Free Talosian Chronicles 1: Olympus by Ben Winston

bride, how do you feel about being best man?”
    “I’d be honored, Ian,” Bill said.
    Ian winked, “At least I won’t be the only one in a penguin suit.”
    ––––––––
    E ven with the extra hour Ian had added in, they still managed to arrive at the chapel only five minutes early. Beth gave Ian a dirty look when she found out about the deception, but quickly got over it.
    They filled out the paperwork, and the ceremony was on. Bill guided Jenny down the aisle and Ian thought Bill’s chest would start popping buttons on his shirt any minute. Bill handed Jenny off to Ian, then took his place beside the groom. Beth and Cindy stood to Jenny’s side, and the minister began the ceremony.
    Ian and Jenny had taken their bonding rings off and gave them to Bill before they got to the little chapel. Now, he solemnly presented them back to the couple on a velvet pillow provided by the chapel. Ian and Jenny were officially made husband and wife in the tearful presence of their families, and witnesses provided by the chapel.
    When they got back out to the truck, Ian asked them what they wanted to do now. “I wasn’t sure what everyone would want to do, so I made dinner reservations at the Mirage. We can go see a show, or just retire to our suites, also at the Mirage. Or... we can take the shuttle back up and spend the night in orbit. Ladies, it’s your wedding night, I’ll let you pick.”
    “The rest sounds pretty good, but I’m wondering if Oly can turn off the gravity in one of the staterooms on the shuttle,” Cindy said, grinning.
    “I think that would be kind of awkward.” Jenny said.
    Cindy’s grin grew bigger, “Maybe, but it's something I've always wanted to try.”
    Beth chuckled, “Ian, I think we’ve created a monster,” she looked thoughtful for a minute. “How about we go to dinner at the Mirage, but spend the night in orbit,” Beth suggested.
    Cindy put on a fake pout. The rest of the girls just laughed, but agreed.
    “You know, we could always make a quick run to the ship and get Talena out of the freezer.” Ian asked as he got in behind the wheel.
    “Someone’s already up there? If they need rescuing, why are we still down here?” Bill was beginning to sound a little anxious, and his tone along with the statement got everyone else’s attention.
    “Talena, a young, female pilot trainee, was put into cryo-sleep by Commander Zeus over four thousand years ago. She’s been waiting for us to come and free her,” Ian explained to the three new people. “She’s now an orphan, and all alone. Her mother and her girlfriend died when Olympus was attacked. Zeus didn’t have the heart to grant her request to commit suicide, so he added this to his plan. She was to go into cryo to ‘help’ the new Commander. I imagine she expected to never be awakened, especially after so many years. We’ll have to remember that for her, the death of her mother and lover are still fresh in her mind.”
    “So what are we waiting for? I’d have already gotten her out of there,” Julie said.
    “Beth needed to have more medical knowledge to handle it if something has gone wrong. Talena is in stasis; she’s not going anywhere or getting any worse. Oly says that Beth is ready, so I was considering a run up to the ship tonight. I thought I’d ask you folks if you’d be willing to tag along.” Ian said.
    “I certainly don’t mind,” Janet said.
    “I’d like to see the ship. I guess even with everything you’ve shown us tonight, that would sure make it seem more real to me,” Julie said.
    Bill grinned, “I think you knew my answer before you ever asked the question.”
    “Well then, let’s have dinner, and get going,” Ian said.
    “You know, I think we can eat just as well on the shuttle,” Jenny said looking at her two wives with raised eyebrows.
    Cindy and Beth looked at each other and smiled. “Head for the shuttle, Ian,” Cindy said.
    “Oly, please call and cancel our reservations,