The following morning, Rear Admiral Reynolds arranged a brunch for the wedding party in the rear dining area of the wardroom. Scarecrow and Sandy arrived somewhat late, but to the eager applause of all present. After the meal, Reynolds approached the bride as she was standing at the bar getting her orange juice refilled by Frank.
Mrs. Richardson was resplendent in a sleeveless, flower print dress made of a delicate, wispy material, complimented by exotic, caliga-style sandals. Her golden tresses splashed down over her shoulders, framing her face as she beamed at the rear admiral.
“I must say, Sandy, you have the most wonderful glow. You look downright angelic.”
“Thank you, Sir,” she replied with a mild, self-conscious air. Then she decided to dive right in. “Yesterday was magnificent. All I hoped it would be, and so much more.” Sandy smiled. “Thank you for everything, Jon. For all of this … for everything.”
“You’re very welcome. It’s been a long time coming for you. You certainly deserve it. Both of you do. Especially after what you and Steve have been through over the past months. It’s my pleasure. Really.”
His smile for her was bright. And genuine. Then the rear admiral put his arm around Sandy and with a gentle motion, drew her off to one side.
“I had a long talk with Mike last night.”
“General Patrick?”
“One and the same. As I mentioned to you before, he was duly impressed with your actions defending the Mars Base. He’s nicknamed you his ‘Chamberlain,’ y’know.”
“It was my Marines more than me. They’re the ones that deserve the credit.”
“Spoken like a true leader.” He leaned close. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Depends on what it is,” she said with a wary air.
“Well, let’s just say when you and Steve return from your honeymoon, you won’t be required to salute him anymore … Lieutenant Colonel Richardson.”
After the brunch, the rear admiral and Hutch escorted the newlyweds to the transporter room. As they entered, Reynolds dismissed the technicians and Hutch manned the console in their place. Lieutenant Sullivan was on duty, and he cast a wary glance at Sandy as he passed her on his way out of the hatch.
Scarecrow and Sandy stepped up to the portal, then turned to Reynolds, who handed Scarecrow a set of keys.
“We have a facility on Oahu. That’s where you’re going,” he said to Scarecrow. “A car and driver will be waiting for you. I’m giving you two weeks for your honeymoon.” He smiled at both of them.
“What are these for?” Scarecrow held up the keys he had just received.
“I have a house on the beach,” Reynolds said. “It’s at your disposal. The driver will take you there.”
The comm clicked, and the rear admiral walked over to the console to respond. Hutch powered up the transporter, and the portal lit up, pulsating with a rainbow of brilliant colored light.
“That was the command deck,” Reynolds said. “They’ve got a fix on that final Leviathan class mother ship. Hutch, once we’re finished here, scramble your air wing.”
Scarecrow shot a concerned glance at Reynolds, followed by Hutch, then Sandy. “I should stay–”
“Not a chance!” all three shouted in unison. Then Reynolds spoke.
“From the moment I pronounced you husband and wife, you were both officially on a two-week furlough. You’re off-duty, and you’re going on your honeymoon.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Sandy replied as her eyes bored into her husband.
“Go,” Reynolds said with a wave of his hand. “Hutch and I can handle this. Enjoy your honeymoon. Eat lots of pineapple. Drink mai-tai’s. Take long walks through the palm groves. Make love on the beach at sunset …” that last comment got raised eyebrows from everyone. “Do all the things that we’re up here fighting every day to preserve. We’ll still be here when you get back. Go. That’s an order.” Reynolds smiled and motioned for the two of them to step through the transporter.
“Hey, bring me back some macadamia nuts,” Hutch asked, smiling. “Have a great time, you two.”
Scarecrow looked at his new bride and smiled as if he’d just won a billion dollar lottery. “Well, if it’s an order … who am I to disobey?”
Scarecrow’s arm slid around Sandy’s waist, and together they stepped through the portal.