| Star Trek Marriage Written In Memory of Dale Earnhardt By: Brad Fore Based on Star Trek� created by Gene Roddenberry Captain�s Personal Log: Stardate 54601.1. The Bozeman is enroute to Earth, for refitting and crew shore-leave. The ship and her crew have been through a lot lately, and Starfleet feels that we need some time off. I agree whole heartedly. While we are in space dock for our two week break, the entire crew of the Bozeman is invited to attend the wedding of Lt. Commander Foreman and Lt. Whitney Gallimore. I think it will be a great event in this young boy's life. Sadly, it won't be such a good one for me. I still harbor feelings for her, and, as much as I try, I can�t ignore them. But, to even think of bringing them out now would be disastrous. Not only would Foreman be crushed, it would hurt Whitney, and I can't stand to see her cry. I suppose I'll just have to suck it in and go on. Well, at least I'll get a chance to meet both Whitney and Foreman's grandparents. Heh, Starfleet is already thinking ahead. They've got us patrolling again on the Romulan border. Ah, well, it was our first, as well as our best, position. I suppose that I'll have to get used to the dull life of patrols after so many exciting missions. I think that's why I joined Starfleet so long ago, for the thrill of the battle, the rush of the moment. I guess that whatever happens, I'll always have the comfort of my ship. End of Log Entry. Lt. Commander Foreman sat reading on his sofa. The sudden ring of the door chime brought him out of his book. He said, "Enter." The doors slid open, revealing Lt. Whitney Gallimore in her usual brilliant air. She said once the doors closed behind her, "Hey, Brad." Foreman marked his place, and laid the book down on the table. "What brings you over here?" he said, motioning for her to sit down. She answered, "I don't know, just wanted to see you." "About what?" he asked. "I was just wondering something, what type of wedding do you want?" Foreman looked surprised. "You mean you haven't even started planning yet?" Whitney looked away and said softly, "Not really." Brad let out a big sigh, and said sarcastically, "What are we gonna do with you? Well, would you like me to help you with the planning?" She answered, "That's why I came over here." Foreman raised his eyebrows casually. "Ah." She continued, "So, do you want a traditional wedding, or a contemporary one?" Brad thought for a moment, then said, "Well, I lean more towards the traditional, but whatever you want." "Me too, I think that it's the best way." "Okay, then, it's settled. But, you do know that now I can't help you with some things, right? Like the dress?" "I know, I wasn't gonna let you see it anyway," she said, smiling. "Okay, now that we got that out of our way, what about the cake?" She smiled, "I think I have the perfect idea for a cake." "Oh, really? What is it?" "I can't tell you." "Hey, wait a minute, tradition says nothing about me not getting to see the cake!" "Yeah, but I do!" Foreman smiled, knowing she had a valid point. He continued, "You mean I can't even stick my finger in the icing?" "Nope, you can't even see the cake." Brad frowned sarcastically, and then said, "You know, I can't wait to see you in your dress." "You will, Brad, soon enough. It's just two and a half weeks until the big day." "Yeah, I know, but this one day alone couldn't fit into two months." Whitney laughed, and then stood, saying, "Well, I gotta get to the Bridge, the Bozeman is supposed to stop by a mock-mine field, and I have to 'target practice', see ya!" �Bye, Whitney, I love you." She kissed him squarely on the lips, and she said as she turned to go, "I love you too!� He smiled as she passed through the automatic door, and then picked back up his book. The Bozeman sat quietly in her dock. Onboard, in the Exobiology Lab, was an unusual specimen the Bozeman had picked up drifting in space just outside the Alpha-Herculae system. It was organic, and was dark red in color. All scans of the object were reflected back; whatever it was didn't want to be scanned. Science Officer Dennis confirmed its intelligence when it moved away from a heat source, along with other tests. Further testing had revealed that the specimen was over three million years old, and that it was growing at a current rate of point-zero-zero-five- two millimeters per year. It was contained in a forcefield, and was awaiting transport to Starfleet's Science Headquarters on Vulcan. Lt. Whitney Gallimore stepped into the Exobiology Lab to get an information padd Captain Bateson had requested. She noticed a reddish object in a forcefield on the opposite side of the room, but payed it little mind. As she looked closer to the object, she saw the padd laying bedside it. She waked over to the padd, and picked it up. As she turned to leave, her vision suddenly blacked out, and her body fell limp on the floor. "Where is Ms. Gallimore? She should've been back by now," an angry Captain Bateson said. Brad Foreman replied, "Sir, would you like me to go down there and get her?" Bateson answered, smiling, "Good idea, Mr. Foreman, get to it." Brad turned and walked onto the turbolift. As it carried him to deck 12, he smiled happily at the chance to see Whitney. The turbolift slowed to a stop, and he got off. He whistled to himself as he walked down the corridor. Turning the corner, the doors of the Exobiology Lab opened before him. The lab was dark, and Foreman said, "Computer: lights." The computer acknowledged, and the room suddenly lit up. As he rounded a diagnostic device, he saw Whitney lying in a heap on the floor. He ran over to her, and shouted, "Medics!" He checked her pulse, then whispered, "Whitney, hang on, please hang on." Foreman sat in the waiting room of the Bozeman's Sick Bay. He had been there for hours, waiting to hear anything about Whitney. Suddenly, Dr. Karl Hayter entered the room. Foreman stood up, and said, "How is she?" Hayter replied, "It's hard to say right now, we don't even know what happened to her." Brad answered, "Do you know when you'll know anything?" "I do know that you can go in and see her now." "Thanks, Karl." "Right this way." Brad Foreman walked into the room where Whitney lay motionless on her bed. He walked over beside the bed, and sat down on the edge. He stroked her soft brown hair gently, and said, "Whitney, come back to me. I know, deep down inside, you can hear me. I miss hearing your laughter, seeing your smile, touching your face. I don't want to have to get married by myself, so you have to be there. Whitney, I love you, you can�t leave me!" He stroked her hair once again, then got up and left the room. Captain's Personal Log, Stardate: 54609.24. The entire ship is at a loss. Lt. Whitney Gallimore's condition is doing all but better. Apparently, from what we can tell, her essence, her "life-force", is gone. We have no idea where this "life-force" is, or even if it still exists. I talked to Foreman recently, he's pretty quiet. As for me, I don't think it could get much worse. After hearing the news, I left the Bridge, I just couldn't take it anymore. The Bozeman is scheduled to leave in three weeks, Foreman's wedding is to be held a week from tomorrow. I can only hope that Ms. Gallimore's condition will improve. End of Log Entry. Captain Bateson walked silently to Sick Bay. It was late, so he didn't expect to see anyone else about. As he entered Whitney's room, he thought to himself, Well, here goes. Bateson walked over to her bed, and sat down in the chair next to it. He opened his mouth, and said, "Whitney, I've only known you for about year, and already I feel as if I have ever since I was in my time. I can't stand to loose you, the only one I have ever truly loved in literally a century. I know that Foreman holds the key to your heart, but, I'm good at picking locks." Bateson chuckled, then hid his face in his hands. Just then, Lt. Commander Foreman walked up and said, "Sir?" Bateson looked up through teary eyes, "Foreman, I might as well tell you now, while I have the chance and the courage." Foreman asked, puzzled, "Tell me what, sir?" Bateson took a deep breath. "Foreman, I don't know if you've realized this or not, but I've preferred Ms. Gallimore in the past over anybody else when it came to safely and away teams. There's a reason. I have been attracted to her ever since I met her, what guy isn't, but over the past year, it's grown into something that I fear I can't stop. Foreman, in spite of this shocker to you, I don't want you to even consider calling anything off for anyone. Your love for her is beyond mine, in so many ways. I could never be half the man for her you already are, Foreman, and your love can only get stronger. Please understand why I had to tell you." Foreman stood there for a moment, then he replied, "Sir, I cannot control another person's feelings, and I understand why you had to get this out in the open, I've been in your shoes, sir, I know how it eats you up inside to hold something in you can't tell anyone. Sir, I want you to be in my wedding, will you conduct the services?" Bateson thought for a moment, then said, smiling, "Foreman, I'll be there in my best. Thank you, Brad, for letting me tell you." "You're quite welcome, sir. Sir, what's the latest?" "Well, her condition hasn't improved, but she's stable at that. They haven't even fully explained what happened to her, or what caused it, but I feel confident they will." "Sir?" "Yes, Foreman?" Brad cleared his throat. "I want to thank you, for being there for her, through thick and thin, you really do mean a lot to her, sir." "Thanks, Foreman. As much as I'd like to stay, the Bozeman needs me, I'll see you later, Brad." "Aye, sir." As Bateson left, Foreman sighed, thinking of what had just occurred. The reddish object stirred suddenly in it�s containment field. Various alarms went off as the creature moved closer to the force field's edge. Suddenly, the doors to the lab whooshed open, revealing Mike Dennis skidding around the corner. He ran over to the field, analyzing it with his tricorder. He tapped his comm-badge, and said, "Dennis to Captain. The force field's energy is apparently being absorbed by the creature, sir. Recommend we destroy it." Bateson replied, "Negative, Dennis, we still haven't identified whether or not this thing is the last of it's kind. How are you going to justify killing off a species to Starfleet?" "Aye, sir," Dennis replied. "Then what do you propose I do, sir?" Bateson cleared his throat, "Mike, get outta there, that thing could be dangerous if it destroys that field. Once you've gotten outside the lab, seal off the doors and close off all energy to the lab, understood?" Dennis answered, "Aye, sir, Dennis out." Mike ran to the exit, turning around through the door. He stared in surprise at the flash of light coming from the containment field. As the light dimmed out, the creature floated toward the exit. Mike quickly closed and locked the doors, and switched on the overhead security monitor on the console next to the door. He watched in amazement as another quick flash of light engulfed the creature. The light faded away, and the creature was gone. Brad Foreman stood outside Whitney�s quarters. It was his duty to retrieve her things for her transfer to the Federation Headquarters� Hospital in San Francisco. He let out a sigh as he stepped forward, walking through the open doors into the dark quarters of his love. As the doors swished closed behind him, he ordered, "Computer: lights." The mechanical click of an answer was heard, followed by the room lighting up. As he walked around the room, not sure where to start, something caught Brad's eye in a darkened corner of the room. As he walked over to that corner, he ordered, "Computer: more lights in my location." As the computer complied to his order, he gasped in surprise at what he saw. There, hovering just above a picture of Whitney on a table, was the unknown lifeform that was supposed to be under study in the Exobiology Lab. He tapped his communicator, saying, "Foreman to Captain." Bateson replied after a short pause, "This is Bateson, go ahead." Foreman answered, "Sir, I think I've found the missing lifeform." "Oh, really, where?" "Sir, it's in Ms. Gallimore's quarters." Bateson paused. "Interesting. Anything else?" Foreman answered, "Yes, sir. It's floating in mid-air just above a picture of Whitney. What do you think it means?" Bateson paused again. "I don't know, Foreman, but I recommend we leave it as it is, we've already seen it consumes any form of energy we try and contain it in. Stay put, Foreman, I'm coming down there." After a short wait, the doors flew open, revealing Captain Bateson, Counselor Rickman, and Derek Kestner. Almost immediately, the Counselor spoke, "I sense something very, very familiar." Kestner asked, "What?" Ashley continued, "I don't know, it is as if someone or something is trying to block what I sense, but it is definitely there, sir. For some reason, I can't sense exactly what it's thinking, only emotions, it's like the creature is filtering what it let's me sense. " Bateson said, "Try to figure out what it is, in the mean time, Kestner, scan the creature." Derek replied, flipping open his tricorder, "Aye, sir." Rickman cut in, "Sir, whatever I sense is coming from the creature, along with the power that's blocking my ability to tell what it is I'm sensing." Kestner reported, "Sir, as before, the scans are being reflected back, everywhere except for the bottom portion of the being, sir." Bateson cleared his throat. "And?" Derek looked up, "What scans I can get through are coming back human brain tissue, sir." Bateson continued, "Counselor, I have no idea of your exact powers, but is there anyway you can concentrate your probes on that portion of the creature?" Rickman replied, "Aye, sir, I will." After a short pause, an enormous smile spread across her face. Derek asked her, "What is it?" Rickman answered, "I am sensing a feeling of love, sir, great love and admiration." Bateson cut in, "Toward who?" Rickman remained silent for a moment, then replied, "It's directed toward Lt. Commander Foreman, sir." Foreman raised both his eyebrows. He said, "Counselor, why would this being have feelings like that toward me?" None of then could answer that. After a long pause, Bateson broke the silence by saying, "Counselor, is it possible that we are dealing with two separate beings here?" Ashley replied, "It is possible, sir, but what leads you to believe that?" Bateson said, "You'll see, if I'm right about this." He walked over to the replicator in the wall. He punched something in, then said, "Computer, give me a bowl of sand." The computer answered, "Specify." Bateson rolled his eyes. "I don't give a damn where the sand's from, just give me sand! How about from Daytona Beach on Earth?" Suddenly, in the replicator platform, materialized a clear glass bowl of white sand. Bateson took the bowl over to the table where the creature was hovering, and poured it out on the tabletop. He stood back, saying, "Everyone keep your eyes on the sand." For a while, nothing happened. Then, a tiny, dim light began to emerge from the creature. The light, focused like a beam, began to enter the sand. As the light moved through the sand, it formed letters. Bateson read aloud, "W-H-I-T-N-E-Y: Whitney." Foreman shifted suddenly on his legs. He said, "Sir, what does that mean?" Bateson replied, "Foreman, Where was Ms. Gallimore found?" In the Exobiology Lab, next to the containment fie-" his voice trailed off. He immediately turned to Kestner. "Derek, are there any hand-held tractor beams available on the ship?" Derek replied, "To my knowledge, there should be one or two in the primary classrooms." Bateson cut in, "Bateson to Ms. Hill." A short time later, a voice replied, "This is Ms. Hill, sir, go ahead." Bateson cleared his throat. "I need a tractor beam in Ms. Gallimore's quarters immediately." Ms. Hill answered, "Aye, sir, I should be there in the next ten minutes." Bateson said, "Thank you, Ms. Hill, Bateson out." Counselor Rickman cut in, "Sir, what are you going to do with a tractor beam?" Bateson smiled, "I'm gonna join someone with something they've missed." A short time later, Bateson had the being in the tractor beam, walking to Sick Bay. As the group walked together, Foreman said, "Sir, do you think you can actually join Whitney back with her body?" Bateson replied, "I don't know, Foreman, I just don't know." As they rounded the corner leading to Sick Bay, Kestner said to Foreman, "I hope this works." Foreman replied, "Me, too, buddy.� Foreman sighed, and said under his breath, �Me too." Bateson walked over to the bed where the motionless body of Whitney lay breathing only by life support. Bateson released the creature from the tractor beam, and it floated silently over until it was directly over Whitney's head. A glowing light emitted from the creature, directed on Whitney's body. The glow lasted for a long time, then it suddenly stopped, and the creature disappeared. The before motionless hand of Ms. Gallimore now slowly moved toward Brad. He reached out, clasping it in his own. And, as suddenly as her eyes had closed those many days ago, they opened, and looking into Foreman's eyes. Her beautiful lips moved, and she said, "I love you." Foreman smiled broadly. "I love you, too." Great cheers filled Sick Bay. Foreman said to Counselor Rickman, "What are you sensing now?" She replied, "Oh, sir, a much greater feeling of love than before, great love and happiness." Foreman looked into Whitney's eyes, and then kissed her on the forehead. "Welcome back," he said gently. "I didn't think I ever left," she replied, smiling. Brad Foreman stood waiting at the alter. Actually, it was the speaking platform in the Observation Lounge. He waited as the usual formalities took place, the Bride's Maids walking down the isle with their tuxedoed partners. Then, finally, the Maid of Honor, Counselor Ashley Rickman, was led down the isle by the Best Man, Derek Kestner. Then, as those two finally took their positions, the wedding march started. Everyone stood, and the rear doors swooshed open, revealing Whitney soon-to-be-Foreman with her grandfather leading her down the isle. As they made their way down the long isle, Brad looked her dress up and down. It was the traditional white, but had a hint of blue in the glimmer. Cut low, and tailored for her body, it was the most beautiful thing Foreman had ever seen, of course, he was a bit partial. As her grandfather turned to sit down she continued up the steps until they were side by side. Captain Bateson motioned for the guests to sit, and he opened the book he held in his hand. He cleared his throat, and said, "Members of the Bozeman, family of the soon-to-be-wed, honored guests. Welcome to the biggest event this ship has seen in it's entire history. We gather here today to wed these to love birds in matrimony, according to Federation Law Sixteen-dash-eight- four-two which states, 'No law shall be made to compromise the inalienable right for couples to wed'. Folks, this right has stretched back thousands of years and is still one of the most loving things one person can do for another. �The two persons we are wedding today have been though a lot together, like all starship crewmen and women are. And, through all that, their love remained. And, because of that love, we are here today. Now, I know you all are tired of listening to me lecture on, and I'll bet most of you are thinking, Gee, when�s the cake?�-small laughs were heard throughout the seats. �So, to not keep you waiting, I'll get started. May I have the rings, please?� A small boy, Foreman�s cousin, handed the rings to Captain Bateson. Foreman�s was a simple wedding band, but Whitney�s was a magnificent diamond gem embedded in 24 karat gold. Bateson cleared his throat. �Mr. Foreman, place this ring on your bride�s finger, as a reminder of the love you feel for her.� Foreman slid the gold ring over Whitney�s ring finger, then turned back to Bateson. Bateson continued, �Ms. Gallimore, place this wedding band on Mr. Foreman�s finger, as a reminder of the love you feel for him.� Whitney took Brad�s hand, sliding the band down his finger. Bateson said, �Brad Foreman, do you take Ms. Whitney Gallimore to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold until natural forces bid you apart?� Foreman replied, "I do, sir." Bateson turned to Whitney. "And do you, Ms. Whitney Gallimore, take Brad Foreman to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold until natural forces bid you part?" Whitney smiled, "With pride, sir." Bateson smiled, then said, "All right then. By the power vested in me by the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Foreman lifted the veil, put his arms around her, and kissed her. As they backed away, Foreman said, "I love you." Whitney smiled, "I love you, too." Epilogue The Reception was in full swing. People were dancing, enjoying the wonderful food prepared by the Bozeman's cooks, laughing, and generally having a good time. Whitney spoke up to the guests, "May I please have your attention? Now, this is the moment that you've all been waiting for: the cake. Captain Bateson, if you please?" Bateson walked over beside the curtain that concealed the cake. He said, "Are you ready?" Great cheers of "Yes!" filled the Lounge. Bateson said, "Okay, here goes!" He pulled the string to open the curtains, revealing the cake. Foreman gasped in surprise. It was a three-layered cake, with each layer equal in size. As he looked closer, he saw a chess board on each level, and pieces on the boards: a 3-D chess game, one of his favorites. At the top was a holo-projector. As he watched the program flashing before him, he saw himself walking up to a podium on a stage. the stage had the designs of Starfleet Academy and the Federation emblem decorated on it. Foreman recognized this as his graduation day. Whitney brought him out of his train of thought by saying, "This was a...sad time for Brad, believe it or not. This was when he was leaving the Academy, and he had no idea whether or not he would ever see me again, after all, this is a big Galaxy. This is something that I haven't told him, and I've waited until now because I feel this is the perfect time. I was also sad that day, Brad, for much the same reason you were. I had just began to love you, and Starfleet was tearing you away from me before I even got to know you. Whether by fate or not, I don�t know, we both ended up on the Bozeman. And what a past few years it's been! I just wanted you to know, I have loved you as much as you love me, as long as you have loved me, and I will love you as long as you love me." She was in tears, and Brad embraced her in a loving hug, followed by an even more loving kiss. Brad whispered in her ear, "Thanks, Whitney, and as long as this Galaxy is around, I will love you with all my heart, mind, and soul." She replied, "I love you, too, Brad, and I always will." The crowd erupted in cheers. Two hours later... Brad Foreman walked briskly down the corridor in the direction of Whitney Foreman's quarters. He rounded the corner, and stepped through the doors that opened before him. He walked across the room, and said to Whitney, "Are you almost ready?" She answered him, "Sure, just give me a few more minutes." She was packing various outfits into her large suitcase. Brad looked at the items, naming each one off to himself mockingly, "A blue shirt, a pair of red pants, a red dress, oh, look what we have here." He stopped her for a minute, and looked at the item in her hand, "Were we planning on swimming?" She smiled, "I thought I'd come prepared." He smiled back, "I'm not sure if I can let you take that. After all, if people see you in that, they're gonna get pretty jealous of me." He gave her a devilish wink, and she just shoved the bathing suit in with the rest of the clothes, sticking her tongue out at him. Brad kissed her cheek and said, "What are we gonna do with you?" She replied, "I don't know, but I'm done packing. Let's go, shall we?" "We shall." Morgan Bateson sat in his command chair, awaiting Starfleet's signal for the Bozeman to leave space dock. He swiveled around to face Wizz Dayton, and said, "Wizz, has the Gallimore II left Shuttle Bay yet?" Wizz replied, "No, sir, the Foreman's are scheduled to leave within the hour." Bateson said, "Get me the inside of the Gallimore on speakers." Wizz punched a few buttons on his control board, then said, "On speakers, sir." Bateson stood, "U.S.S. Gallimore, this is Captain Bateson, come in." A voice from the other end said, "This is Mrs. Foreman, sir, what is it?" Bateson replied, smiling, "I just wanted to tell you that you can leave a little early, and to hear your voice one more time before you go. After today, I won't hear it for a three weeks." The smile in his voice made Whitney laugh, "Aye, sir, we'll be taking off in three minutes then. Anything else, sir?" Bateson became somber, "Yes, be careful out there, even though you are going around it, the Farpoint sector has been known for trouble." "Aye, sir, we will. Foreman out." The Starfleet Compact ship Gallimore II sat powerless in the Bozeman's Shuttle Bay. On board, Brad and Whitney Foreman sat at the controls, powering up ship systems. This new class, designated the Compact Class, was top of the line. She came equipped with photon and quantum torpedoes, plus the usual phaser banks. With a maximum warp of 7.6, and her own powerful matter-antimatter reactor, she was truly state of the art for her size. With three decks, including a holo-deck, and two captain�s size quarters, this ship was extremely luxurious. As she left the Bay, her nacelles barely fit through the Bay Doors, and her top came within inches of clearing it. Once out, despite her small size, she commanded attention. Brad Foreman sat at the helm, adjusting her course past the planets. He turned to Whitney after they cleared Pluto, and said, "I am still in awe how Starfleet packed so much punch into this little thing." She replied, "I know. But I think it has something to do with her name." She smiled at him, and he said, nodding his head, "I bet that's what it was." After setting the autopilot, Brad turned, got up, and said, "Well, I don't know about you, but I think a nice swim in the holo-deck would suffice right now, how about you?" Whitney replied, "Sure, let�s go." She got up as well, took Brad�s hand, and led him off to their quarters. Captain�s Log: Stardate: 54612.7. Brad and Whitney Foreman have been on their honeymoon on Onyx II for five days now. We heard from them yesterday, said they were doing fine. I feel so happy for her, being with the man she loves. Anyway, the Bozeman is on patrol again, this time near Cardassian Territory. End of Log Entry. |
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