here comes the bride...[the rescue pt.1]

[arabella]

A week. It had been one week since she had been brought back. In that time she had woken up on a disguised Alliance ship, been brought back to Catherwood Estate, been left without food for three days, spent time in dress fittings, spent time with her betrothed and his father, watched the people who took her get a beating of words for returning her banged up, been kept away from Bettie and Kyle, and only allowed to leave her room for activities approved by her grandmother. Her grandmother thought this return was for the best. The “small” ceremony of 150 guests organized and being set up below as she sat in the window sit. Arabella wiped at the tears for probably the thousandth time since she had arrived. The crew of the Horizon were still there to make sure things went smoothly. Smoothly for everyone but Arabella.

She stared down at the ring from her arranged fiancée. He had the matching all diamond and silver band down with him. She stared down as the florists came in to put their touches on the scene. In a little over two hours time she would be Arabella Alexandria Elizabeth Marie Hart-St. James. The name simply tasted bad in her mouth. The two had known each other previously. They had danced at several balls and had lunch together; even seeing each other at dinners. But there was no chemistry. He wasn’t a good match. While she was reserved and didn’t like the lavish lifestyle of the elite, he lived it up to the fullest by blowing his money on needless things and liquor. He would eat up his family’s money as well as her family’s. While she didn’t care for her grandmother’s money either, it was a simply fact. They couldn’t even talk. Not like she could with people from the Lenora. Well, at least Rade.

She missed her friend. Being locked up in her old room made her miss him more and more. All she hoped was he hadn’t been killed. No one would tell her. Had they found the crew? Was Ari, Connor and the rest of the crew alright? Those questions plagued Arabella as she laid awake each night. All she remembered of that day was watching Rade push the cart around. She had given him the newest charm she brought. Her hand absently fiddled with her bracelet. She’d eventually have to take it off, but she was going to slip it into the little purse she carried with her down the aisle. Full of her “something old, something new…” items. This, was her something old-and dear to her heart. Something she’d never be able to part with.

Her hair was already ready. Curled with a silver and diamond tiara delicately place within. Her make-up still needed to be done, which a ladies maid would be in to do soon enough. Bettie had snuck up the night before to talk to her. She had told Arabella not to worry, that she was looking out for. That all she had to do was be patient and she would take care of everything. And that a friend said to not forget what they said about men and guns. That’s when she knew, that Bettie had talked to the crew. To Rade. It gave her some relief, but she was afraid as well. She didn’t want any of them to get hurt after all. She wanted the crew to be safe and sound. She hoped that she wasn’t putting anyone at risk if they did come.

But they hadn’t come in this past week.

So they probably weren’t.

The note from Kyle had been just as unexpected. Well, more so. She clutched it at the moment, her thoughts lost in it as the ladies maid came in to do her makeup. Her eyes glazed over in thought as her thoughts darted in and out of memories from nearly five, six years ago. Of nights being entwined in each others arms, and secretly sneaking away in the morning. The afternoons when her grandmother napped and she went to the servants quarters, where he made them a private lunch and he read her lovely poems. Her ridding lessons where he helped her teacher when she was a young girl were her earliest memories of him. The most bitter one being where she left him not once, but twice. The first to stop seeing him and the second to leave Londinium. But despite that, he still loved her and thought of her often. He still had all the photos they had taken together-just like she still had her copies. Kyle wanted her to leave with him, the first moment possible. She could create a new identity and they could get married. Start a family. One they had dreamed about. But Arabella was no longer sure if she felt the same. She only thought of him in the lonelier moments of traveling; not these past few months which had been good and happy. The ones where she made friends.

She hardly noticed when the woman finished her make-up and the other came to help her in her wedding gown. It was gorgeous by all standards-breathtaking really. Snowy satin and silks with diamonds and crystals woven along the bodice and on the straps which went around her neck. It fit her like a glove, which she could run, jump, dance or simply sit in. As the ribbons were pulled around the back, she gazed upon her reflection in the full length mirror. This is what she had been running from. And this is what Arabella had been returned to. This was not who she was. She was not a lady. It was coming back here that she realized her place was beside people who mattered. In her home. The Lenora. With her one true, and dare she say, best friend. And with the crew who she hoped to call friends, maybe even family. As tears began to form, ,she made sure to stop them. There was no need for a screaming fit from her grandmother. Simply, she gulped them back and asked to be left alone. As the last girl left, she heard the click of the lock. Something she had heard several times over the last week.

The only time she was let out was to spend time around her grandmother or her betrothed and his family. It had been torture. Every moment of it. One moment when she mentioned this was not her ideal match, she had been slapped across the face. Knuckles were hit when she forget the manners she learned over the years. She felt like a prisoner. Arabella just wanted to escape again. To run away with nothing more then what pride she had left. Burn this place down and her grandmother in it. This was not her home nor would it ever be.

As she struggled to catch her breath, Arabella’s eyes fell on the wooden trunk of hers. The one she secretly had carried the key for. She looked for her charm bracelet and grabbed at it. Arabella found the discreet key which looked like a charm and inserted it in the hole. With a couple swift turns, it opened. Her grandmother had been unable to open. All her treasures were in there. Photos, her favorite books-and ones she hadn’t read yet; her favorite blankets she had made, her doll her mother had made years ago. Some jewelry lied in a box at the bottom, the pieces she cared about, which were stored next to the photos. How she had missed her treasured items. Her hands pulled out the carousel horses which hummed a tinkled lullaby. It helped to ease her nerves.

As she collapsed to the ground, Arabella’s legs folded underneath her. The locks of her yellow hair fell down around her shoulders and into her face. The note form Kyle was dropped into the trunk, with every other one he had ever written her. After the lullaby had ran out, she tucked it away and locked her trunk back up. As she lifted herself from the ground, Arabella found her way back to the window seat and resumed watching as fate played the cruelest hand she had ever seen.

[kyliegrasan]

Kylie was walking the premises on Catherwood Estate, checking in on the marines who were posted outside. Her friend Barney the engineer, along with several others had put a hub in a tent next to the house. Of all the strange things the Alliance had made her do during her time, this was the strangest. Attending a wedding? And for what? To make sure no one would come and steal the bride away? Absolutely ridiculous.

But, it sure helped the time pass by quicker. The Esteem had been in drydock for almost a week now, and it probably would be a couple of more weeks before it was repaired entirely and until then the Esteem crew was assigned to the Naval base on Londinium.

Kylie didn't mind though. It felt good to have some firm ground below her feet, and breathing actual air for a change instead of recycled CO₂. And the wind on her face, another thing she had missed for so long. As far as she was concerned, the Esteem could remain damaged until her servicetime was up.

She stood in front of Catherwood Estate, and looked at it with dreamy eyes. Oh how she would love to spend just one night in a fairytale castle like that. Kylie could only imagine what it was like not having to do a thing, to have everything done by servants who would make life as easy as they could for you. Three square meals a day, and not just any food. The best and the most exquisite. Food a Persephonian girl like Kylie could only dream about. Maybe during the wedding she'd be able to steal a tray of hors d'oeuvres and take it to the command hub.

Dreaming in front of the estate made Kylie forget all about the past couple of weeks. The Reaver attack, not sleeping on the Esteem afterwards, pulling 24 hour shifts because it was not manned sufficiently, freezing her butt off on St. Albans...
For the first time in weeks her more playful side surfaced again, and her curiosity got the best of her once more.

Kylie started walking through the grass and toward the main building of the estate. The sun shined in the grass, which really accented its green color. This grass seemed like it was well taken care off, and here and there daisies popped out.

When she arrived at the mansion house, she took a quick peek through the window at the left side of the door. It looked like what appeared to be a study. The room looked classy, and Kylie figured this room alone must've costed more than her parental house back on Persephone.

She walked over to another window on the right and looked into what looked like a lounge. It was very classy as well. It had a fireplace with a large mirror above it, and the chandelier was made of something that looked like diamonds.

"Lieutenant Grasan, come in. Kylie, you out there?"

Kylie almost wet herself when her communicator went off. It might as well been a balloon that got popped. Probably because she was doing something she wasn't supposed to. She grabbed her comm from her shoulder and pushed the button on it.

"I'm here. Go ahead Barney." Kylie said.

"I need to set up a camera inside overlooking the garden area." Barney said. "But the ol' lady won't let us go inside without an officer present. Wanna tag along?"

Kylie smiled. At least that gave her an excuse to check out the mansion from inside.

"Sure thing, Barn." Kylie replied. "I'll be right there."

Kylie hurried herself to the side of the building, where they had set up the command tent. Barney already had the camera in his hands.

"There you are." Barney said. "Alright, I need to set this one up on the second floor, overlooking the garden. Ol' lady Catherweather or whatever her name is doesn't allow the enlisted in without an officer. You good to go?"

"Sure Barn, let's go." Kylie replied. "And I think the name's Catherwood. But whatever, let's just get that cam set up, alright?"

Kylie and Barney entered the estate through the servants' entrance, and made their way through the kitchen, a small dining area and the lounge with the fireplace and giant mirror until they reached the entrance hall with the stairs. Both of their eyes almost popped out of their skulls, since the entire house itself was something two people from the Persephone Eavesdown Docks area never saw before.

They walked up the stairs to the second floor and Barney entered one of the guest bedrooms and started installing the camera. He was done after 5 minutes or so and then returned back to Kylie, who had been checking out the hallway in the meantime.

"All done." Barney said. "Let's head back."

Kylie gave Barney a naughty look. She wanted to see the third floor as well and was hoping her friend would join her.

"You ehm... wanna check out the third floor as well?" Kylie asked.

"I don't know." Barney replied. "Do you think we should? I'd hate to run into ol' lady Catherwhatever. That woman gives me the creeps!"

"Come on, live a little!" Kylie replied. "We can always say we were investigating a noise."

Kylie started walking up the stairs to the third floor, and Barney, slightly reluctant, followed her. There were only two rooms on the third floor.

"Gorrammit Kylie, this must be the ol' lady's room!" Barney said. "Let's split before she sees us here!"

"Shush Barn!" Kylie said in a lowered voice. "Do you hear that?"

Barney shook his head. He had no idea what Kylie was talking about.

Kylie could swear she heard someone crying. It came from the room on the right side. The door wasn't closed entirely and once again Kylie's curiosity got the best of her. She needed to know what it was.

She opened the door carefully and took a few steps inside. The crying sound became louder the more she advanced into the small hallway in the room. Kylie looked behind her and saw Barney making all kinds of faces and gestures telling her she shouldn't go in.
She waved at Barney to stop making those gestures and went further into the room. She peeked around the corner and saw a young girl sitting there on the bed. Crying. She was wearing a wedding gown and Kylie realized that this young girl was the bride. She felt sorry for her, but didn't understand why she was crying. It wasn't out of happiness, because she didn't look happy at all. Wasn't a wedding supposed to be the best day of your life.

Barney took a peek around the corner as well and saw that both him and Kylie were somewhere they shouldn't be.

"Oh rut!" Barney whispered. "That's the bride! Let's get outta here!"

Barney started pulling on Kylie's arm, but Kylie resisted. She wanted to look at the young girl a bit longer. Also ask her what was up, although in the back of her head she knew she probably shouldn't. She started resisting Barney's constant pulling.

"Barney! Let go!" Kylie whispered back.

Barney let go off Kylie's arm, causing her arm to catapult itself against a vase that stood on a table in front of her. The vase unavoidably fell down on the floor.

CLANG.

Kylie just stood there all stiff. Busted. Barney made a run for it while Kylie just made the biggest 'Oops' face in history.

The young girl shook and turned around, to see where the ruckus was coming from.

"Ehm... ehm... hi!" Kylie stuttered, not knowing what was going to happen next.

[arabella]

Arabella shook her head at everything she saw below. The gardens and lawns were transformed since yesterdays. Somewhere over a hundred seats were set up in front of the arch, which had been elaborately decorated with florals and silks. Each seat had it’s own satin cover with a cluster of roses and peonies on the back. The white runner was covered in rose petals. Off near the back patio area was the reception area. Round tables with beautiful yet overdone centerpieces were set up, the chairs decorated the same as the ceremony area. There was the sweethearts table. Where her and Ashton would be left alone.

Today was going to be the worst day of her life.

She hadn’t realized she had been crying again until she felt the tears hit her shoulders. It was almost robotic how she reached up and wiped them away. The ceremony wasn’t for another hour yet she was already done up like a doll. She couldn’t stand the site below anymore and puttered across the room to the bed. Her dress ruffled out around her as she stared at the room which had become foreign to her. This had never been home. While it was beautifully decorated, it wasn’t what she wanted. Her grandmother had decorated this place. The only thing that were hers she had packed into the trunk. There were a few she had out in the room, but they weren’t worth as much to Arabella personally.

Arabella saw the clothes she had been taken in in a pile on the floor of the bathroom. The maids weren’t allowed in here often. Today was supposed to be their day to clean. As she was being married, they were to do laundry and get rid of the “filthy” clothing. Or that’s how her grandmother viewed them. Anything not custom made in the richest of fabrics was filthy in her mind. Arabella riffled through the hidden pockets to find what she was looking for. There was a little wallet sized carrier of photos she had taken in her travels. As she tenderly made her way back to the bed,, the sheets bunched up with her dress.

The first was one of her and Bettie the day before she left. Others were places she had been in her travels. The last were ones more recently. There was a couple she had taken of Brian as he worked in the infirmary, then of Rade flying the Riley. There was one that Delilah had taken of Arabella cooking and Rade was in the kitchen as they shared a talk. Arabella couldn’t stop the sobs. She hadn’t even gotten to develop the ones she had taken from when the first day of the Lenora. Ones of the crew and the ship.

The pictures fell in her lap as she reached for the hankie that had become a constant accessory. Apparently her grandmother ha prepared with waterproof makeup. The only the on the cloth was some of her councilor which would more then likely be touched up. All she wanted was off this God forsaken planet. But this time she was stuck. She was certain at her new home there’d be just as many safe guards to make sure she wouldn’t leave again. They were to live with his family until their new home was finished being built and decorated. Plus security would be put in and the codes kept from her. This only increased the tears and the shakes that traveled through her body. All the girl wanted was to go home, not to stay in her prison. But instead they wanted to keep her here and make sure she was miserable and couldn’t live her life how she wanted. And Arabella wanted to know when her mother was allowed to leave all those years ago.

The sound of the shattered glass made her turn her head. A frozen brunette woman and man fleeing the room caught her off guard. What were they doing here? Those people were supposed to be downstairs to make sure she didn’t leave. Not here. As she was told so many times. They ahd been here all week, since she had been returned. And her cheerfullness was not something she wanted to deal with on something that might as well be her funeral. ”What do you want? You people aren’t even supposed to be in the house.” Her sniffles entered with her sobs as she reached for her pictures, the last ones of her with Delilah’s little pet and her and Rade in the kitchen there like a book. ”Unless it’s time for my…marriage….I don’t want to deal with anyone.” Her head turned and bowed. As he eyes shut, tears clung to the lashes. Not like any of them cared that she didn’t want to be here. Not like any of them cared anything about the bride except to make sure she didn’t bolt and no one came after her. No one cared.

[kyliegrasan]

You people. That sounded kind of harsh to Kylie. But then again, she was the one in the Alliance uniform, and she knew there were people who wouldn't care for it one bit. It was the reason why the Alliance uniforms didn't have nametags anymore, to make sure whoever was in the Alliance would be left alone when off duty.
Although Kylie did wonder what a rich girl like this could have against the Alliance. Like the rest of the Esteem crew, she had no idea Arabella had been kidnapped and was forced to marry against her will.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude." Kylie answered as she squared down to pick up what remained of the vase. "Barn... err... Chief Callahan and I needed to come in to install a camera on the second floor and well, our curiosity got the better of us I'm afraid."

Kylie picked up the shattered remains of the vase and put them on the table where the vase stood before.

"It's just that there's no houses like this where I grew up." Kylie said. "Being here for me is like being in a fairytale."

But the bride didn't seem too happy at all. Didn't she want to get married? It weren't exactly tears of joy she seemed to be crying. Kylie knew she probably shouldn't ask, but she just couldn't see the poor girl sad and wanted to help.

"Are you okay though? You don't look too good." Kylie said. "Can I get you anything maybe?"

[arabella]

Every guard here was there to make sure that she didn’t leave. Whether they were told straight tout of not, that was the reason. Her grandmother also had too much pride to admit it. She liked everyone to assume that she had been kidnapped years ago. Yes, that was the story that Cathleen wanted everyone to think. A band of thieves. Poor Arabella, being held against her will as a slave all these years. There was a reputation to hold up after all. Not like she wanted anyone to know that Arabella really didn’t want to be here after all. It could mean a scandal for the family that they could never recover from.

She set aside the photos and got up to find the hankie she had been using earlier. Good thing the make-up had been left behind. She’d have to touch it up now. ”If she was up here you’d be dead.” Arabella shrugged. ”But don’t worry. You’d be better off then I am even if she found you.” Sarcasm and hatred dripped from each of her words. She couldn’t bear to look outside. By now guests would begin to arrive. She could hear the delicate music of the band used to entertain them before-hand traveling upwards. It was sickening. Literally made her want to throw up. It didn’t help she had hardly eaten all day. Her plate of assorted snacks-cheese, breads, fruits-laid untouched on her dressed.

This girl, she noticed, was different form the other Alliance officers. She wasn’t uptight. There was something rough about her. Reminded her of the crew on the Lenora a bit. Her shoulders traveled up in a shrug at the girls statement. ”One girls fairytale is another horror.” Her words came out in a soft whisper. No one here would understand. This was matters over their heads. What most people didn’t know is most Alliance marriages were arranged for the high classed-like her family. The parents of both families got together to figure out the dowry, where they would live, the age they would marry and who would pay for what. Often before the bride and groom had even met. It was archaic in Arabella’s mind. Then again, she had come to believe in making her own decisions.

With a wave of her hand, she tried to dash away the questions. ”I’m fine. Nothing someone like you would care nor understand.” She knew that she was being rude. But no one aside form Bettie and her friends on the staff seemed to understand everything going on. That Arabella didn’t want to be here and was happy before being brought back. Now all she would have are photographs to look upon for the rest of her life. She sat back down on the bed as she answered the second question to herself. ”All I want is to go home.”

[aaronpark]

Aaron was putting on his tuxedo in his room on the second floor. He couldn't believe he was the best man at the wedding of a person he hardly even liked. Then again, everything on Londinium was political and that was one of the reasons he hadn't come back to this planet since going to the Academy.

Legran and the groom had been friends during childhood, but over time Aaron started too think of him as arrogant and pompous. One or the other, he could deal with (but not both). When he came with the rest of the Esteem, Aaron hoped he wouldn't be remembered fondly enough to be roped in to this kind of thing. This whole situation has my grandfather's prints all over it, thought the pilot as he looked himself up and down in the mirror. He also didn't like the luxury of the room, it was nice and all, but...

He felt like this was being forced on him, he was being elevated by no merit of his own and he despised it. His bow tie was slightly crooked but it was intentional. Might as well rebel a little. He realized the pettiness, however, and straightened it out. He glance at the clock and began heading to the door when he heard someone coming. He opened it slightly, saw Barney coming and held out a hand.

Barney stopped suddenly. "You do realize you're not supposed to be here without an officer, and right now I don't count, right?" Aaron asked.

"Oh, I'm here with Lieutenant Grasan... we were installing some equipment..." Barney was a little nervous to say the least. Barney and Aaron never really knew each other too well and the formality showed it.

"Look, just head down stairs and if anyone asks, tell them it was my fault," he laughed and patted him on the back. Aaron then proceeded quietly and slowly up the stairs to see what was going on. It has to be more interesting than the wedding.

[kyliegrasan]

Kylie sighed. Well at least she tried to be nice. It was obvious this girl had to get married against her own will, but that was the Alliance upperclass for ya. Maybe they weren't there to keep anyone from getting in, it was more likely they were there to keep the bride from getting out. But she didn't know for sure. Only those spooks from The Horizon knew what was going on.

'Someone like her wouldn't understand.' That sounded really harsh, but the girl was probably right. Kylie was just a simple girl from the Persephone Eavesdown Docks area after all. Sure, Persephone had their own upperclass as well but it was nothing Kylie knew anything about. Yet, Kylie wondered who the girl meant when she said that. The simple girl from Persephone or the Alliance officer.

In any case, Kylie knew she had outworn her welcome. This girl needed help but Kylie figured as long as she wore that uniform the girl would never accept any help from her. It was time to get back to her shipmates, back to 'her' people.

"Right." Kylie said. "On that note, I'll get out of your hair. Good luck, and best wishes."

Kylie meant what she said with good luck and best wishes. She had always believed in karma and it stated that when you wished well upon others, you'd be well yourself.

She turned around and left the room, closing the door to ensure the girl's privacy. She started walking down the stairs and then bumped into a friendly face.

"Ah, Aaron. Skipping shifts as usual I see?" Kylie joked, knowing he had been asked to be the best man.

She took a look at him. He sure looked different in the tuxedo. But at least he got to wear some lighter clothes. Kylie was starting to sweat her butt off wearing a uniform and a tactical vest along with a gun holster.

"Just kidding." Kylie said. "You look good."

She then noticed his bow was hanging crooked. She grabbed it and straightened it out for him.

"Although you do have a knack for wearing your clothing in a less than ordinary way." She said as she was straightening out the bow.

"So you felt like exploring the house a bit too huh?" Kylie asked. "I can save you the trouble of going up there. Nothing interesting. Well, except for the bride of course, but eh... she's not in a very good mood."

[arabella]

Arabella was glad the girl was leaving. But, she also felt a little bad that she had driven her away. Most of the guests seemed to be heading outside so Arabella decided to follow the girl. She still had plenty of time to come up here. Her grandmother would find her, fix her make-up and make her presentable. It’s just help put off the inevitable was her guess as she made her way out the door which hadn’t closed all the way behind the girl. Just Arbaella’s luck. She grabbed a nearby book and wedged it in the door as she pattered down the stairs and followed the voices she heard. Through the stairs and around corners she saw the man that had been in the room with the girl. Her last name was Grasan…

Rade’s sister.

He had mentioned her once in passing. That they weren’t on speaking terms for some reason. It had to be her. She saw the resemblance now as she looked closer. Arabella narrowed her eyes as she approached the best man. Arbaella snarled. She hated the man. Aaron was right up there with Ashton. Both snobs and all around rude. It sent a chill down her spine. Which was probably the warning that someone had seen her come down the stiars. But it was a good someone. It was Bettie. ”You need to get back upstairs right now before she has a fit and all our heads on those platters!” Bettie could barely get the out before Arabella grabbed her around the neck and hugged her tightly. She had missed being near her only true family member. It made her tear up again. ”I know. But I will if you’ll do me something.” She pulled back as Bettie nodded. Arabella pointed to Kylie.

”I need you to tell her that I know her brother, Rade. Tell her exactly ‘Bella, the bride, knows your brother, Rade. You should go see her.’ Or something along those lines but my name, bride and Rade. And please send her up. It’s…important.” It was the only way she’d go back upstairs at this point. If anything came out of this, at least a brother and sister could speak to each other once again. Or so Arabella hoped. As Bettie explained all the dangers to her, she simply shook her head. ”Please. For me. And make sure no one sees you.” Arabella gave her second mother another hug and a peck on the cheek before she turned to head back up the stairs. What she didn’t notice as she slipped back into her room was her old suitor waiting patiently in the shadows. He had heard everything and was waiting for the perfect moment to steal a moment with Arabella. Possibly muddling everything her crew mates had planned; if only they all knew.

[aaronpark]

As his tie got straightened Legran thought sarcastically, Oh no, my devious plan is ruined.

"i really can't blame the bride for feeling that way," Aaron remarked, "The groom is a bit of a," he began whispering, "Ai Chr jze Se Duh Fohn Diang Gho." Legran never really liked the guy and didn't mind saying so. "Essentially, he's like me only a hundred times more arrogant," Aaron continued.

"I still can't believe they're telling people she was kidnapped, I mean...that's what my father tried to say but I refuted it too quickly. Why do you think she left?"
However, at this point a woman came up looking slightly nervous. She appeared as if she had something to say to Kylie.

Aaron was about to tell her that his father had offered to make him the new captain of the Esteem, but Aaron had simply laughed and turned down the offer. He knew it was going to happen and he was thinking about saying yes before he met his father, but his better instincts took over at the appropriate time.

[kyliegrasan]

Kylie didn't understand Aaron. Sure he made a few mistakes in the past, and often used his father and grandfather as an excuse to get away with things, but he did save all of their asses on the bridge during the Reaver attack, and fought valiantly in space later on. He really needed to stop looking down on himself.

"Oh come on Aaron." Kylie said. "You really need to cut yourself a break and start giving yourself some credit. Besides, I spent most my time around the enlisted and they're all grateful for what you did. Everyone who was on the bridge knows they owe you their lives."

Kylie wondered what Aaron meant by the bride not being abducted. But before Aaron could say anything, Kylie was approached by an older woman. She seemed anxious to talk to her.

"Excuse me miss?" The woman said. "If you'll forgive me, I don't know anything about military ranks, but may I have a word with you? In private?"

The woman walked off and Kylie wondered what she wanted. Probably there to give her a message from the old lady herself. Kylie wondered what old lady Catherwood had to complain about next.

"Of course." Kylie answered. "Aaron, I'll see you later. Drop by the tent if you get bored, and anything you can grab from the snacktable or any sort of spirited fluid you can bring would be greatly appreciated."

Kylie gave Aaron a wink, hoping he'd get the message, and then walked over to where the woman was standing.

"I have a message for you from miss Hart, the bride." The woman said.

Just what Kylie needed. Another complaint.

"Look, tell her I'm really sorry for intruding, and for the vase." Kylie said. "But I really need to get back..."

"No, no, no." The woman interrupted Kylie. "It's not that. She wanted me to tell you that she knows your brother Rade, and that she wants you to go see her."

Kylie's jaw dropped. Did she just said Rade? Yes, she did. And that the bride upstairs knew him. But how can that be? Rade was the last person in the 'Verse to involve himself with Alliance upperclass types. Especially after what happened to him in that boarding school. What the hell was going on here? Was Rade on Londinium? Where in the 'Verse did they find the bride anyway?

Kylie didn't answer the woman. Instead she backed up slowly toward the stairs to the third floor and then rushed up them. She needed to know about her brother. If he was on Londinium she wanted to find him and see him. Her path then got briefly blocked by a housemaid.

"Miss, you can't go in there! It..." The maid said but then got shoved aside by Kylie.

"Move lady!" Kylie said as she pushed the maid away. "Official Alliance business!"

She then opened the door to the bride's room again and walked in. The maid was still chasing her, but nothing could get in between Kylie and finding out about her brother.

"No, this is the bride's room, you can't go..." She said.

"Shut the rut up!" Kylie said and then slammed the door shut in the maid's face, locking it so she couldn't disturb anything.

She then walked in the room again, toward the bride.

"Okay, now what the hell is going on here?" Kylie asked.

[arabella]

Arabella snuck her way back up to her room quietly. In her dress it took plenty of maneuvering, considering there were plenty of maids about. The only other thing she didn’t notice was Kyle hiding in the corners of the house. He was well dressed for his normal duties. He was on a mission, one had had divulged to no one. He was hoping to take Arabella away with him. He hoped she still loved him as he watched her sneak back into her room, unbeknownst to the bride. Everything was planned out accordingly-even how they would escape. He just had to wait for the perfect moment.

Arabella walked into the room and settled at her desk. The recreational screen had been removed, replaced with a mirror and various items of make-up. She stared at her own reflection. Just over a week ago she had been completely different. Ridden on beauty products aside form the occasional bit of mascara. She wore simple clothing, nothing as elegant as she had been wearing here. Her hair was left to flow freely or be pulled back as she wished. Not curled or straitened or pinned up perfectly. The calluses on her hand had been smoothed away. They were missed dearly by the hands owner; showed her usage in the kitchen. She even missed practicing with her gun with Rade and before that Brian. She probably would have practiced with Ari once they got to know one another more. Now that she was getting better with her fear, she needed to learn to protect herself-as her friend so bluntly put before her.

This was not who she wanted to be. Yes, she remained neutral when it came to the government. But Arabella was a naïve girl. She didn’t know better about how the Alliance ran versus what was going on in actuality that the Independents wanted others to realize. All she knew was the society’s rules and how to survive out in the universe. And now everything was jumbled up in her head. Her hand reached for the nearest object and threw it against the wall across the room, near the door. Glass shattered as it filled with the perfume of florals. This was her personal Hell.

The commotion outside caught her attention. But not soon enough. Kylie came bursting in as Arabella pushed the cushioned stool back and held up her hands. ”Wait a moment. Please.” Her feet shuffled the few feet to grab her photos. She flipped ot the first one of Rade-of him flying the Riley. ”That’s your brother, isn’t it? Rade Grasan. And you’re his sister.” She flipped through to show her the other one, of herself cooking as Rade sat in the kitchen talking to her. She handed the photos to the girl for her to look closer at for herself. She drew in a depe breath before she shook her head and lowered her voice.

”I’m sorry about before. Just, none of you…guards…know what’s really going on.” She turned about and went to close the door tightly. If her grandmother got word she’d be up here, but not before she spoke. ”You people-the Alliance-took me right off the streets. I was with your brother when they drugged me. From what I gathered they drugged him, but he woke up and got away. Put up a fight too.” Her hands wrung together nervously. Arabella had no clue how she’d react to all of this news. Especially since they probably hadn’t talked in a long time. Her eyes lowered thoughtfully. ”He’s the best friend I have. He’s helped me through a lot.” There was a strained pause on her end before her next statement and question. “He’s only mentioned you in passing, but you’re his sister. You may both lay on opposite sides of the tracks, but I need someone to trust. Especially right now. And, you’re his sister. Your father has helped us in a way and just, I really…” Arabella cut herself off because she was getting choked up. This was a long shot. Kylie was Alliance, even if she was Rade’s sister. But she needed to know if everyone was ok. And just, someone besides Bettie to talk to. Someone…her own age. Bettie didn’t understood that. She was a lost girl being forced to marry someone she didn’t love. Rade understood that; so did Brian and everyone from the Riley. This wasn’t the life she wanted. She wanted the Lenora back.

[kyliegrasan]

Kylie's heart was pounding with excitement from finally hearing something from her brother again, but also with fear. So this girl was taken off the streets, and Rade was there along with her. It definately sounded like him alright, he was always able to get out of sticky situations. Now she knew why two of the Horizon's spooks were injured. The Chinese woman had a patch on her nose, and then there was the man with the dog, whose arm was in a sling. Did Rade do that to them?

She took the pictures from the girl and looked at them. Rade looked well. Better than her father had described. According to him Rade got a bit out of control when the Turner girl died, deliberately getting himself into all sorts of trouble. And then when Peter Henderson died her father said that Rade became a loner, wandering the streets without a real purpose. So this is what he was doing now, flying interstellar cargoships. She was glad that he wasn't alone, and that there were people who could look out for him, making sure he didn't get into trouble.

Although trouble always seemed to find him. Kylie started wondering whether or not those spooks found out who he was. And if so, did they know who she was too? Her next of kin was mentioned in her service record after all. It even had her DNA in it, so if they were able to take a DNA sample of Rade, and match it with the Navy's database, her name would pop up. If what the bride said was true, then Rade was considered a criminal and they would come both after her and their father.

Kylie got tears in her eyes from the thought of her family being in danger. Of all the people Rade could've been with, he had to be in the presence of this one. A runaway bride that was brought back by force by a band of Alliance spooks, who would probably do terrible things with him and make it look like he never existed. And there Kylie was, caught in the crossfire of it all.

"I haven't seen or spoken to my brother in almost five years." Kylie said. "We didn't part on the best terms."

Kylie needed to sit down. She now realized as well that they were there to keep the bride from getting out, but also from Rade's crew getting in. She just hoped he would have enough common sense not to risk something like that. Or that him and whoever he was with didn't know where they took the bride. Where did they take her from to begin with? She needed to know if Rade was on Londinium as well.

"Please," Kylie begged. "You have to tell me where they took you from. Was it on Londinium? Is Rade here? You have to tell me. Please!"

Kylie hoped that Rade was on Londinium and that this girl knew how to get ahold of him. If he was here then she could find him and stop him from doing something stupid like getting this girl back.

[arabella]

"I haven't seen or spoken to my brother in almost five years." Kylie said. "We didn't part on the best terms."

Arabella felt a little uncomfortable here with the girl. She knew Rade, but she was afraid of the questions she might ask. It’s not like she could give her a play-by-play of how he been doing. Plus, she wasn’t going to divulge on how it went about the girls death. That was Rade’s business to tell her or not. Especially since he didn’t speak of her, which means they probably didn’t talk at all. Her eyes fell on the sad gaze in her eyes though. Kylie wanted to speak to her brother again. Arabella would do anything to have her little brother and parents back. To see what kind of man he would have become…

”I figured as much.” She wasn’t being sarcastic, but kind about it. While Kylie’s job was to keep her in and safe, Arabella wanted out. She wondered if they knew that was their job. To make sure there wasn’t a runaway bride. Her head shook form side to side at her desperate questions. ”They took me on Persephone. But I do know how to get a hold of him.” She paused. Arbaella had not been let near any communications machine since her arrival. All she wanted to do was make sure the crew was safe and see if there was any way for her to escape again. She’d even cut off her lovely hair if it meant protecting the crew. She just wanted to escape. ”Can you get me something to send them a wave? One that isn’t being watched? Then I’ll contact him.” Her teeth bit down on her lower lip softly. ”I’m sorry I’d tell you the ship, but unless Rade or Connor want me to, I can’t. Because of, well…” She trailed and hoped it spoke for itself.

It’s not that she didn’t trust the girl. It was only that Rade didn’t speak to her for a reason and she didn’t want to push too many boundaries. Arabella didn’t know that Kylie didn’t want her to be rescued though. No one knew the prison she was living within. If only they did. They may see a girl who is spoiled rotten, but in retrospect, they mean nothing to Arabella. Only where her home is on the Lenora. Arabella, and maybe Kylie, didn't noticed though Kyle slip into the room and hide in the closet. As soon as Kylie disappeared, he’d move in. As soon as he had enough time…

[kyliegrasan]

Kylie wiped her hand across her face. This had to happen to her. Of all the weddings the Alliance could make her attend, she had to be in the one with the kidnapped bride, and on top of that one who knew her brother.

The kidnapped bride said she could get a hold of Rade, but that's not what Kylie wanted. If she knew her brother, she knew that there was a good chance he'd be coming to liberate the bride himself, and that was something Kylie needed to prevent. She couldn't risk her brother getting caught, and even worse, him getting wounded or killed when trying to liberate the bride.

And she couldn't help the bride either, even though she would've liked to. If they found out that she helped them escape, then she'd definately be put in the brig and prosecuted. And if she'd escape with the bride, they'd hunt her down for the rest of her life. And then she would also be endangering Rade and their father.

"I... I can't." Kylie said. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you have Rade come here. And I can't help you either. I'm so sorry, but I can't endanger my family like that."