chapter = Chapter 9

author = Shark 1

dedicate = To my one and only. I love you with all my heart.

Type = Adventure

fanfic = As night falls, Azzedy, Jennifer, Sheila and Rizal were in the recreation room discussing when the Lieutenants’ quick but official wedding will take place. “Now we need to find the ideal date for their wedding.” Sheila came up with a suggestion “How about tomorrow? I mean, we can use this room for the Vow ceremony.” Everyone thought it was a good idea. Rizal then asked Sheila to inform June to give the announcement later. “And tell her everyone is invited and if possible, let’s invite the RDF’S. The food, I’ll have them prepare the Yellow rice, Laksa Sarawak and lots of sate’. I’ll bet our guests will love the food.” Everyone agreed with Rizal’s plan and they thought he was about to dismiss them but he had one more detail.

“Before I forgot, I’d like to ask Sheila something.” Sheila was a bit confused but she was ready to take note of what he was about to say. She dropped her pen and note pad when she heard the most unexpected question. “Sheila, will you marry me?” She launched herself into his arms and answered him almost in tears. Jennifer rested her head on Azzedy’s shoulder and watched their friends. “Rizal, from my point of view, it’s a yes.” Jennifer smiled as Sheila gave Rizal a passionate kiss until they heard Azzedy clearing his throat. “I think you should save that for the wedding and right now, we have people to invite.” They parted from one another to do their tasks.

On the bridge of the SDF-1, Sammy received the message and immediately informed Commander Hayes who was still checking her instruments. “Commander Hayes, we have an incoming message from the SJS carrier for you ma’am. I’ll pass it on your monitor. It says “To the guest we’ve listed below, it is our great honor to invite you to a double wedding ceremony for Lieutenant Azzedy Azhar with Lieutenant Jennifer Abdullah and Captain Rizal Razali with Lieutenant Sheila Salihin tomorrow morning on our carrier. Please do come.” Lisa went through the list and saw very few names. Captain Gloval, Commander Hayes, Commander Grant, Commander Fokker and the Vermilion group were the names listed. Lisa straight away left to see the Captain in his quarters to tell him about this matter.

After a few minutes of discussion, the Captain agreed to attend then she made an announcement for the rest of the invited guests. “Attention, the following names please report to the briefing room immediately. I repeat, will the following names please report to the briefing room immediately.” Minutes later, the names mentioned attended the briefing. All of them looked very worried. “Now the reason why I’m asking all of you to gather here today is that we have a wedding invitation tomorrow morning and you are the guests. The Captain has agreed that we’ll attend this ceremony.” They all relaxed after they heard the announcement. Max sighed even heavily. “I thought that we’re going to have another covert operations or something.” Lisa then turned her attention to Max. “Lieutenant Sterling, have you allocated the two veritechs for the new pilots?” Max answered her confidently. “It’s all taken care of ma’am.” After informing them the time for departure, they were dismissed. The Vermilion group walked towards the locker room to prepare themselves for the night patrol while the rest headed back to their respective quarters.

“Does it remind you of our wedding Max?” Max put his arm around her shoulder and gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Well, I guess we do have a lot in common. I mean, they’re both pilots and they’re the aces of their own.” He was immediately continued by Miriya. “The only difference is that Jennifer never attempted to kill Azzedy.” They all laughed and Max pulled his wife into a hug. “Now that’s not fair.” His lips were about to reach hers but Miriya put her finger on his. “Save that for tonight Maximilian. We have patrol duty right now.” Max smirked to the suggestion and continued their walk towards the locker room.

Azzedy was in his room contemplating on his future marriage. He remembered how he first tried to tackle Jennifer during the academy. She was sitting in the mess hall, eating her dinner when Rizal, Azrul, Alphonsus and himself came up to her and sang one of a song by Shayne Ward titled No Promises. Jennifer was surprised to see their act but was even more surprised when the whole mass sang along. After he completed the first chorus, Jennifer offered him to sit next to her while the rest applaud and finished the rest of the song. A knock on his door made him returned to reality. Next thing he knows, Rizal came in. “I thought you’d be awake. Tomorrow’s the big day so get some sleep.” Rizal turned off the lights and left the room. Azzedy lay down on the bed and faded away while thinking about his wife to be as similar situation was happening in Jennifer’s room as well.

Morning came. Everyone was doing the final touches of everything. The decorations, the food, the dress uniforms and all the necessary things needed for a short, simple but official wedding ceremony. The invited guests from the SDF-1 had arrived as promised on board the sea sergeant helicopter and it was followed by two veritechs piloted by the Sterlings. As they landed on the runaway, they were greeted by the Infantry division leader sergeant Azreen. They were escorted towards the reception hall and seated for the ceremony. This will be their first time watching a Malaysian wedding custom.

The RDF personnel were amazed to see the different custom. The arrival of the wedding couples came in and every one stood up. Azzedy and Rizal were wearing their Army dress uniform while the brides were wearing their dress uniform but with scarf covering most of the head except for their faces. The ceremony begins with the bride and groom will be seated next to each other facing the ‘Kadi’ which is similar to a priest. The ‘Kadi’ read the prayers with everyone putting up their hands in front of their faces. The RDF personnel followed the customs as to respect their host. After the prayer ends, the ‘Kadi’ asked the groom if he’ll accept the bride to be his lovely wedded wife. Then the groom answered yes. The ‘Kadi’ will ask some of the elderly guests as their witness for approval. After their vows were approved, they were officially married. The brides then got up to kiss the grooms’ hands.

The couples were later asked to sit on the chairs provided on the altar. The guests of honor were asked to bless them by putting some perfumed chalk on their foreheads, sprinkle them with ‘Pandan’ leaves and rose water. Max put some on their noses because Azreen asked him to do it in his favors. Miriya did the same on the brides. After that, they were invited to eat in a buffet styled environment on the upper deck while the ranked officers ate with the newly weds. Everyone enjoyed the food especially Ben. He was fascinated with the food after Max introduced it to him. Roy was supposed to join the rest of the officers but he’d rather stay outside with Claudia and the rest.

“This is my first time in a different custom. I was so amazed with such different culture and yet so beautiful.” Lisa described her feelings on the occasions. “Thank you Commander. We were honored to have you on our wedding wouldn’t you agree Colonel?” The Colonel sipped a bit of his drink before replying Rizal’s statement. “Indeed Captain. Even though it was such short notice but it was great.” Captain Gloval complimented on the food. So did the rest of the guest. Captain Gloval and Colonel Richard were telling each other about their old glory days. Miriya was getting the hang of the spicy food even though her face was sweating. Max, Rick and Lisa couldn’t help but to laugh at her. “It was delicious.” She answered them while wiping her face with her handkerchief. Everyone had a great time. It was later in the evening, the guest have requested that each newly wedded couple to sing.

“Ok, this is not the way I expected it.” Rizal thought to himself. Then he felt a very assuring hand touching his. “Don’t worry, it’s not that bad.” Sheila smirked while trying to convince her husband to sing together. Rizal finally agreed and asked Jennifer to drag Azzedy along. Azzedy knew he couldn’t decline, so he took it as an entertainment. So Rizal and Sheila chose the song by Robbie Williams with Nicole Kidman titled Something Stupid. Then it was Azzedy and Jennifer’s turn with the song by Usher and Alicia Keys titled My Boo. Everyone was having a great time. Ben and Roy couldn’t stay away from the food. “Hei Max. What’s the name of this drink? It’s nice.” Max shrugged his shoulder because they never had this while they staying there. He then saw Azreen and asked him. “That my friend, is called ‘Bandung’. It’s made of rose bud syrups and milk. Pretty tasty isn’t it?”

As evening draws to a close, some of the guests had already went back to duty and into their respective quarters. The newly weds were still enjoying the food and drinks when Max and Miriya approached the newlyweds. “Excuse me, may I borrow the newly wedded for a while. There’s something we need to show you.” They complied their request and followed them. They were still wondering why they were heading towards the flight deck. When they got there, they were surprised to see two veritechs over there. Even to their surprise, they saw their names on it.

Max passed them the duffel bag containing their flight gear. “The flight suits and helmets were handpicked by Miriya. I hope they’ll fit and hope you’ll like it.” They opened the bag and saw it. It is white and blue with silver linings. The helmets were having the same designs as well. They gave the Sterlings a big hug and thanked them. “No worries. You guys are welcome to land on the Prometheus anytime.”

It was already getting dark and the SDF-1 crew has decided to leave. “Thank you for your kind hospitality colonel.” The colonel and Captain Gloval shook hands and hugged each other. The rest shook hands, saluted and congratulated them once again before boarding the Sea Sergeant. The chopper took off and heads towards the SDF-1. As soon as it landed, everyone thought that it’s time to head back and get some rest before going back to duty but instead, the red alert scramble alarm has sounded. Lisa, Claudia and the Captain ran towards the bridge while the pilots ran to the locker room to change into their flight suit. As soon as they’ve reached the bridge, Sammy reported a mass number of enemy fighters, two enemy carriers and two battleships. “It’s Khyron! They’ve sent reinforcements.” Lisa exclaimed.

All the veritechs launched including the ones on the SJS carrier along with other fighters. “Talk about perfect timing. We didn’t even get to go for our honeymoon.” Rizal said on the tech channel. Jennifer appeared on the screen smirking at him. “At least consider this is our honeymoon because we get to fly these beauties into combat.”

“Skull squadron, engage enemy battleships at Beta 709. Vermilion Group, protect the SDF-1 and take out those fighter pods.” As soon as the Shark Squadron airborne, Azzedy led them to assist the Vermilion group. Roy led the Skull Squadron to attack the carriers and the battleships while the Vermilion group and the Shark Squadron took care of the fighter pods.

Max was engaged by an officer pod when Miriya disabled it from behind. “Is the bet still on Max?” Max laughed and continued to engage the rest of the enemies. Their conversations were over heard by Azonia. “That’s sounds like Miriya. That traitor must die.” Azonia changed her course and engaged Miriya’s fighter. “Well Azonia, looks like you still can fly after all.” Miriya knew her former commander and friend very well. They fired upon each other but neither of them got hit. Khyron was leading his men to attack the SDF-1 but they were cut off by the Vermilion group and the Shark Squadron.

Rick saw the Destroids were under severe attack. He asked Ben to follow him on the deck to support them. Lisa wasn’t pleased as he wasn’t complying with her orders. “Vermilion 1, what are you doing? You were supposed to engage the fighters. The Destroids can handle the situation themselves!” “Can’t you see that they’re dying down there? Forget it Lisa. I’m asking Ben to go down there with me.” Lisa slammed her fist on her console in frustration. She switched her channel to Ben’s and ordered him to maintain his position.

Rick clenched his teeth and gave Ben his orders. “Ben, you heard the lady. Stay up here and help the others.” “Copy that boss.” As Ben rejoined the rest of the group, Rick told Lisa his plan. “Lisa, I’m going down there myself.” He veered off towards the deck disregarding Lisa’s threat to court martial him if he proceeds. He did.

Rick was on the SDF-1 in his battloid mode helping out the Destroids. Khyron was oblivious and fired a few waves of missiles towards them. The destroids were completely destroyed while Rick suffered heavy damaged when the explosion threw his battloid against the ship’s hard exterior and he suffered severe injury due to the impact.

Captain Gloval ordered Claudia to fire the main guns towards the enemy’s carrier. She ordered the Skull Squadron to clear the area and fired the main guns as soon as the veritechs were clear from the sight. It was a direct hit and the carrier was destroyed.

When Khyron saw most of his fighters were destroyed, he then asked one of his battleships to ram the SDF-1 while he called for the rest of his men to retreat. Lisa saw what was about to happen then executed the Deadalus Attack. The Deadalus Attack was executed but Miriya was chasing after Azonia right above the battleship when some of the missiles from the Deadalus Attack pierced through the battleship and caught her wing. Azonia escaped with the rest of the Zentreadi forces while Miriya ejected from her damaged fighter and opened her chute before landed into the ocean below.

As soon as the threats are clear, Max went down to rescue his wife while the rest returned to their respective ships. Max was concerned about his wife but was relief to see her okay. They returned to the Prometheus a bit later. On the bridge, Lisa was still angry with Rick for disobeying her orders and didn’t notice whether the Vermilion group has returned. Claudia was checking the transmission records and couldn’t find the Vermilion squadrons’. “That’s odd. The Vermilion Group hasn’t checked in yet.” Lisa looked at her furiously. “I couldn’t care less.” Claudia received some reports on her console as she read it out. “Lieutenant Sterling was rescuing Miriya who got shot down by one of the Deadalus missiles before heading back, Lieutenant Ben Dixon was hit but minor damages. That’s odd? There’s no transmission from Vermilion 1.” Lisa’s face now turned pale when she heard what she had said. “Did he make it back?” Lisa was holding her tears when she asked her. “Hold on. There’s another report coming. Lieutenant Hunter was badly injured when his battloid was shot while defending the destroids. He’s now in the emergency room at bay 12’s medical facility.”

Lisa ran towards bay 12 to see Rick. When she got to the medical facility, she saw Max sitting next to Miriya with his arm around her shoulder. She was covered with a blanket because she was soaking wet. Lisa approached them and apologized to them. “No apologies needed Lisa. It was my fault to follow Azonia even when you’ve ordered the Deadalus attack.” She looked to the floor holding her two hands together. “Thank you for your generous words. What happened to Rick?” Max looked at Miriya before looking back at her. He stood up and put his hands on her shoulders. “He was defending the Destroids when some enemy missiles caught them. They got him out of the battloid still breathing but unconscious. He’s suffering a concussion and he’s undergoing surgery as we speak. Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” Lisa smiled and walked away from the medical facility.

She was heading back to the bridge when she ran into Roy who was on his way to see the Sterlings and Rick. “Is he out yet?” Roy asked her. She didn’t answer him instead she hugged him and cried.” Roy tried to comfort her and ask her to head back to the quarters to get some rest. She wiped her tears off and followed his advice. Once she’s there, she threw herself on her bed and cried. “Rick, please don’t leave me.”

Different scenario unveiled on the carrier. The crew celebrated another safe return of their fighters. Rizal was glad to see that they all have made it and gave his wife a pat on the shoulder. Jennifer and Azzedy celebrated their own way in their quarters. Jennifer pushed him on the bed and lay next to him. “Pretty fancy flying Shark leader. Can you do anything else as good as your flying?” They kissed passionately. While they were kissing, Azzedy felt her tears fell on his cheeks. “What’s wrong?” She wiped her tears and rested her head on his chest. “It’s just that I wish those two jokers were here. I could imagine how they would tease us.” Azzedy stroke her hair with his fingers. “I’m sure they were watching from up there.”

On the SDF-1, Claudia went to see Lisa if she’s okay. When she got there, she knocked the door a few times and came Lisa’s voice from the inside asking who’s at the door. “It’s me dear, Claudia.” Seconds later, Lisa opened the door to let her best friend in and they sat down on the sofa. “Lisa, he’s alright.” Lisa’s eyes grew wider the moment she heard that. “Really, can I see him now?” Claudia shook her head. “He barely survived the surgery and the doctors told me and Roy that he can only be visit tomorrow morning.” Lisa frowned like a little girl but she’s glad that he made it. “I think you should sleep it off and we’ll see him tomorrow morning together okay?” Claudia added and Lisa nodded her approval. Claudia left her and headed to her own quarters.

State = Continuará/To Be Continue

feedback = Sí/Yes

email = affendeykadriATyahoo.com