Kris Longknife: Defender (15 page)

The chuckles to that one came strongest from the Navy pews.

“So, I’m going to jump right to that part where I ask if there is anyone present who knows of any reason these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony? Let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

N
ELLY?

N
OTHING.

Still, Kris glanced over her shoulder. Captain Drago tapped his ear and shook his head. No message traffic.

Y
OU DON’T TRUST ME.

O
N THIS,
N
ELLY,
I
CAN’T.
Y
OU LOVE ME TOO MUCH.

No surprise, the church was as quiet as it could be.

“That cleared up, Kristine Anne Longknife, do you take Juan Francisco Montoya to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold him, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, leaving all others and cleaving only to him? To honor and respect him so long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Kris found she could barely whisper through a suddenly dry throat.

“Juan Francisco Montoya, do you take Kristine Anne Longknife as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold her, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, leaving all others and cleaving only to her? To honor and respect her so long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” rang out in a voice that could be heard across a battlefield.

“Do you have rings?”

The five-year-old proudly lifted his pillow above his head so Jack could easily take the ring of gold for Kris. He slipped it over her finger and, smiling, said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Kris quickly did the same with her simple copper ring. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Granny Rita took over again. “Then, by the powers invested in me by the colonists of Alwa, for no reason I can imagine, I pronounce you man and wife. Folks, it’s traditional to give each other a kiss.” Then in a lower voice she added, “And don’t make it a peck, either or I’ll think I wasted that beach cottage reservation.”

Jack took Kris in his arms and kissed her. Really kissed her. Kissed her enough to satisfy even Granny Rita.

Kris went weak in the knees. She found her back bending and Jack’s powerful arms around her as her only support.

One of the flower girls was heard to say, in one of those small voices that eight-year-olds have that can fill a huge church, “Get a room.”

Jack broke from the kiss and helped Kris get settled back on her feet. His grin was pure joy. Well, maybe a lot joy with a bit of possession thrown in. That guy kind of thing that says to the world, “Look at the woman who’s made herself mine.”

Kris was saved from having to begin the march back down the aisle on wobbly knees by the Navy contingent. The officers filed out of their pews and slow-marched for the door.

Crossed sabers,
Kris thought as Nelly said it. A
N ANCIENT
N
AVY TRADITION
, Nelly added.

A wise old chief had once asked a young ensign Kris if she were Navy or just passing through. Now, a commodore and walking under crossed sabers on her wedding day, Kris didn’t feel like she could get much more Navy than this.

The officers gone, Kris and Jack started down the aisle. Kris was now leading the procession rather than following it. Her progress was slow. There were lots of hands to shake. This afternoon she did so gingerly, just a touch. Some of the older women offered Kris a cheek and Kris gave out a lot of pecks, nothing like what Jack had given her. Beside her, Jack was showing that he knew how to peck a cheek as well.

There were well-wishers and happy smiles. The progress seemed to take forever, but Kris finally found herself approaching the doors of the old church.

“Present arms,” came in Captain Drago’s voice. Make that Rear Admiral Drago’s voice.

Navy sabers slid out of their scabbards and crossed before her. Kris and Jack ducked a bit. Most Navy sabers were only sharp enough to cut wedding cakes, but you never could tell.

Kris went down the line giving her officers the best bride smile she could manage. She owed them all so much. Like any officer on official business, they stood at attention, eyes focused on their sabers.

K
RIS, KEEP AN EYE ON
A
DMIRAL
C
OOKIE,
Nelly warned.
P
ART OF THE TRADITION IS FOR ONE OF THE OFFICERS TO HIT THE NEW
N
AVY BRIDE ON THE RUMP.

H
E WOULDN’T DARE
, Kris answered, and gave the full admiral her commander’s eye.

His face stayed full deadpan, his eyes up, like all the rest.

Kris walked past him, sure she’d established herself.

And got a hard swipe on her butt with his saber.

“Ouch, that hurt,” she said, more startled than really pained.

“You’ve put in five years as a Navy officer and you know the pain of it. Now you’re a Navy wife, and sorry, dear heart, but there’s a whole new set of hurts to meet. Just ask my wife, God rest her soul.”

Kris dropped out of the mistreated bride routine and stepped back to give the old admiral a hug.

“Thanks for the advice and the warning,” she whispered in his ear.

Then the formality of the military disintegrated as the colonials started to make their way out of the church. Government House was to be the scene of the reception. It seemed that King Raymond’s hasty exit had left it and leftovers available.

Several cakes, including a many-tiered wedding cake, had been baked in just five hours and were waiting for them.

There were lots of traditions to fulfill.

Kris tossed her bouquet of flowers. With Nelly, it was easy to know exactly where to toss it. However, it was none too easy to choose whom she wanted to get it. Abby and Sergeant Bruce had been exchanging looks that Kris couldn’t miss out of the corner of her eyes no matter how much Jack held central place.

And Penny had frequently turned to get a look at the Musashi lieutenant. And Amanda Kutter and her boyfriend were so ready.

The three of them happened to flock together at just the right moment and Kris let fate decide. Amanda outjumped the other two, not that Abby even put her hand up.

Hmm.

There were pictures, including the obligatory picture of the bride and groom feeding each other the first slice of cake. This always ended up hilariously with the two smearing cake and icing all over each other’s faces.

Many times as maid of honor, Kris swore she’d handle this just fine.

Only, the people snapping pictures kept yelling “look here, look here,” and snapping flashes so Kris could hardly see Jack and, no doubt, he couldn’t really see her.

And everyone had a great laugh as Kris and Jack smeared each other’s faces.

Jack saw Kris’s frustration and whispered in her ear. “Don’t take that too seriously. It’s intended to be a mess. Laugh, and they’ll all laugh with you.”

So Kris laughed, and they
did
all laugh with her.

There was a tradition about a first dance, and Kris was getting ready for that when Granny Rita somehow got control of the mike from the bandmaster.

“Folks, I don’t know how many of you managed to lay your hands on a gift for the bride and groom. I know I didn’t. But there is one very special gift we could give both them and ourselves.

“All of you who’ve listened know what I think of Ray Longknife, or King Raymond as he is now. He’s headed out of our system and back to human space as we speak. He’s got a collection of 173 planets that are banded together back there. I’m glad to have him back there and us over here.”

Not a few people in the crowd agreed with her. A few didn’t, but not a whole lot.

“But the fact remains that there are seven U.S. warships over our head, ready to defend us to the death. Right now, they’re there, and we’re here, and there’s no tie that binds us together. As someone who’s commanded ships and worked hard with most of you to put together a colony here, I know that’s not good.”

The crowd seemed unsure where this was going, but no one moved to shut down the old woman.

“We can’t join the United Society. Seems you have to have a single government. Can you imagine us and the Alwans agreeing on one government for this planet?”

“Can you see the Alwans agreeing on anything?” came from the floor.

“So true, but the U.S. is offering us associated membership. We get to rule ourselves, and they get to stay to hell and gone on the other side of the galaxy. But we do create a tie with the warships protecting us.

“If we vote for this associated membership, our blushing bride here gets to be our viceroy, assuming we elect her as such. She’ll command the fleet as a Navy officer, and as viceroy, she can meet as a civilian leader with Ada and talk civilian stuff. To me, it sounds like a win-win proposition. What do you say?”

At that point, Ada did step in and take the mike away from Granny. “We’ve told you before, and we’ll tell you again, Granny Rita, your chief emeritus status does not allow you to put proposals before the Council of Ministries or the General Council.”

“Well, you’re all here, and I just did,” Granny shouted back at the mike, and her words filled the hall.

Ada sighed and took a long, slow look around the room. She nodded to several people, then took a deep breath. “We have a proposal from the floor, and seeing that we do have a quorum present, I am willing to entertain discussion, assuming the blushing bride doesn’t mind Granny Rita hijacking her wedding reception.”

“I am the one King Raymond nominated for this viceroy thing though my commission hasn’t been issued. It does require a vote of the colonials before it becomes operational. It kind of would be a nice wedding present, as Granny said.”

“Okay, let’s see if we understand the motion properly. If we vote for associated membership in the United Society, Ray will stay on his side of the galaxy, and I’ll be dealing with you. Right?”

“Yes.”

“We will establish a proper civilian military relationship between us and the ships above us.”

“And if the relationship faces strains,” Kris said, “we can negotiate adjustments.”

“I like that,” came from the floor.

“You’re the viceroy,” Ada said, eyeing Kris.

“If you reject me, it would take several years to get another nominee here.”

“But we get to approve any viceroy nominee,” came again from the floor.

“That’s what the draft of my commission says.”

“When’s it going to be finalized?”

“Before King Raymond jumps out of the system, I hope,” Kris said.

“Has anyone seen what this associated membership says?”

“It’s short. You rule yourselves any way you chose. I am empowered to deal with your government. Also, I can open negotiations with anyone and sign draft peace treaties to present to the U.S. Senate.”

“As in negotiate with the bastards?” came from several people on the floor.

Kris sadly nodded her head. “Yes, I can. You know that so far, they won’t even talk to us. If, suddenly they change their mind, this puts me in a place to do something.”

“That’s got to be worth a lot.”

“And she did save our bacon. Who hasn’t seen the pictures of those monsters?”

“I have a proposal properly presented,” Ada said. “Is there a second?”

One came quickly.

“Discussion?”

“What’s there to discuss? I say let’s call for the question.”

Ada didn’t even bat an eyelash. “I have a call for the question. Is there a second?”

“You’re all going to be sorry about this.”

“Harry, you always say we’ll be sorry about everything.”

“And I’m right half the time.”

While this was going on, a second was made for calling the question.

“All those for applying for associated membership in the U.S., and operating as if we are until we hear differently, and accepting Her Royal Highness, Princess Longknife as our viceroy, indicate by saying yes.”

“Is she a Longknife or a Montoya?” got drowned by a flood of “Yes.”

“All nays.”

“She’s a damn Longknife. I say we’ll be sorry.”

“Harry,” Ada asked with exasperation, “is that a nay?”

“No.”

“Then the proposal is carried unanimously. Will somebody please start the music?” said Ada. “I want to dance.”

So they commenced to dance the night away, as befitted a bunch of enthusiastic survivors, and one happy princess.

Sometime
around six, Ada cut Kris and Jack off the dance floor. “The fastest eclectic runabout on the planet is parked outside. Do you know the way back to Joe’s Seaside Paradise?”

“If I can’t guide them,” Nelly said, “Kris can trade me in for an abacus.”

“Joe’s expecting you. I understand you only have one night you can take, so why don’t you two make the most of it and get out of here.”

An hour and a half later, Joe was showing them to the same cottage. “It’s a bit late for supper, but we’re still serving. I’m sure you could come in what you’re wearing.”

“I’m not hungry,” Kris said. She was, but food was the last thing on her mind.

“Send the buns over early tomorrow morning,” Jack said.

Joe quickly made himself scarce.

Jack came over to open the car door for Kris. For once, she’d stayed demurely in her place to give him a chance to be the gentlemen he enjoyed being. He offered her a hand up, and she took it, just as she had been taught by the woman Mother hired to teach Kris to be a lady.

Jack let her get on her own two feet, then swooped her up and carried her to the door. He fumbled a bit with the latch, so a laughing Kris opened the door for him. He kissed her, not as long as in the church, but it was no peck, and carried her across the threshold.

“Our first home.”

“For at least the next twelve hours,” Jack agreed.

“You going to carry me across the threshold of my quarters on the
Wasp
?”

“Don’t I wish I could,” he said with a sigh. On the drive up they had agreed that what happened dirtside stayed dirtside. Once back aboard ship, they turned back into pumpkins in uniform.

Jack settled Kris on her feet in the middle of the room and eyed her much the way Kris suspected Marines eyed mountain strongholds to be taken.

“They really sewed you into that dress.”

Kris looked down at herself and couldn’t really disagree. When she next glanced up at Jack, he had a very sharp knife in his hands.

“Ouch,” Kris said, but managed not to take a step back.

“Wife, don’t you trust a Marine with a knife in his hand?”

“I don’t trust anyone with a knife pointed my way.”

“Smart woman, but trust me, husbands are in a special category.” And so saying, he took the tip of the combat knife to the recently added seams to her dress.

With careful snips, one by one, the bodice came loose. It fell, revealing a very sexy bra beneath.

“I thought you didn’t buy sexy underwear.”

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Didn’t you guys ever hear about those female essentials?”

“Dimly. Which is this?”

“I think it’s the new. Or maybe borrowed, though it’s not going back.”

“And the blue?”

“Keep hunting.”

“Oh, this just gets better.”

More snips of threads, and the dress was finally loose enough for Jack to pull it over Kris’s head. He turned away to lay the dress carefully on a chair. After all, this was definitely borrowed. When he turned back, Kris greeted him in tiny panties and bra and a pose that likely originated just outside the Garden of Eden.

“Ah,” Jack said, taking her in. “The blue are those tiny blue bows on your panties.”

“I said you’d find them.”

“I’m overdressed,” Jack said, and in hardly a blink . . . and Kris was definitely not blinking . . . she was the one who was overdressed.

“I guess I better get out of these,” she said, reaching behind her for the bra clasp.

“Oh no, my dear. Don’t you know? Brides are presents best unwrapped slowly.”

“Who told you that?”

“It’s a guy thing, like the something-borrowed thing.”

“I’m not sure I trust you, Mister.”

“Ah, but you must, I’m your husband.”

“You’re also a Marine.”

“Well, there is that,” Jack said, approaching Kris with the biggest grin she’d ever seen on his face.

She backed away from him.

He advanced another step.

She backed up again . . . and fell on the bed.

A moment later, he was on top of her, covering her with kisses.

He did take a long time getting her out of her panties and bra.

But then he made it up by taking a long time putting other things inside her.

As she found herself falling asleep in his arms, she came to the conclusion that she should trust her husband, and he was very well balanced at giving and taking.

Definitely a nice man to have around.