{"id":359,"date":"2021-10-25T14:25:44","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T18:25:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=359"},"modified":"2021-11-01T18:06:39","modified_gmt":"2021-11-01T22:06:39","slug":"chapter-30","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-30\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 030: Married, In a Hurry?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg\" alt=\"Etherno\" class=\"wp-image-52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg 768w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm-300x113.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chapter 30:<\/strong> Married, In a Hurry?<\/h2>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai cracked an eye open. The floor was sideways. Wait. She was lying on her side. Her head throbbed. Amaryllis knelt on the floor a few yards away. Cerina was sprawled out beside her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe Natas&#8230;\u201d Kasai struggled to sit up. It felt like her head was full of bricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGone.\u201d Amaryllis shook her head. \u201cTannin defeated you and Onin. I knocked out Cerina and Aiden. Arjuketa escaped through a portal just before Tannin could get to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai sighed. The Natas seemed to have a gift for running away at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUgh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai whipped around at the sound of Onin\u2019s voice\u2014and imminently wished she hadn\u2019t. Pain radiated from her neck. She gingerly rubbed her neck while she studied Onin. He was still out, and had a darkening bruise on the side of his neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry about that.\u201d Tannin scratched the back of his neck. \u201cThat Natas was controlling you and I had to knock you out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s okay.\u201d Kasai crawled over and gently lifted Onin\u2019s head onto her lap. \u201cAt least everyone\u2019s okay. Do we know where the Natas went?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin shrugged. \u201cDisappeared into a portal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis shook Cerina, Saija, and Aiden by the shoulder. They moaned and blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDid we win?\u201d Cerina rubbed her eyes. \u201cOr did Tannin get distracted and let her run off?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Tannin leaned forward. \u201cI was winning, and she ran away!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, my head!\u201d Saija stood, stumbled, and fell\u2014straight into Tannin\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai narrowed her eyes. That was a rather obvious ploy, and this wasn\u2019t the time for it. She blushed and looked down where she still cradled Onin\u2019s head in her lap. Well, maybe she shouldn\u2019t be the first to cast stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin moaned. Kasai leaned over and brushed hair out of his eyes. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI think so.\u201d Onin shifted his shoulders and winced. \u201cOw. Killer headache, though. I\u2019m assuming the Natas got away?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSee, it\u2019s not just me!\u201d Cerina shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cPipe down!\u201d Saija snuggled further into Tannin\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re making my head hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, maybe if you\u2019d quit flirting and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Onin sat up. \u201cNot the time, guys. The Natas always run away at the last minute. It\u2019s their thing. We\u2019ve got to regroup and go after them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cRight.\u201d Tannin saluted. \u201cAny idea what they want?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThey\u2019re probably still after the supplies on the station.\u201d Aiden stood glanced around the room. \u201cI think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked around. The giant cargo bay they were in was still empty. It didn\u2019t look like it had been emptied in a hurry, though with a modern grav lift&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCould be.\u201d Onin stood, and offered Kasai a hand up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai felt her face flush when Onin didn\u2019t let go of her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s check the rest of the station.\u201d Onin held out his hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Four small pinpricks of light appeared on his palms and rapidly grew to the size of basketballs. They blinked twice, then zipped out of the cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked around. \u201cAll right. While they\u2019re checking the depot, is anyone injured?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija raised her hand. \u201cI\u2019ve got one killer of a headache.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMe, too.\u201d Cerina frowned at Tannin, then sighed. \u201cGrr. Better than being that witch\u2019s puppet, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Two hours later, the servitors had finished searching the station. Kasai leaned against the rear wall of the depot\u2019s control center. Amaryllis sat at the main control console, and the others were scattered across the room. They\u2019d only found a handful of Kagoshi scattered around the station. The Natas had all gotten away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai frowned at the systems display board at the front of the control center. The thing was lit up with red lights. The Natas had stolen all the supplies, crippled the depot, and taken a bunch of Kagoshi slaves\u2014or worse. She shuddered. No one deserved that fate. It was another reminder of why they were out here instead of back home on Gesara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai jumped at the sound of Onin\u2019s voice. \u201cOh, hi.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry, didn\u2019t mean to startle you.\u201d Onin grinned and stretched his hand out to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai felt her face flush, and she glanced at the ground as she took his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnyway, I wanted to apologize to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked up. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin scratched the back of his neck. \u201cWell, I\u2019ve been preoccupied with worrying about fighting the Natas for a while.\u201d He sighed. \u201cThen we get here, and still aren\u2019t able to prevent them from taking more hosts, and that reminded me why we\u2019re here in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s not your fault.\u201d Kasai squeezed his hand and smiled at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTrue.\u201d Onin looked into her eyes and Kasai\u2019s breath caught into her throat. \u201cBut I\u2019ve been kinda self-absorbed about it, and I\u2019ve been ignoring you\u2026 and everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai closed her eyes and leaned against his shoulder. She\u2019d been silly to think a great guy like Onin would forget about her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, you two lovebirds done?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai cracked an eye open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina stuck her tongue out and waved at her. \u201cAmaryllis finished looking through the depot\u2019s logs, and we\u2019re ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin sighed, squeezed Kasai\u2019s hip, and let go of her. \u201cWhat\u2019d you find?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis turned around and winked at Kasai. \u201cNot much. Most of the computer core was wiped. After the wipe, the logs show another ship at the other end of the depot leaving a few minutes before we started searching the station. Outbound vector analysis shows it\u2019s headed for Nekotia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai covered her mouth with her hand. Amaryllis was half Nekotian. She wasn\u2019t reacting outwardly, but she had to want to learn more about that part of her heritage. Well, Kasai wanted to learn more about the dragons anyway, so she assumed that the only other half-breed she knew would also want to know more about where she came from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai touched Onin on the shoulder. \u201cAre we going after them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Onin took in a deep breath and frowned. \u201cI\u2019d like to, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhy?\u201d Cerina put her hands on her hips. \u201cWe came out here to track down the Natas that attacked us. We found out there\u2019s a lot more of them than we thought, and we don\u2019t have any authority out here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Tannin stepped in front of Cerina. \u201cThey\u2019ve still got a lot of Gesaran hosts, and in case you haven\u2019t noticed, the other races we\u2019ve met don\u2019t seem to have any of the abilities that we do. If we have this power and don\u2019t use it, that makes us just as bad as the Natas!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, come on!\u201d Cerina leaned in close to Tannin\u2019s face. \u201cYou can\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Onin raised his voice to shout over Cerina and Tannin. \u201cYou\u2019ve both got valid points, but we don\u2019t have time to argue about ethics. Besides\u2014\u201d He turned and gestured to Aiden. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a representative of one of the governments involved right here. Aiden, I agree with Tannin, but we don\u2019t have any authority out here. Would you like our continued help to track down the Natas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden let out a sigh. \u201cActually, I was hoping you\u2019d ask. I can\u2019t stop them alone, and the Nekotians are\u2026 well, let\u2019s just say they could use the help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">That was a vague statement. Kasai turned to Onin and raised an eyebrow. He shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAlso\u2014\u201d Aiden bit her lip. \u201c\u2014the Kagoshi are a bit paranoid. We didn\u2019t even know your race existed until the Natas found you, and most of the Kagoshi are still convinced that all of you are working with the Natas. They trust the Matari to a point, but your cooperation with fighting the Natas, especially when you\u2019re under no legal obligation to do so, would go a long way into smoothing relations between your planet and the rest of the Union of Free Allied Planets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Cerina took a step toward Aiden. \u201cThe rest of our planet doesn\u2019t even know you exist. It might be better if we just went home and stayed there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija cleared her throat. \u201cSo, you\u2019re just going to abandon the Gesarans that Natas have already taken as hosts?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina narrowed her eyes. \u201cThis coming from the one who said it\u2019d be better to kill them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt would.\u201d Saija picked at a fingernail. \u201cLiving with one of those things inside you is worse than death. And I agree with Tannin. The Natas have Gesaran hosts now. That\u2019s not our fault, but it is our fault if we abandon our own people to a fate worse than death. It\u2019s also our fault if we let those Natas that have stolen Gesaran bodies ravage the rest of the universe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, we have an official invite.\u201d Onin looked around at the group. \u201cHow many think we should go to Nekotia?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin\u2019s hand shot into the air. Amaryllis looked over at him, a bemused smile on her face. She raised her hand as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m assuming that means an affirmative.\u201d Saija lifted her hand above her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked up at Onin. \u201cIt\u2019s the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, whatever.\u201d Cerina crossed her arms and looked away. \u201cMe, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTo the <em>Potato<\/em>!\u201d Tannin pointed to the door, then sprinted through it.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai yawned as she made her way up to the bridge of the <em>Iridescent Potato<\/em>. So far, the hyperspace journey to Nekotia had been an uneventful twelve hours. Chibi-chan had said the journey would take about two days, so there wasn\u2019t a hurry to do anything, but Kasai figured she might as well read up on what information the computer had on Nekotia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin, Tannin, and Saija were already on the bridge when Kasai got there. A moment or two later Aiden and Cerina joined them. Kasai pulled up the article on Nekotia on one of the bridge terminals and started to read it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHello, everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai sighed. She\u2019d only gotten a few words into her article. She looked up. Amaryllis stood at the front of the bridge. She wore her usual flowing gown, and had a ginormous smile plastered across her face. What really got Kasai\u2019s attention though, was the orange and purple striped party hat on her head between her ears. Kasai did a double-take. Sure, Amaryllis was a tad eccentric, but it was usually Tannin who would wear something crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUm\u2014\u201d Cerina pointed to Amaryllis\u2019 head. \u201cYou know you\u2019re wearing a weird hat, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMm-hmm!\u201d Amaryllis beamed. \u201cIt\u2019s my eighteenth birthday, and shortly about to be the happiest day of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija raised an eyebrow and looked over at Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin shrugged. \u201cWell, it won\u2019t be that happy if I make the cake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis giggled and sat down next to Kasai, happily humming to herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai decided to ignore the hat for now. She turned to face Amaryllis. \u201cHappy birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThanks!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, uh, what\u2019s so special about this particular birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis smiled. \u201cYou\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shrugged and turned back to her terminal. Amaryllis hummed happily to herself for the next several minutes. A few minutes later Ryogin entered the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAmaryllis, there you are!\u201d Ryogin crossed the bridge and took her hand. \u201cI\u2019ve been looking all over the ship for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo!\u201d Chibi-chan popped up on the closest monitor. \u201cI could have helped you find her, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis stood and faced him. She smiled and didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna make me do this in front of everyone, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Ryogin took a deep breath. \u201cI wanted to take you out to a fancy restaurant, just the two of us, but the closest one is several light-years away.\u201d He dropped to one knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo way!\u201d Cerina shot up out of her chair and leaned over the back of Saija\u2019s chair to get a better view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin pulled something out of his pocket, and took Amaryllis\u2019 left hand in both of his own. \u201cAmaryllis, I\u2019ve known you for a long time, and the more I work with you and get to know you, the more I love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis beamed. \u201cI\u2019ve been waiting patiently for years. Nothing other than the actual wedding would make me happier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin slipped a ring onto her finger and stood up. Amaryllis wrapped her arms around him, closed her eyes, leaned in, and pressed her lips to his. Kasai felt her face blush, then the rest of her overheat as she imagined Onin proposing to her and then\u2026 She took a deep breath and shook her head. Amaryllis and Ryogin had known each other for years. She and Onin had only known each other for, what, a little over six months?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis eventually pulled away from Ryogin. She sighed, turned around, and leaned back against his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, before we forget\u2014\u201d Amaryllis tilted her head up to look at Ryogin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin smiled and kissed her forehead. \u201cWe\u2019ve both been waiting a while for this, and neither of us wants to delay the wedding any further. Onin, as the captain of the ship, would you be willing to marry us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin blinked. \u201cI can do that? Um, I mean, sure, if that\u2019s what you both want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis nodded and pulled Ryogin\u2019s arms around her waist. \u201cYes, please. We\u2019d just like a simple ceremony with all of you as our witnesses.\u201d Her ears drooped slightly. She turned around in Ryogin\u2019s arms and melted into him. \u201cAs soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUm, yeah.\u201d Ryogin blushed as Amaryllis nibbled gently on his neck. \u201cI promised her we\u2019d get married once she turned eighteen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDang.\u201d Saija looked Amaryllis up and down. \u201cShe seems, uh, eager.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina wrinkled her nose. \u201cI think she\u2019s in heat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m standing right here.\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 head was still snuggled up to Ryogin\u2019s neck. \u201cCan we have everything ready to still have it today? I\u2019m thinking just something simple in the common room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai looked around. Onin had a thoughtful look on his face. He was probably thinking about what he needed to do to perform a wedding. Tannin was busy reviewing the ship\u2019s flight controls, but a large grin stretched across his face. Aiden looked like she wasn\u2019t quite sure what was going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina was staring at Amaryllis and Ryogin. She had a small sneer on her face, but her eyes were open wide, and her body language was relaxed and open. Kasai smiled. Cerina was probably a little jealous. Well, if she\u2019d act a little nicer she\u2019d be a lot more likely to find a guy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija was openly gaping at Amaryllis and Ryogin. Saija clamped her legs closed, and her hands clasped together in front of her. Kasai wasn\u2019t quite sure what Saija was thinking. As a Natas, she\u2019d probably been a lot more\u2026 intimate\u2026 than everyone else here, but then none of that had been her choice either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Well, none of the others were moving. Kasai stood and touched Amaryllis on the shoulder. \u201cUm, I\u2019ll go decorate the common room. Cerina, Saija, Aiden?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHuh?\u201d Cerina blinked a few times. \u201cOh, yeah, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden gasped from behind Kasai. \u201cHoly flerk, that\u2019s an onicranium band!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><a><\/a>Two hours later, Kasai and the others had been able to scrape together enough decorations to make the common room look almost festive. Streamers hung from the ceiling. Saija had made arrangements of paper flowers to decorate the tables, and even an elaborate bouquet for the bride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">It also turned out that Cerina was a pretty good baker, and she had made a three-tiered wedding cake. Kasai stood behind Cerina while she put the finishing touches on the cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow.\u201d Kasai bent down for a closer look. \u201cThat looks great. I love all the frosting flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, whatever.\u201d Cerina waved her back, but Kasai caught a hint of a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The door opened and Onin entered. He was staring down at his phone and absently took a seat at the table closest to the door. Kasai watched him scroll through his phone for a few moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDecided what to say?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHuh?\u201d Onin looked up, did a double-take, and looked around the room. \u201cWow, looks great in here. Yeah, I think I\u2019m gonna go with a fairly generic ceremony. Most of the examples I could find were for ministers, but there\u2019s a few templates for ship captains.\u201d Onin shifted in his chair. \u201cCan I ask you something in confidence?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d Kasai pulled out a chair, turned it around and sat down, resting her arms over the back of the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">It was still difficult to sit in a regular chair with wings and a tail. How was Onin supposed to overlook those when even she wasn\u2019t used to them yet. She fluttered her wings and folded them to her back. Worry about that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, uh, this is none of my business, but\u2014\u201d Onin looked around and leaned in closer to Kasai. \u201cThey want to get married today. I know they\u2019ve known each other a while, but usually people wait a bit after the proposal to get married. I\u2019d keep my nose out of it, but since they asked me to perform the ceremony, I\u2019m feeling a little responsible, I don\u2019t know. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai bit her lower lip. What she wanted to do was throw her arms around Onin and tell him she was happy he\u2019d come to her for advice, but that wouldn\u2019t actually help the situation at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Kasai drummed her fingers on the back of the chair. \u201cIt\u2019s a little un-traditional, but she has been pining after him for a long time. The monks say it\u2019s better to either forgo romance altogether, or to commit to it fully.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin grinned. \u201cOkay, but what\u2019s your opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Kasai looked down at the floor. \u201cI\u2019d rather wait, but then I haven\u2019t known the guy I, uh\u2014\u201d Kasai felt her face flush, and she twirled her hair around her finger. \u201cI mean, maybe it\u2019d be different if I\u2019d known someone for as long as Amaryllis and Ryogin have known each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Onin leaned back in his chair. \u201cMy mom and dad only knew each other for a few months before he proposed, then they got married six months after that. Amaryllis and Ryogin have known each other a lot longer than that. Thanks, Kasai, you\u2019ve been a big help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai grinned at him. \u201cNo problem, I\u2014\u201d Her phone beeped. She pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen. \u201cShoot, I\u2019ve got to go help Amaryllis get dressed!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHave fun.\u201d He stood and offered her a hand up. \u201cTannin is helping Ryogin with his tie right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Half an hour later, Kasai was back in the common room. Onin stood at the front of the room, still in his Union of Free Allied Planets space suit. Kasai raised any eyebrow. That was an interesting choice. Oh, wait, the captain of a ship was supposed to conduct a wedding in his uniform, right? Kasai shrugged. The space suite was as close as they had to any sort of official uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden, Cerina, Saija, and Tannin were seated in front of the table next to Kasai. Ryogin stood between them and Onin, resplendent in his tuxedo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, I think we\u2019re ready, right?\u201d Onin looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, a bride would be nice for a wedding,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina stuck her tongue out at him. It was probably a good thing they weren\u2019t sitting next to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin rolled his eyes. \u201cChibi-chan, tell Amaryllis to come in, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure, I\u2019m letting her know now, nyan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The door to the common room slid open. Kasai and the others turned in their chairs. Amaryllis stepped in, eyes only for Ryogin. She wore a white sleeveless, floor-length dress. She walked up the aisle and stood to Ryogin\u2019s left. Onin reached out and took Amaryllis left hand, and Ryogin\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf you\u2019re ready?\u201d Onin glanced at each of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOne moment.\u201d Amaryllis craned her head over her shoulder. \u201cKasai, could you please come up here? We\u2019ve only known each other a short time, but I\u2019ve felt a special bond with you. I\u2019d be honored if you\u2019d be my special witness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai blinked. True, she\u2019d felt close to Amaryllis due to her being the only other half-Gesaran she knew, but this was still Amaryllis\u2019 day, not hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, get up there, it\u2019s just us.\u201d Tannin pushed Kasai\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><a><\/a>Kasai grabbed the bouquet, took a shaky step to stand next to Amaryllis, and handed her the paper flowers. Kasai took a deep breath and awkwardly clasped her hands in front of her. Would she be this nervous at her own wedding? Would Onin\u2014she blushed\u2014or anyone else, want to marry her with these wings? She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin cleared his throat. \u201cWe\u2019re together today to witness the joining of Amaryllis and Ryogin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDo you, Amaryllis\u2014\u201d Onin turned to face her. \u201c\u2014take Ryogin as your husband?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis beamed. \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin placed Amaryllis\u2019 right hand in Ryogin\u2019s left. \u201cDo you, Ryogin, take Amaryllis as your wife?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI do.\u201d All of Ryogin\u2019s attention was on Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai\u2019s insides quivered at the thought of Onin looking at her like that. She sighed and stared into Onin\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin took Ryogin\u2019s right hand and placed it in Amaryllis\u2019 left. \u201cWe all know of your devotion to one another, and none of us doubts your love and loyalty.\u201d He lowered his eyebrows in Cerina\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija kicked Cerina\u2019s heel. Cerina glared at her, but didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin glanced back to Ryogin. \u201cBut I still wanted to be sure I could do the best job I could for both of you. I checked with both Chibi-chan and Aiden, and they both assure me that weddings conducted by a ship\u2019s captain in interstellar space are binding and legal as long as they\u2019re part of the official ship\u2019s log. Chibi-chan is recording the ceremony, and I\u2019m going to place a copy of the recording in the log, and I\u2019ll send a copy to you as well.\u201d Onin blushed and glanced down. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t terribly romantic. Sorry. Anyway. By the power given to me by a very dubious A.I. cat, but more importantly, by the two of you declaring your love and devotion to each other in front of us, and before Ard, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The rest of Onin\u2019s sentence was drowned by a happy squee from Amaryllis. She practically pounced on Ryogin and gave him a long kiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, what about cake?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai sighed at the sound of Tannin\u2019s voice. He would think of cake. Kasai sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, and aren\u2019t you supposed to chuck the flowers at someone?\u201d Saija scratched her head. \u201cOr something like that, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh!\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 ears shot straight up. She let go of one of Ryogin\u2019s hands and handed the bouquet to Kasai with a wink. \u201cI think we all know who\u2019s next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai felt her face heat. She ducked her head and twirled her hair around her finger. She felt an urge to look over at Onin, but didn\u2019t dare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh, cake!\u201d Kasai dashed to the cupboard to retrieve a knife, which she set next to the cake. \u201cYou should cut the cake before Tannin just dives into it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Tannin edged closer to the cake. \u201cI\u2019m not quite that uncouth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmph.\u201d Cerina tossed her hair out of her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m surprised you even know that word. \u201cAnd you\u2019re barely housebroken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis giggled. She and Ryogin cut the cake, each with one hand on the knife. They served each other, then Amaryllis brought Ryogin\u2019s finger to her mouth and licked off a bit of frosting, Ryogin\u2019s eyes never leaving hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai sighed again. Oh, to have someone look at her that way. Kasai\u2019s mind drifted back to Onin holding her in the forest. He\u2019d come after her when she\u2019d run away after growing dragon wings. He\u2019d been the first to ever come after her. Heat pooled between Kasai\u2019s legs at the memory of their first kiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">An arm rested across her shoulders. Kasai jumped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin smiled down at her. \u201cSorry. Didn\u2019t mean to startle you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cS\u2019okay.\u201d Kasai twirled her hair around her finger and leaned into Onin\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin smacked the table in between bites of cake. \u201cKiss the bride!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin blushed, but Amaryllis leaned in close and pressed her lips to his. She slid her hands up and around the back of his neck, and her breasts pressed up against him. Kasai\u2019s breath grew rapid watching them, and the rest of the room seemed to fade away. Amaryllis opened her mouth and she leaned further into Ryogin. Kasai felt that she really should give them some privacy, but was unable to tear her gaze away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A clear tone tore through the room and disrupted Kasai\u2019s vision. She blinked and looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina stood at the table, the edge of her spoon against her water glass. \u201cOkay, show\u2019s over. You two go get a room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh, yeah.\u201d Ryogin swept Amaryllis off her feet and practically ran out of the common room carrying his bride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSheesh.\u201d Cerina flopped down into her chair. \u201cI think the cat\u2019s in heat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija jumped to her feet and dashed over to Kasai. She leaned in close. Her face was flush, and her breathing rapid. \u201cI\u2019m headed back to our room. Uh, give me about fifteen minutes.\u201d She bolted for the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Tannin stood and shook his head back and forth. \u201cWell, I\u2019m gonna take a cold shower and head to the bridge. We should be arriving at Nekotia in about six hours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai glanced around the room. \u201cUm, help me clean up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/wedding_ml-724x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/wedding_ml-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/wedding_ml-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/wedding_ml-768x1087.png 768w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/wedding_ml.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-029\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"352\">&lt;&lt; Previous Chapter<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/table-of-contents\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"34\">Contents<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-31\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"371\">Next Chapter >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/env_sm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\" width=\"33\" height=\"20\"> Be notified when the next chapter comes out!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.ko-fi.com\/cdn\/widget\/Widget_2.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">kofiwidget2.init('Buy me a cup of tea', '#29abe0', 'V7V05ASUY');kofiwidget2.draw();<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 30: Married, In a Hurry? Kasai cracked an eye open. The floor was sideways. Wait. She was lying on her side. Her head throbbed.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-359","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=359"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":376,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/359\/revisions\/376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}