Thumar

Upon returning to Thumar, they resumed their responsibilities, rested and ready for anything. Derak moved to an office, adjacent to Shesain’s. The Mount Kumar techs installed passive wall technology into both offices, with a tall set of double doors, connecting. The doors were open most of the time, and Derak often heard Shesain laughing.

Terga became the personal assistant to both of them, but had a fondness for working with Shesain.

“What are you two talking about, now?” Derak asked.

“I’m just going over some business with Terga.”

“It must be pretty funny, my ears are burning,” he teased.

“We’re not conversing about you, at least not too much.” Laughter filled her thoughts.

“Don’t interrupt us, Derak, we’re going over business,” inserted Terga, playfully.

“Don’t forget, we’re having lunch with Remor and the Alliance representative at two. Over and out.” Shesain signed off.

Terga’s personality became more human with each passing day. It wouldn’t surprise Derak to see her show up in a physical body, one day.

His office was more spacious than he required, with a separate master bath and a wardrobe filled with the latest Thumarian fashions. He also had an enclosed kitchen and a large living area in front of his desk. Altarian master craftsmen patterned the remaining office furniture after the style of his desk. Everything bore the stamp of Shesain’s approval.

Remor continued his battles with an obstinate assembly and senate, but, overall, the reconstruction efforts went smoothly. The department heads reported significant progress, and their vision and effort was producing a planet that exceeded its pre-MSS beauty. Countless volunteers worked to restore her beauty, from the cities to every ecosystem. Hunting was suspended until wildlife reached pre-MSS levels.

The wedding plans were also moving along, well. Temela, Tranoka, Betrawn, and Derak’s mother were too busy with the details of the impending nuptials to consider anything else. They had no problem recruiting an army of volunteers to help them make this wedding the most magnificent ever seen on Thumar. There was an impressive flurry of activity, day and night. Betrawn was driving Paulos crazy with demands that he could barely keep up with.

Shenmar’s city center was just about rebuilt and would be finished in time to decorate for the big day, thanks to around-the-clock construction efforts. Although, scaffolding would be present for years, and the suburbs would take longer to rebuild.

Invitations were sent to dignitaries, friends, and relations throughout the inhabited galaxy, except for the Kek and Terelian systems. Those had taken the brunt of the MSS, and, to add insult to injury, they had to humble themselves before the Galactic Senate before they were to receive aid. The Kek and Terelian systems lost nearly everything in the cataclysm. It would take long decades before their home worlds and colonies would come close to regaining what they had lost. Somehow, this fact bothered Derak a great deal, but he didn’t have time to be bothered for long, with so many other things going on.

RSVPs flowed in by the shipload. Dignitaries from every known system would be attending the ceremony, from presidents, premiers, and kings, all the way down to entrepreneurs and merchants, who saw, in the event, a singular opportunity to expand their trade. Even the giant Cat and Mantis races would be represented. Every available room, public or private, was reserved or rented in advance. Remor scrambled to complete as many buildings as possible. Temporary cities were being built on the plains outside of Shenmar to handle the overflow. Large outdoor vid screens were erected. No one would miss out on the spectacle.

At the temple compound, Demar and Danella, the high priest and priestess, were occupied with their own preparations. The temple itself and the surrounding grounds would present a light show, of a magnificence never before seen. This would be followed by a fireworks display, one that would amaze the mind, so Derak was told.

The national symphony and dance troupe were going to showcase new works commissioned for the wedding day. The outlying provinces, on every continent, created new folk dances to commemorate the event.

The wedding party was to enter the city in a new white horse-drawn carriage, gilded in gold. The finest craftsmen from Thumar and Altair were completing it now, and the horses were as grand as the carriage itself. They stood twenty hands high with broad shoulders and long, flowing manes that reached halfway to the ground. The horse’s hooves would be gilded in gold, and their tails and manes would be braided with gold strings.

Jack was Derak’s best man. Therese, by custom, would be Shesain’s maid of honor. Derak’s son, Calvin, was given the honor of being the broach and ring-bearer. Shesain and Derak agreed that they would wear both Thumarian and Terran symbols of marriage. Her ring would have a green emerald in the center, surrounded by rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, all in the shape of a rose. His ring would be a solid gold band with each of the family crests surrounding a rare and precious Thumarian blue diamond. The broaches would be equally stunning.

Terena designed all of the dresses for the wedding party, including the maid of honor, bridesmaids and gowns for the mothers of the bride and groom. Petar designed Derak’s tuxedo, using the finest fabrics. Remor and Rhemar would not be outdone. Petar, fastidiously, crafted their tuxedos, as well. Everything was planned down to the finest detail. All Shesain and Derak had to do was wait.

The months passed, quickly. As they attended to their ambassadorial duties, they were ferried by The Morwen with Jack at the helm, guiding them to systems they didn’t even know existed. Everywhere they went, they were treated like royalty. This worked to their advantage as they were able to negotiate complex treaties with ease. Robert joined them to open trade routes with private corporations and governments. The contracts benefited both parties, although weighing more in Thumar’s favor.

Suddenly, the wedding was only two weeks away. Heads of states began pouring in with their retainers. State dinners were held almost every night, and soirées dominated afternoon schedules. Shenmar was filled to overflowing, allowing little room for the plethora of vendors and craftsmen who swarmed, from all over the inhabited galaxy, into the city to secure the best spots. Vendors displayed never-before-seen wares on the bustling streets. The impending wedding was transforming Shenmar into a galactic trading center. Of course, with all of this activity, the police and security presence was everywhere, but, fortunately, seemed to be unneeded.

A joyous and festive atmosphere filled the air of Shenmar. In a short time, the empty plains outside of Shenmar were filled-to-overflowing. Bazaars popped up out of thin air, and trading was fast and furious. Daily reports on the upcoming nuptials became big news, and citizens checked the vid screens daily for updates on the wedding of the century.

Therese and Karn were now an item and the subject of speculation. Bets were placed as to when Karn was going to receive his tea cup ceremony. Would it be before or after the wedding?

Remor received numerous requests, asking him to host an engagement ceremony prior to the wedding. Its purpose: To accommodate the throngs who wanted to proclaim their own commitment. This engagement movement started with the Thumarians and spread to every race present in the city. Finally, a lottery was taken to determine who would join Therese and Karn in front of the temple for the mass tea cup ceremony. Tens of thousands purchased lottery tickets. Only five hundred couples were picked, a fair representation of every culture in attendance. For the remaining couples, satellite sites were set up so they, too, could participate.

Shenmar was a cornucopia of color. Off-worlders adorned the streets, clothed in vibrant sashes, hats, belts, and purses. Communication, when there were language differences, was solved with translators, worn around necks. Even the translator devices sported multi-hued cases. These were purchased from vendors who couldn’t keep up with the demand.

Jumar’s pie shop was granted prime real estate directly across the street from the temple’s central plaza. His tent was five times the average size and included a large seating area for customers. The lines stretched for blocks. Jumar and his crew raced to meet the demand. After every shift change, employees needed to soak their feet for relief. Remor had allocated two small ships to Jumar, so supplies could keep up with the demand.

One week remained. The crowd swelled to over two million, and more were pouring in. Shesain and Derak, along with the wedding party that included Therese, Karn, Tom Morton, Tara, and Calvin, were busy with final preparations.

Thumarian wedding tradition dictated that Derak could not see Shesain’s gown. Nevertheless, she attended all Derak’s fittings, driving Petar crazy as she made numerous refinements. The couple had appointments with Demar and Danella at the temple. Military style briefings followed that covered every movement, from the ceremony’s beginning to its finale. Shesain grilled Derak on his vows daily; despite the fact he had them imprinted on his heart and soul. Katur trained the Thrashur for every scenario that could possibly be envisioned, and then they trained some more.

Two days before the wedding, Derak and Shesain were examined and pronounced fit by Dr. Centur. A central white and gold tent was set up just outside the city limits. Temporary stalls were erected for the horses and the carriage, which was brought secretly to the grounds and was well-guarded, twenty-eight hours a day.

The morning of the wedding, the couple left Remor’s palace and boarded The Shesain, in D-gen mode. They arrived to be ushered into the large tent that had been erected for the event. They kissed and went to their individual rooms. It was a spring day, beautiful, with mild temperatures.

Petar arrived carrying Derak’s military uniform. He supervised the attendants as they dressed Derak. Petar’s masterpiece must be perfect.

The coat was white and had gold piping sewn into every seam. His admiral’s rank adorned the bottom of the sleeves in gold cloth. The collar of the jacket wrapped around the neck, eliminating the need for a tie. The pants were royal blue with gold stripes running down the outside of the legs. The knee-high boots were spit-shined to a mirror finish. The service hat matched the coat jacket. Pristine, white gloves completed the look. His medals, ribbons, and the Kenmar braid stood out against the white material. The effect was magnificent.

His attendants were equally dressed in full military dress uniforms and white tuxedos. They were ready for the ceremony. Derak could not wait to see his bride.

The live galactic vid-cast was already streaming. The audiences from Shenmar, to witnesses viewing from the most remote sites on Ganmer’s plains were dressed in their finest regalia. At 0900, the horns sounded the beginning of the ceremony. Derak took a deep breath. A unified roar rose from the millions in attendance. It was deafening and could be heard for miles. The vid screen zoomed in to the front of the temple. Demar and Danella stepped up to the ornate podium. The crowds grew silent.

Demar spoke first. “My fellow Thumarians and Galactic citizens, we welcome you to the Royal Wedding of Derak Jamar III, of the Royal House of Jamar, and of Shesian Andehar, of the Royal House of Andehar. May Kumar and Shemar bless this joining for all eternity. This union not only unites two royal houses, but two worlds. Two sectors, half a galaxy apart, join as one. May eternal peace and prosperity reign between the two worlds.”

A loud cheer erupted from the crowds as multi-colored confetti, in every imaginable shape, was shot from air cannons. The confetti rained down upon all present in the city limits of Shenmar.

Demar was joined by priests from other major religions. He continued, “We will commence with the engagement ceremony. Please step up to the platforms.”

Each designated satellite engagement site was filled with eager participants. Demar started with Thumarian rites, and the other priests followed with the rituals of their own denominations, as couples waited in anticipation. In unity, all the priests gave their final blessings to signal the end of the engagement ceremony.

Demar concluded with, “May peace and prosperity always be with you, and may it be as eternal as Derak and Shesain’s love for each other.”

The surge of loving energy, emanating from thousands of couples, made Derak’s eyes fill with joy. The millions of viewers cheered.

Shesain and Derak were escorted, simultaneously, from their respective sides of the tent. His heart skipped when he saw her. Her bridal gown fit her perfectly, accentuating her heavenly body. The dress was white with gold thread woven into the fabric. The train was twenty feet long with gold-formed roses sewn into the edges. Shesain appeared celestial and miraculous. He could not take his eyes off of her as she came to his side. Shesain and Derak both wore expressions revealing blissful exuberance and ecstatic anticipation.

Shesain laughed. “Say something! Or does the Backtu have your tongue?”

“You are more beautiful than I have ever seen you.” His mouth was dry, and the words fumbled out, awkwardly.

“That’s a good start,” said Shesain, confident and full of love. She took his arm. “Shall we? We don’t want to be late for our own wedding.”

The ushers guided them to their carriage. Once seated, Shesain’s train took up all available space. Twelve horsemen and horsewomen rode stallions similar to the six drawing the carriage, six in front and six in back. The escort was Thrashur. They received the signal for the procession to start. The white and gold curtains of the carriage tent opened to a roaring crowd. The lead horse started with a high trot, the rear guard following.

The crowd was a sea that continued to the horizon line. Their colors were like endless fields of colorful flowers. The twelve-horse honor guard and the carriage moved at a steady pace. The horses’ gilded gold hooves glittered in the sun as their shoes struck the ground, in unison. Their braided tails glittered as they swung back and forth with every trot. The boulevard was lined with waist-high white flower boxes trimmed in gold paint. These were filled with live roses of every color and variety, filling the air with a heady fragrance. The throngs tossed flowers before the carriage as it made its way through the city.

Shenmar had been turned into a jewel in the crown of Thumar. Golden bells dangled across every street, ringing out as the wedding procession passed. Cheering crowds pressed against the flower boxes with vid cameras recording every detail. The processional took thirty minutes to reach the edge of Temple Plaza, where an amazing sight greeted them. Multiple lines of polychromatic flags stretched from the side of the plaza to the top of the temple. Vivid lights were strung on the same lines. Brightly clothed well- wishers pushed the security barriers to the limit.

The wedding procession circled the plaza twice. The crowds were delirious with happiness. The carriage stopped in front of a wide red carpet with gold trim on its borders. Ornately dressed guards trumpeted their long golden horns, and the honor guard, extending from the beginning of the red carpet to the temple entrance, came to attention. Derak stepped out of the carriage and stood to the left of the step.

Shesain followed, sixteen young women flanking her, eight on either side. The temple’s smaller bells rang, and they started the walk up the red carpet. Shesain’s train flowed from the carriage, and one girl from each side carefully positioned it above the ground. In moments, the train had extended to its full twenty foot length, with seven girls on either side and two holding the end. They set a dignified pace. At the top of the stairs, they turned and waved to the cheering multitudes. Then, they entered the temple.

The temple’s pipe organist, playing an instrument that filled the entire back wall, began the Thumarian wedding march. The standing room only congregation rose to their feet and turned toward the aisle. The grand march drew massive approval. Men and women were awed by Shesain’s gown and marveled at Derak’s uniform. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows and illuminated the temple’s interior. The asteroid sculpture glowed in the sun’s rays. The music faded when Derak and Shesain reached the altar. The floral arrangements surrounding the podium were splendid and fragrant. Rare flowers from across the galaxy masterfully decorated the entrance to the altar and matched Shesain’s gown in brilliance and beauty.

The wedding party streamed out from either side of temple naves, coming to a stop where Calvin stood, holding the rings and broaches on a royal blue pillow, trimmed in gold.

The high priest and priestess stepped forward, followed by attendant priests, priestesses, and a full choir. The inside of the temple was aglow with light. The choir started singing a new composition. Its simplicity and eloquence set the mood for the ceremony.

After the singing ended, the high priest stepped forward and began. “Today, on the seventeenth of Genbar, the ninth month on Thumar, we celebrate the marriage of Derak Jamar III, of Earth and Shesain Andehar of Thumar. They come before us today to be joined together in deep, abiding love and respect for each other. Let us rejoice in their oneness of body, mind and spirit, may the love these two share reign forever. May they bless us with their children, as their union unites families, worlds and cultures. Who presents the bride?”

Rhemar and Temela proudly stood and moved forward.

“We do, your eminence,” said Rhemar. “We are the parents of the bride.” Shesain’s father was dressed in a handsome tuxedo with purple lapels and tie. Temela looked ravishing in a rose-colored floor length dress. She wore a purple belt and had a pink scarf tied around her neck. Her long, thick, wavy, auburn hair flowed down over her shoulders. Miniature white roses were woven into her locks. Her face glowed with pride as she held back tears of joy.

The high priest continued, “Who represents the groom?”

“We do your eminence. We are the parents of the groom.” Derak’s father spoke as he and Derak’s mother stood and approached the altar.” He was dressed similarly to Rhemar, but with an Earth-style tuxedo. He wore a sash across his left shoulder and a similarly colored cummerbund. Derak’s mother was stunning in a sky blue floor-length dress. Her shoulder-length brown hair had a sprinkling of sterling roses plaited into it. Her face was radiant with pride.

Derak’s dad was smiling.

The high priest gazed at the parents, solemn. “Do you give these two to stand before Kumar and Shemar and this assembly in an unbreakable bond, to stand before us all as an example of real and abiding love and devotion?”

“We do.” The four answered in unity.

“So be it. Please be seated.” They sat. The high priest signaled the start of another sacred hymn. The choir stood and waited for the pipe organ’s introduction. During the song, Shesain looked at Derak, her eyes sparkling.

“I will always love you, my chimera.”

“I will love and honor you until the end of time,” he answered.

The high priestess approached. Her smile illuminated the room as much as the glow of the sun’s rays. “The unification of two souls, before Kumar and Shemar, is one of our most sacred ceremonies. When two become one in the sight of our gods, the union becomes immortal. These two shall be bound in mortal and immortal life, their spirits unified forever in a love that shall never end. They represent the ties that bind Kumar and Shemar from the beginning of time. May this marriage prosper and be a shining beacon, a blessed eternal union for all to see.” The choir rose and sang another hymn.

Why must this take so long? Derak thought to himself.

“It is the proper Thumarian tradition,” Terga answered.

“I was wondering when you would show up,” he answered with an inward grin.

“You two can talk later. We have a ceremony to continue,” Shesain’s thoughts were laughter-filled.

The high priest and priestess continued, reading scripture from the Sacred Book. They

alternated their oratory, depending on whether a passage spoke of the feminine or masculine, for another twenty minutes. Derak was beginning to wonder how much longer the ceremony would last.

“Have patience my love, it’s almost over,” Shesain transmitted.

“Yes, dear,” he teased.

She could barely keep herself from laughing. “This isn’t one of your ops!”

Finally, the liturgy ended with a prayer. Next, the cupbearer, Shesain’s young niece, moved to her spot. She held a gold tray upon which were placed two tea cups. One had a white rose and the other, a sterling rose. A scent filled the altar with the sweetest fragrance. The high priestess gestured for Derak and Shesain to take their cups: Derak’s, with the sterling rose; Shesain’s, with the white rose.

Danella spoke. “As the single cup signifies the engagement, two cups represent the joining of two souls in a wedding. The giving of one’s complete self to the other, without reservation, in true and undying love.”

On cue, Derak and Shesain handed the other the cup of hot kava tea and waited.

Danella continued, “You now drink of each other’s body, mind, soul, and spirit. You will be one and inseparable from this day forward. You will represent the oneness of Kumar and Shemar and the eternal love they share. You may drink.”

Their eyes never left each other as they consumed the liquid from the bejeweled cups. When they finished, they placed the cups on the gold tray, and Shesain’s niece resumed her place with the rest of the wedding party.

The high priest stepped forward. He signaled for Calvin to approach. Derak’s son held a royal blue pillow trimmed in gold thread. The pillow held Derak’s marriage broach, Shesain’s necklace, and the rings. Jack, his best man and Therese, Shesain’s maid of honor, approached and removed the rings, brooch, and necklace from the pillow. It was time for the vows.

Derak spoke first.

“Shesain Andehar, my shining beacon and guiding light. I swear before Kumar and Shemar, in view of all present, to love and honor you until times end and beyond. I will protect and always cherish your life and your love. Your heart is my heart. Your life is my life. Your breath is my breath. I will always love and support you in life and death. We are forever one and inseparable in the eyes of Kumar and Shemar. I wholly give myself to you.”

Shesain was holding back tears. Jack handed Derak the necklace. He, lovingly, clasped it around Shesain’s neck, and then put the ring on her left finger.

His part complete, she wiped her eyes and began, “Derak Jamar, my chimera, my beloved. My heart is overflowing with love, and my soul is soaring. In the company of all present, I give myself to you before Kumar and Shemar. May their blessings rain down upon our lives. I, without reservation, pledge my life and love to you. My breath and life shall be one with your breath and life. My soul shall be in your hands. Our lives together shall be a shining beacon for others to follow.” She received his ring and broach from Therese. Then, she pinned the broach on his lapel and slipped the ring on his finger. Her lips trembled, and her eyes filled with undying love.

The high priestess announced, “You may now kiss.”

They embraced in a lingering, passionate kiss. Then, Shesain’s train was detached at the waist. The train carriers folded it, without permitting the train to touch the ground. It was placed in a box made out of blonde Altarian hardwood, trimmed in gold, with gold hinges and latch. After this, the box was carried off to the right side of the temple. The high priest and priestess indicated that Derak and Shesain were to face the witnesses.

The high priest and priestess spoke in unison. “Before Kumar and Shemar, we now give you, Derak and Shesain Andehar.”

Everyone in the temple rose and wildly applauded. The roar outside the temple filled the plains of Ganmer.