Henry Hayes and Eleanor Hayes is at the entrance of the mess hall, making an entrance as they are dressed in their finest attire. Henry is wearing a tailcoat with tails, white vest, pleated silk pochette, black pantaloons, black patent leather shoes and a white linen neckcloth. His hair is neatly combed and his face is cleanly shaven. He carries a top hat in one hand and a walking stick in the other. Eleanor is wearing a full-length ball gown made of ivory silk, adorned with intricate gold embroidery. Her hair is elegantly updo, her makeup is subtle yet alluring, and she wears a pair of dainty pearl earrings. She holds a small black velvet box in her other hand.
There's no way they can afford the apparel that they are wearing, but the evening demands such elegance. As they walk into the mess hall, every eye is upon them. The room is filled with the most scientist, engineers, botanist, military officers, enlisted personnel and delegates from other worlds who have gathered after signing the Defensive pact. The orchestra in the corner plays a lively waltz as they make their way through the crowd.
"Is something in my teeth." Henry ask his wife in jest as he notices her gaze lingering at someone in the crowd. She smiles back, slightly embarrassed.
"No, you look dashing." Eleanor said as they make their way through the throng of people.
As they enter, Captain Evan Lorne and Captain Toma Nikolaeva followed closely behind. Evan Lorne is in his black dressed uniform, with gold braids, epaulets and medals and ribbons on his right side. Toma Nikolaeva is wearing a formal military uniform, black with silver embroidery, and carries herself with the same air of authority and grace as the other military officers present. The two captains nod in acknowledgement to Henry and Eleanor, exchanging polite greetings as they make their way through the crowd.
General John Sheppard enters with his wife Teyla Emmagan Sheppard on the right side and Queen Mara Sheppard on his left and Chaya in front. John Sheppard is donned in his dress blues, gold braids, and medals adorning his chest. Teyla is wearing a traditional Earth dress that flows with her movements, her hair carefully braided and adorned with flowers. Queen Mara wears a regal gown of midnight blue, her hair pinned up in an elaborate style. Chaya Sheppard is dressed in a sky blue dress.
Functionaries carrying silver trays of champagne circulate the room, offering refreshments to the guests. The chatter of voices fills the air as they mingle, exchange pleasantries and discuss the significance of the evening. The orchestra continues to play, the music intertwining with the laughter and the clinking of glasses. The smell of exotic flowers and expensive perfumes hangs heavy in the air, accentuating the opulence of the setting.
Sargeant Ronald Greer is standing next to a table, wearing his marine dress uniform. His muscular build is accentuated by the tight-fitting uniform and holding a glass of champagne in his hand. He is staring at a woman across the room who seems to be caught up in conversation with someone else. Her dress, a vibrant shade of red revealing her cleavage, seems to glow in the soft light of the chandeliers. Her long brown hair cascades down her back, making her stand out even more in the crowd. Greer takes a sip of his champagne, trying not to seem too obvious as he watches her.
"Miss Park," Greer said, approaching the woman in the red dress, "I couldn't help but notice you." He held out his glass of champagne in offering.
"Mister Greer." Lisa Park smiled, taking his offered glass. "Thank you." She sipped her own champagne, her lips curling into a pleased expression. "You're looking quite dashing yourself." She said as she look down her dress and pull it up a bit, not to reveal anything but to accentuate her hips.
"Can I have this dance?" Ronald asked as he held out his hand to her.
Lisa smiled and placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. "Babe, I don't know how to dance."
"Don't worry." Ronald said with a smile, "I'll teach you." He led her to the dance floor, where the other couples were waltzing effortlessly to the music. "Just follow my lead, and we'll get through this together." He placed his right hand on her back, his left hand on her left shoulder. "One, two, three..."
"Wow, you never told me you can dance." Lisa laughed as she followed his lead, her eyes never leaving his. The music swirled around them, and she felt her body moving in sync with his. "You're very good."
"Yeah," Greer replied with a grin, "There's alot of things you don't know about me beside my good looks." He pulled her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against his.
"Don't get full of yourself Ronald." Lisa teased as they continued to dance. Her eyes shone with amusement, and she felt a thrill of excitement course through her. The music seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of their breathing, and the beating of their hearts. She leaned into him, her breasts pressing lightly against his chest. "I can barely see what I'm doing."
"How's the treatment?" Greer asked, changing the subject. "I heard they were making progress."
"I have two treatments to regenerate my iris and my optic nerve," Lisa explained as they continued to dance. "They say I should have my sight back in a few weeks. I'm just glad I'll be able to see you properly again." She smiled up at him, her brown eyes glowing in the soft light.
"Well, Im glad to hear it." Ronald replied, his voice sounding a bit strained. "I've been...I've been worried about you." He confessed as he twirl her slowly around the dance floor. Her hand felt so good in his, and the smell of her perfume was intoxicating.
"I put in a transfer here." Lisa blurted out before she could think. "To be closer to you." She stole a glance at his face, hoping he wouldn't be upset. The admission felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, but she wasn't sure how he'd react.
Ronald Greer stops dancing and looks into Lisa's eyes. He's taken aback by her confession, and for a moment, he doesn't know what to say. His heart is pounding in his chest, and he can feel the heat rising in his cheeks. "How about your work on botanist research from the Destiny?" He asks.
"It can wait honey," Lisa Park says softly, taking a step closer to him. "I think we have more important things to talk about." She places a hand on his cheek, feeling the stubble under her fingertips. Her heart is racing, and she can see the desire in his eyes. "Besides, being stuck on a ancient ship millions of light years away from home is no way to live. I want to be with you, Ronald."
"You got me there." Ronald said, his voice a bit rough as he brushed a stray hair from her face, feeling her soft skin beneath his fingers. "I'm glad you're here now, Lisa. I don't want to be without you again."
Ronald stops dancing and hold Lisa's hands, looking straight into her eyes. He swallows hard, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing down on his chest. "Lisa, you are the most amazing woman I've ever met, not counting the video we saw of our altered future." He said as he kneels down on one knee.
Lisa's breath hitches in her throat as she watches Ronald kneel before her. Tears well up in her eyes, and she reaches out to touch his face, feeling the stubble under her fingertips. "Ronald, what are you doing?"
Everyone who was dancing on the floor has stopped and turned towards them, watching as Ronald Greer proposes to Lisa Park. She looks down at his hand, her tears flowing freely now, and nods. "Yes, Ronald. Yes, I will marry you." He smiles broadly, taking her hand and helping her up. "Will you be my partner in this crazy universe, Lisa? Will you be my partner in everything?"
Meanwhile, Larrin is looking aroud with her father, the High Admiral of the Travelers. Her eyes land on the couple walking together and she can't help but feel a pang of envy. She wonders what it would be like to be in their shoes, to have someone who loves her and whom she loves in return. She watches as they disappear around the corner, lost in their own little world. She spotted General John Sheppard along with his 3 wives, talking to some other officers.
High Admiral Deuxvro glance at his daughter who is watching General John Sheppard with envy. He notices the pang of longing in her eyes and sighs softly. He knows that she has been waiting for her knight in shining armor, for someone to sweep her off her feet and make her feel complete. But he also knows that sometimes, life has a funny way of dealing with our expectations. He places a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Larrin."
"Yes father." Larrin answers softly as she took a sip of the champagne.
"You really love him don't you?" High Admiral Deuxvro asks, nodding his head in the direction of General John Sheppard.
Larrin let out a pssh and giggle, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Him?" she smiles and drank more of the champagne.
"Yes, him. The way you've been watching him, I can't help but notice. And the way you light up whenever he looks in your direction." High Admiral Deuxvro chuckled.
"How can you say that?" Larrin asked, her eyes wide in feigned innocence. "He agrees with being a father to my daughter." She paused, taking a sip of her champagne.
"I'm sure he's a fine father, dear." The High Admiral smiled, knowing full well that his daughter was much more interested in the man himself. He watched as Larrin glanced away, her cheeks still flushed, and wondered how this situation might play out. "The daughter that he have no knowledge of."
"Oh, please father. You make it sound so... sordid." Larrin laughed, trying to dismiss the idea. "It's not like that."
"Isn't it?" The High Admiral raised an eyebrow, amusement playing around the corners of his mouth. "Well, you know where to find him."
Larrin stare at John Sheppard holding Queen Mara's hands and his other arm wrapped around Chaya's waist. She watches them as they dance, laugh and talk. His other wife Teyla is not much of a dancer, surprisingly, Larrin didn't notice that Teyla is besides her when she was distracted by Sargeant Greer proposing to his girlfriend on the dance floor.
"Sorry to startle you." Teyla says, as she grabs an orange slice from the tray.
"Oh, um, no. It's just..." Larrin trailed off, still watching John and his wives. She took a deep breath and turned to face Teyla, forcing herself to smile.
"High Admiral." Teyla nodded in the direction of Larrin father.
"Teyla." Larrin said, nodding back.
"You seem to be admiring him a lot. I can't help but wonder if you have feelings for him." Teyla asked casually, taking another bite of the orange slice.
"Oh, um... well..." Larrin stammered, her cheeks flushing. "He's a fine man."
"Of course, my husband has a lot of fine qualities too," Teyla said with a small smile. "But I understand what you mean."
"You do?" Larrin asked, surprised.
"Oh yes." Teyla nodded with a small laugh. "When are we going to meet your daughter?"
Larrin paused for a moment, "My... daughter?" she stammered.
High Admiral Deuxvro, noticing the exchange between his daughter and Teyla cleared his throat and said "She's will be here in two days time."
"Oh, how exciting!" Teyla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Will she be staying with you, Larrin, or will you be bringing her back to New Atlantis?"
Larrin glanced over at her father, unsure how to answer. "I... um..." she stammered as she spotted a functionary carrying a glass of wine. "Excuse me, I'll be right back." She hurried away, eager to change the subject.
Teyla and High Admiral Duexvro watched as Larrin disappeared into the crowd. The High Admiral cleared his throat once more, glancing at Teyla. "You seem to have a good understanding of your husband's... predicament."
"Oh, I try to be supportive." Teyla smiled, her expression softening. "It's not always easy, but we make it work." She took another sip of her champagne, her gaze drifting back to John, Queen Mara and Chaya as they dance to the music. "I think... I think Larrin's feelings are quite similar to mine when I first met John."
The high Admiral glance at the marine who is on his knees proposing to his girlfriend. "I'm not familar with Earth custom, What are they doing?" he asked.
"Oh, that's called a marriage proposal." Teyla said. "On Earth, when a man wishes to spend the rest of his life with a woman, he asks her to marry him."
The High Admiral raised an eyebrow, "Really? That's quite interesting." He took a sip of his drink and glanced back at Larrin, who was still nowhere in sight.
Meanwhile, Henry Hayes and Eleanor are dancing to a slow waltz. Eleanor took off her heirloom and let her long gray hair fall down her back. "I have never felt like dancing since my retirement." She smiles as she twirls around the dance floor with him. "But tonight, I am glad to have made an exception."
"We have to get out of our quarters somehow." Henry stated. "The public rarely sees the first lady." Henry chuckled. "It's not as though I don't enjoy spending time with you."
"I'm sure you do, dear." Eleanor laughed. "But there's no need to sound as if it's some sort of punishment." She twirled around him gracefully, her gray hair flowing out behind her like a silk scarf.
With the medical technology available in the 21st century due to advancement in science and medicine when the Asgard's left for the humans of Earth to continue their legacy, the First Lady Eleanor Hayes has been suffering from a mild form of cancer that has been in remission for several years. However, the stress of the political scene and the scrutiny of the public eye has been taking its toll on her. Her hair has been thinning, and her once rosy cheeks have lost their color. Despite these physical changes, Eleanor has maintained her grace and poise, refusing to let her illness define her.
Tonight, as she dances with her husband, Henry Hayes, she feels a sense of freedom and joy that she hasn't experienced in a long time. The music carries them across the dance floor, their movements fluid and effortless, like two people who have danced together for centuries. With medical nanites in her bloodstream maintaining her health and vitality, she feels like she 20 years younger and it has reversed her aging process.
As the music from the marine band stops, President Henry Hayes steps on the stage, his hands in the air, the crowd cheering wildly. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, before beginning his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride and honor that I stand before you tonight," he begins, his voice echoing through the ballroom.
"For the past 12 years, I have had the distinct privilege of serving as your President of the United States, United Nation Secretary General to United Earth and President to the Tau'ri Federation President and I can honestly say that it has been the greatest honor of my life."
The crowd applauds, the faces of military officers, enlisted men and women, scientist from the corners of the milky way galaxy and villagers of New Atlantis alike shining with admiration and respect. General John Sheppard applause and glance at his wives, Chaya, Queen Mara and Teyla and nod at them.
"You know, I never thought I will be on another planet, let alone fight an intergalactic war that defeated the Goa'uld from oppressing the milky way galaxy and forcing the Wraith into hibernation in the Pegasus Galaxy."
The crowd laughed at his self-deprecating humor. "But I am here, standing before you, because of the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the Tau'ri Federation Navy and Marine Corps." He paused, looking out at the sea of faces. "I am here because of the scientists, engineers who have dedicated their lives to exploring the unknown, and the diplomats who have worked tirelessly to bring peace to our world and our galaxy." He gestured to his wife, Eleanor, who was seated in the front row, her eyes shining with pride. "I am here because of my wife, Eleanor, who has been by my side through it all, sharing in both the triumphs and the tragedies."
The crowd applauded again, and President Hayes continued. "As I stand here tonight, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and optimism for the future. We have faced incredible challenges, but we have also achieved incredible victories. We have forged alliances that span the stars, and we have proven that there is no limit to what we can achieve when we work together in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow."
He paused, taking a sip of water before continuing. "But I also know that our work is far from over. There are still those who would seek to divide us, to sow discord and fear among us. There are still threats to our peace and prosperity, both from within our own world and from beyond it." He pauses for moment and glances at his wife. "I am announcing my retirement effective immediately and appointing General John Sheppard as the acting Tau'ri Federation President."
TBC