Stripped Bare

Our Nuptials and Wedded Bliss

Dante POV

We walked down the aisle, accompanied by the tuneful crooning of three outstanding young triplets, all of whom had become fast friends of ours, all belonging to the same organization that Damien had been a part of and now I was, as well.

I was now proud to be a part of something so worthwhile – an organization that cared for people and not for politics; an organization that protected and served in more ways that I could ever imagine, bringing aid to the masses; building futures and securing lives; finding and creating new solutions to allow the Earth's environment to thrive.

Thanks to Damien, I saw the true potential of my part in it all, and what it meant to truly belong to a family...Yes, a family. Out of the friendships that had grown over these past few years, I had met Damien's father, Darius, or Zarynthian as he is known throughout the galaxy, who taught me respect and kindness towards my fellow men, by his constant protection of my people, shielding them from nosy politicians and greedy financiers.

I also cherished the friendships of two of Damien's trusted companions, Mick and Randy, who once held my beloved's heart, but had crossed it in twain. At least, they remained friends after a trial of error and eventually, forgiveness.

I also got to meet Bron, Damien's sibling, and his mother, Senator Marina who had been so helpful and a secret member of The Organization, aiding where ever she could.

I also got to meet Commander Bryant, who was Zarynthian's other half in more ways than one, a long-lost love who had found his way back into his heart, not just by friendship and comradery.

Mason and Fahey, two agents extraordinaire, who, like Deke and Gerry, two ex-Navy seals who were fast friends with both Zarynthian and Bryant, when they too were in the military as buddies, were instrumental in helping to close the project, now stood, celebrating our union.

I saw Commander Samantha Grenley, the woman who first found and treated me in hospital and brought the attention to one General Marcus Adams, having discovered my existence.

I saw beloved Alma, the mother to the triplets, whose cooking skills in keeping us all well-fed especially during Special Ops, beaming as we continued in step, with both Sam and Walid joining us from behind.

Sam's team of expert doctors and nurses, Dr. Garrett, Dr. Narayan, nurses Sylvia, Ann, Diana and Carina were on standby, in case one of us fainted during the ceremony. I owed them a great deal for having dealt with my parents rest and rehabilitation.

My beloved parents, Ilya (Arkaya) and Mara (Una), who are actual extraterrestrial scientists, having posed as Ukrainian exiles who sought asylum in the States, only to have been wrenched from my life due to an evil plan which very nearly saw fruition, now joined us in the slow march towards the podium.

Agent Kelly and Robotic Technician Zack who both brought their unique talents to the fore during our many expeditions into the unknown, grinned in our direction, as Zack stood behind a console, making the Holo-deck resemble a perfect replica of Nulandia, my home planet, which was such a wondrous surprise for us both.

As we walked, I gazed into the faces of all these people who meant the world to me, and would continue to be a part of my life as I was now a part of theirs.

Poised on the podium were the holographic images of my comrades, Gaia, Prion and Kyron whose images had been beamed real-time into the Holo-deck, thanks to Zack, the whiz-tech wonder.

The music slowly faded in the background as Darius and Bron stood alongside, giving into hugging us both. We all had tears in our eyes already, way before the ceremony had begun.

Doctor Narayan delivered a lovely mantra to start things off, which reminded me of the one that Damien always recited together with me, when I would find myself losing control of my powers. It would always center me, allowing me to focus clearly on the task at hand.