Generations

[Mao]

Chapter I
~Love on Orion~

Even if the ship wasn't flying at light speed, it was enough for the succeeding stars that can be seen on the windows to form white lines. These lines were observed by a young man in a dark green uniform that had nothing better to do than to contemplate the stars. After several minutes, he remembered that he had to deliver a package in Section D and he leaves his dreams to come back down to the metal floor of the ship Orion.

Perhaps you wonder what does this 25 years old man not sleeping on a sleeper ship? Well, he was an engineer and his cryo-sleep ended two years ago. He was a member of the "welcoming committee". His team had to prepare the ship for the big wake-up call, when the remaining population from Cryter would restart their lives.

After he delivered the package on Section D, he headed to his room. He worked all day long and he was tired but, when he saw who was waiting for him, all that fatigue passed away. A girl in a sexy black and red lingerie was waiting with two champagne glasses in her hands. A bit confused, he took a glass and asked:

What's the occasion?
Me, the girl answered, kissing him.
That's enough for me...
I'm pregnant.
You're... PREGNANT?! Baby, this is wonderful! said the man and started to kiss and hug her desperately.

The champagne was on the floor but they didn't care. They had other things to discuss, more important things.

You're gonna be a father.
And you're gonna be the sexiest mother ever seen.
I hope you're ready for such a task.
Heh, you know me. I'm ready for any task. For example, I'm ready to make you scream of pleasure tonight.
Oh yea? Let's see what you got... but first, let's drink some more champagne. I got this from the colonial reserves. I hope no one will notice...

Now, it's time to meet our heroes. The father, Mao Rinkamo, engineer on the Orion sleeper ship. He met Simone Richards two years ago, exactly after they have been waken up from cryo-sleep. Since then, they live together and it seams that they want to expand their family.

The next day, Mao started his shift with a huge smile on his face. The others started to wonder what was going on.

Look at him, guys. I bet Simone gave him a night to remember, said one of his colleagues.

Everyone from his team was aware of his relation. It wasn't easy to hide it since there were only twenty men and women awake on the ship.

Not only the night, Mao answered; the whole life.
Relax, don Juan, your mother gave you life, not Simone. Or, if you're a religious person, which you're not, the Gods gave you the gift of life.
Yeah yeah, Peter. She offered me a child.

The others were stunned and started to ask more questions.

A child? She's pregnant? Boy or girl?
Hey, I have no idea... it's too early for that.
Indeed, it is, said doctor Edel whom happened to be in the area and he heard the discussion. I suggest you bring her to me for an exam. I think you two rushed a bit. At two years after the cryo-sleep... I hope we won't encounter complications.

Mao was listening to the doctor and began to worry.

Don't worry, if there are complications, I'm the best doctor from this ship. Besides, chances for that to happen are small, but a medical exam is always welcome.

I understand, sir. We will visit you in the next days. That's a promise.

After this episode, he continued to receive congratulations from his team members and when his shift ended, he went to see the doctor again. The doctor received him and invited him to sit on one of the chairs.

So, what's up?
I'm here to make an appointment, said Mao.

Doctor Edel started to laugh.

Son, do you really think you need an appointment? There are only nineteen persons awake on this ship. I'm free almost all the time.
You're right. Excuse me, I'm very excited about this. It's my first child and...
Hey, hey, chill. Listen, bring your wife here tomorrow. I'll consult her and give you a nice OK, fine?
She's not my wife, sir.
What?! You can't have children without being married. This is what the Gods told us... but I don't believe this crap. But I tell you what; you, my son, should ask her to marry you. This will give you more courage, you know...
Thank's for the advice. I will ask her.
You do that. Now get out of here, I need to count the medical supplies... again.

Since they were on a sleeper ship, he couldn't get flowers or an engagement ring. He had to think of something else. He decided to make two gold platinum rings and a necklace. The rings were made of platinum and had a gold line in the middle. They were glowing like a star because of the chemical treatment that Mao used on them. The necklace was made of platinum and had a pendant, symbolizing a stylized angel. He decided to ask Simone to marry him.

Baby, I have something to tell you.
Yes?
I love you!
I love you too!
I think that we should be together for the rest of our lives.
We will be, baby.
Yes, we will, as husband and wife, said Mao, showing her the necklace and putting it on her neck. Simone, will you marry me?
Oh, baby, YES, of course! said Simone, hugging and kissing him.

The next day, they went to Edel and he discovered that everything was in order.

This was happening in February, Colonial Sirius Year -3 (or 799 A.S.) when Mao was 25 and Simone was 23. One month later, they were getting married in a restrained ceremony where eighteen people came.

After the priest held his lecture, it was the time for the vows.
I, Mao Rinkamo swear by the stars in the sky I'll be there. I swear like the shadow that's by your side I'll be there. For better or worse; Till death do us part; I'll love you with every beat of my heart.
And I, Simone Richards swear that I'll give you every thing I can; I'll build your dreams with these two hands; We'll hang some memories on the wall and when, just the two of us are there you won't have to ask if I still care because as the time turns the page my love won't age at all.

After the vows, Mao tries to kiss the bride but it's stopped by the priest.

Eh... not yet... By the power that the Gods of Kobol gave me, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Eight months later, Simone was giving life to a girl. They decided to name her Roxane Rinkamo. Good news were coming to them. They were approaching the destination. The estimations were that in three years, they would reach the outer border of Sirius Sector.

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