny you should say that," said Zob. "I knew a harbour tug from that same works – New York Central Railroad Tugboat 13."
"Are the PRR and NYC rivals?" said Top Hat.
"And now, you and I are both in rival fleets," confirmed Zob. "What are the odds?"
"Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California," Grampus said proudly.
"Th-that's where I w-was built t-too," said Zilly.
"Wait! Does that mean we're brothers?!" gasped Grampus.
"Well, who would have thought it?" said Zorran. "A Star and a Z-Stack being brothers."
"And we know that Ariel and her sisters were built at Mermaid Works in Palm Shores, Florida," said Ten Cents. "What about you, Zip? Where were you and Zion built?"
"Tulloch Works in Malibu, California," replied Zip.
"I recall that Meridian was built at Hall, Alexander & Company Ltd, Aberdeen," said Hercules. "I never asked Venus where she was built though."
"Then you have me, Penny and Hercules being built at Eagle Works in New Hampshire," said Ten Cents, looking at his big brother with a smile. I'm glad to have you as a brother, Hercules, he thought to himself.
"Turns out that Zob and I were built at William R. Trigg, Richmond, Virginia," said Zorran.
"You mean you and Zob are brothers?" gasped Warrior.
"We discovered this shortly after I revealed my secret to you," confirmed Zob.
"Well, as you know, Zug, Zeus and I were built at Snyder Works in Manhattan, New York," said Robin.
"Even though Zeus doesn't treat us well," Zug said, with tears in his eyes. Sunshine looked sadly at him.
"This is taking too long," grumbled Stormy. "Hail was built at GK Stothert & Marten in Bristol as the younger sister of Mayflower. Although she's not here, Corona is the twin of a steam tug from Washington state named Echo. Both were built at Crawford and Reid, Tacoma in 1900."
"What about the Poison Plant trio?" asked Robin.
"They were built at Vulture Iron Works in Maine," replied Stormy.
"Huh, just like Zak, Burke and Blair," said Zip.
"Evil really does run in the family, doesn't it?" muttered Zob.
"Mmm-hmm," said Moonlight.
"I was built at Sullivan Works in Portland, Oregon," continued Stormy. "Ember was built at Neafie & Levy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."
There were murmurs of acknowledgement from this.
"Right, we'd better get back to work," said Zorran. "The wedding is tomorrow and we'll need to be ready for it."
"Oh yeah," said Warrior. "I promised Lord Stinker I'd take him to the washdown."
"And I've got to get ready to escort the bride to the wedding," said Zob.
"Oh, and by the way," said Ten Cents, "Captain Star and Captain Lucky have arranged for you, O.J., Robin and Sea Rogue to act as the procession."
"I get it," said O.J.. "We're the good luck package – I'm the something old, Robin is the something new, Zob is the something borrowed and Sea Rogue is the something blue."
As everyone set off for work, Zug still looked sad.
"Zug," asked Robin, "are you okay?"
"No," sighed Zug. "I just can't understand why Zeus acts like a bully to me."
"Ah have no idea either," sighed Sunshine.
"I think Captain Zero found out we were both built at Snyder Works and that Zorran and Zob were both built at Willian R. Trigg when he purchased Zeus and Zob," said Zug, "hence why he assigned us both specifically to show them around. Although Zorran and Zob didn't realise that detail since Zob had kept his past a secret until we rescued Little Owl. As for me…"
August 1921
Just as we left the Zero Dock, I spotted something on his builder plate.
"So you were built at Snyder Works in Manhattan?" I asked.
"Yes," Zeus said, unenthusiastically.
"Well, so was I!" I replied.
"How nice," muttered Zeus.
"But… aren't you excited about having a little brother?" I asked.
"Listen here, you little pipsqueak!" Zeus said with a frown. "I don't have time for scrappy little switchers like you. All you ever do is get in the way of us more important tugs. So, let's get one thing clear – just because we're brothers does not mean we're friends. Got it?"
"Y-yes," I replied with a mixture of fear and heartbreak.
"Good. Now come on!" ordered Zeus. I reluctantly did as told, with tears forming in my eyes.
Present Day
"Oh, Zug," sighed Sunshine. "Ah'm sorry to hear that."
"That's why I'm grateful to have you as a sister, Robin," said Zug. "You fill the void that I've been lacking with Zeus."
"Well, if Ah didn't like Zeus before," said Sunshine crossly, "Ah really despise him now. Imagine taking all your hopes, Zug, and crushing them into a thousand pieces! Look at Ten Cents and Hercules. They both bonded the moment they met and Hercules has been nothing but supportive towards Ten Cents, especially after the Munitions disaster. Hercules and Ah were devastated when we thought Ten Cents had died, but relieved when Grampus found him alive. Moonlight and Ah have a healthy sibling relationship as do Pisces, Scorpio and Misty, and just look at Big Mac and Warrior. It seems now that Grampus and Zilly have one too, as do Zorran and Zob, despite Zob being grumpy. But the way Zeus treats Zug! Ugh, someone needs to give a crash course in being a good brother."
"Somehow, I doubt that will ever happen, sis," said Moonlight. "There's no way Zeus will ever listen."
"You're right, Moonlight," sighed Zug. "Zeus just makes me feel less about myself."
"Well, it makes you feel any better," said Sunshine, "you've still got Zip as your best friend, Robin as your sister, Zebedee to fill the void of the big brother role Zeus hasn't been giving you, myself, Moonlight and Ten Cents."
"Thank you, Sunshine," said Zug gratefully.
"Okay, I'm going to get ready for tomorrow," said Robin. "See you at the wedding."
"Bye, Robin," the others called. "See you tomorrow."
Sunshine, Zug and Moonlight passed the seaplane hangar on the way where they saw Sally who was just being refueled.
"Hello, you three," Sally called.
"Hi, Sally," called Sunshine and Zug.
"Helloooo, Sally," said Moonlight. Sally let out a giggle from this.
"Oooh, I'm excited about tomorrow," said Sally.
"So are we," said Sunshine.
"You and Sally seem to have a thing for each other, don't you?" said Sunshine.
"Mmm-hmm," said Moonlight. "I'd bet that if our genders were swapped, you'd feel the same way."
"Maybe Ah would," said Sunshine. "You know, ever since Zug helped to capture Corona, Nightshade, Oleander and Foxglove, I've had a crush on him."
"Oh, is that why you stopped to help him after he broke down during that race?" asked Moonlight.
"Yeah," she said. "Ah was worried about him when he, Zebedee, Zip and Zilly were wrongly accused of treason but relieved when their names were cleared."
"Maybe when this war is over," said Moonlight, "we should confess our feelings to Zug and Sally."
"Good idea, Moonlight," said Sunshine. Unfortunately, neither of the siblings knew that fate would have other ideas, but I'll save that for another story.
The next morning, everyone was spic and span, ready for the ceremony. True to his word, Lord Stinker was completely spotless and for once, there was no horrid smell coming from him.
The engines were bringing the wedding guests to Uptown. O.J., Sea Rogue, Robin and Zob set off to meet Andrea whilst the other tugs and vessels (except for Zak and Zeus, who stayed behind at the Zero Dock) headed for Uptown.
Andrea was waiting at the Ferry Terminal. Although Captain Zero wasn't attending the wedding, due to Ursula's toxic influence, he was more than happy to help her on board Zob. Finbar, Peeper Pipes, Davy Jones, Cappy and Snowy were there to see them off.
"Thank you, Captain Zero," said Andrea politely.
"Today's the day," Robin beamed. "We're so happy for you and Thomas, Andrea."
"We're sorry we can't be there," said Finbar, "but we're needed in case of emergencies."
"Don't worry," smiled Andrea. "What could be better than this? Traveling on board Zob to get to my own wedding with O.J., Robin and Sea Rogue as the procession."
"Well, m'lady, we'll make sure you get to your big day safely and on time," said Zob.
"Alright, you four," said Captain Zero. "You can get on your way now. Send my apologies to Captain Star and Captain Lucky, but you and the others have fun. And Andrea, good luck."
"Right then, lead on, O.J.," said Zob. With a loud blast of his whistle, O.J. led the procession with Zob close behind whilst Sea Rogue bought up the rear. Finbar and the Coast Guard team blew their whistles in acknowledgment and Captain Zero waved his cap in support. Zak and Zeus looked on from the Zero Dock in disgust.
One day soon, they thought, things will change…
We were all ready and waiting at Uptown waiting for the procession to arrive.
"It's a shame that Sean couldn't come today," I sighed to Sarah.
"I feel sorry for him being stuck with that awful woman," agreed Sarah. "Still, we must try and look at the positives. Thomas and Andrea will be married quite soon."
"You're right, my dear," I said. Soon enough, we heard the procession approaching. Mr. Lloyd's son, Clark, struck up the band and they played, "Here Comes the Bride."
We all let out a loud chorus of cheers and whistles as the procession came into dock. Captain Lucky and I helped Andrea down from Zob.
"Thank you, Zob," said Andrea.
"My pleasure," said the Z-Stacks' railway tug.
"Your father would be proud of you, Andrea," said Captain Lucky with a small tear in her eye. She led her daughter down the aisle to give her away to Thomas Star.
"Dearly beloved," said the priest, "we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join together Thomas Allen Star and Andrea Diane Lucky in Holy Matrimony. Marriage is a sacred and joyous covenant, which should be entered into reverently. Husband and wife should give to each other companionship, comfort, and support in times of prosperity as well as in times of adversity. Marriage has been guarded and esteemed through the ages for the stability and happiness it brings to the individual, the family, and the community. Therefore, the uniting of two individuals, from two separate families and backgrounds, to establish a new family, is an important and memorable event. For us, attached as we are to Thomas and Andrea by special bonds and affections, the uniting of these two people in heart, body, and mind is an occasion of great significance, which we can all celebrate."
We smiled in agreement at this before the Priest continued, "I remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. 'Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs, does not gloat over other men's inequities, but delights in the truth. There is nothing love cannot face; no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance. Love never ends. So faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love.' Thomas and Andrea, you are about to make promises to one another. Today, these promises, these vows, are beautiful words representing even more beautiful intentions. And you will find as you live these vows over the years, investing your time and your love and your commitment to one another, that the happy times will be twice as joyous, because there will be someone to share your joy with. And when life gets tough, it will be only half as bad, because there will be someone by your side to help carry the burden. We all face challenges in our lives. Thomas and Andrea will be no different, but they have their love for each other, their faith in the goodness of the Lord, and a favorite prayer to help them meet those challenges. They have asked me to share that favorite prayer, The Serenity Prayer, with all of you. Let us pray."
With that, we all said the same prayer, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen."
"Thomas and Andrea, please face one another," instructed the priest. Thomas and Andrea did so.
"Thomas, repeat after me. Before God and these witnesses," said the priest.
"Before God and these witnesses," repeated Thomas, and they continued the process: "I, Thomas Allen Star, take you, Andrea Diane Lucky, to be my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse. For richer or for poorer, In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, Until we are parted by death — this is my solemn vow."
Then, it was Andrea's turn.
"Andrea, repeat after me. Before God and these witnesses," said the priest.
"Before God and these witnesses," repeated Andrea, and she continued to do so: "I, Andrea Diane Lucky, take you, Thomas, to be my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse. For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish, until we are parted by death — this is my solemn vow."
"Thomas, do you have a symbol of your vow?" asked the priest to which Thomas showed his ring.
"And Andrea, do you have a symbol of your vow?" asked the priest to which Andrea showed her ring.
"The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken, without beginning or end," said the priest. "It is a seal of the vows Thomas and Andrea have made to one another. Look up and pray as follows."
"Bless O God these rings, which Thomas and Andrea, who give them and who wear them, may ever abide in peace, living in unity, love, and happiness for the rest of their lives. Amen," we all said in prayer.
"Thomas, take Andrea's left hand and repeat after me," instructed the priest, to which Thomas took Andrea's hand.
"Andrea," said the priest.
"Andrea," repeated Thomas, and he continued to do so: "I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, as God is my witness, with this ring I thee wed." Thomas then placed the ring on Andrea's hand.
"Andrea, take Thomas' left hand and repeat after me," instructed the priest, to which Andrea took Thomas' hand.
"Thomas," said the priest.
"Thomas," repeated Andrea, and she continued to do so: "I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, as God is my witness, with this ring I thee wed." Andrea then placed the ring on Thomas' hand.
"Thomas, Andrea — you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion in Holy Matrimony," said the priest. "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. Thomas, you may kiss your bride!"
Thomas and Andrea did so, much to everyone's delight.
"Let us pray," said the priest.
"Grant, O Lord, that Thomas and Andrea may dwell together in unity and love all the days of their life. Bless them with health, prosperity, and peace. Strengthen them to obey and serve you that when the joys and sorrows and all the good and evil of this passing world are ended, they may inherit your promises and share in your eternal glory. Amen," we all said.
"May the grace of our Lord, and the Love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you here today, both now and forever. Amen," said the priest. "It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Star!" There was an eruption of cheers and whistles.
Later that afternoon, the reception got underway. Captain Lucky, Thomas, Andrea and I made our speeches and the bride and groom cut the cake.
"They really are a happy couple," Moonlight sighed happily.
"They sure are," agreed Sunshine before they themselves glanced lovingly at Sally and Zug. Hercules and Lillie also gave each other a smile. The rest of the day was filled with joy, jocularity and conversation, as old friends caught up and new ones were made. In that moment, we weren't Stars, Z-Stacks or Salvage Tugs – just tugs enjoying the celebrations.
That night, the tugs returned home, tired yet overwhelmingly happy.
"I take it everyone had a good time?" asked Captain Zero.
"We did, sir," said Zebedee. "Everyone wished you could have been there."
"Well, I'm glad to know I was missed," Captain Zero joked. "Good night, my tugs. You need your rest."
"Good night, Captain Zero," the Zs called. Captain Zero quietly headed to his car. I was exiting my own announcing house.
"It wasn't the same without you there," I said.
Captain Zero smirked. "Just to think, a few years ago, you wouldn't have considered inviting me to such an occasion."
"Okay, so you got me there," I laughed. "Hard to believe our tugs brought us back together."
The timing for that couldn't have been more perfect either.
You see, the date Thomas and Andrea married was December 6, 1941 and exactly one day after the wedding came an horrific event that would be the catalyst for America's entry into the Second World War. Ugh, and… I-I'm sorry to say not everyone would survive what came next…
To Be Continued
Author's notes: This was a really sweet story to do. A happy wedding for a happy young couple, and there's a lot of sibling and crush action going on. Unfortunately, this will be the last happy moment for some of the tugs. That's right... some of these beloved characters are going to die. If you don't want to see that, or pretend it never happened, I suggest you bow out now. If you are not reading any further, I want to say thank you for joining me on this journey with the Stars, Z-Stacks and everyone else in between. If you are continuing on... bring your tissues.
Tune in next time, where the Stars and Z-Stacks alike experience great Losses.