The couple got up, got ready for the day and ate breakfast in their room. Blaine then walked her to the ship, promising to return later. He joined the others like normal. With Tanisha being new to the school, she had a lot of things to do. He sat with her and his friends while they ate breakfast. They stood outside where they were supposed to form up to march to class. Blaine needed to wait for his teacher so he could talk to her.
It didn't take long, "Sergeant Rudy, I was wondering if I could have permission to send messages to you? With the wedding chaos, I think it's only fair if I keep you informed of where I am."
"Of course, Cadet Abel." She went into her watch and gave Blaine permission to add her as a friend so they would be able to communicate better. "Is this young lady your sister?"
"Tanisha. She's here to help Lana so she'll be attending all of her classes but she will be on my portal team. Since she was added yesterday, she has exceptions, but I need to help her get uniforms and such, get properly registered, show her around, then take her to Lana."
"Will you be staying with Lana for the rest of the day?"
Blaine shrugged, "I don't know? I don't think I'm needed today. They will send me a message when they do. I do have to admit I'm curious about what the sewing club thought about being in class at 5 am…," he chuckled.
"Go ahead and be about your day. The faster you get this done, the sooner you can get back to class."
He smiled and nodded, "Thank you sergeant Rudy!" He then carried out his plans as described his teacher.
Meanwhile, Lana was astounded by efficiency. When she walked into the ship, she found a table laden with finger foods that were breakfast-themed. She couldn't help herself and ate a few things, getting herself a small plate.
Once she was satisfied, she went looking for everyone. She found them in the measuring room, as she called it. All the mannequins were arranged based on their position in the wedding with fabrics draped over their shoulders. Next to them was a table that had a few holographic designs.
In the room were girls her own age as well as some older girls. A male was bustling between the girls snapping his fingers and giving advice. She didn't see Dilly anywhere. Gwin was also absent.
"Um, excuse me. Am I allowed to be here now?"
A few heads turned her way and the male piped right up, "Of course, girl!" He said in a feminine tone, looping his arm through hers as though they were best friends and guided her to a table.
"My name is Antone. I'm Gwin's assistant. What we are doing here is putting together some ideas for designs and what fabrics go best with the options we show you. Now, girlfriend, we want this to be the most spectacular wedding of the year. Maybe even the century. Gwin told me you didn't have much experience with fashion?"
Lana chuckled, "that's a significant understatement. Should I have my Maid of Honor here as well?"
"Only if you want her here. Would you be more comfortable?"
Lana chuckled, "I don't know. This is all a very confusing topic for me."
"Of course, and this process can be overwhelming." Antone then explained how the Maid of Honor would be in a one-off dress. The Best Man would be in a one-off suit. The bride's maids and the groomsmen would then be designed based off their approved outfits. Those just attending will get new designs, but they don't have to be as fancy as the wedding party. The students were working on those. Dobin's suit would need to match her dress so they wouldn't clash when he gave her away.
Lana nodded, "so right now, we are focusing on the Maid of Honor and the Best Man. That is less overwhelming," she said with a smile.
By the time the morning was over, they decided on the Maid of Honor and the bride's maids dresses. They took a break for lunch when Blaine arrived with a wheeled cart filled with food. He and Tanisha stayed in the afternoon to discuss the suits his people would wear. Lana watched the brother and sister interact with Antone as though they were all experts and she felt a little left out. She had to remind herself she wasn't born into their world, and it would take time.
Once those decisions were made, they went around and looked at the options for the guests. For each one, they narrowed it down to two. The guest should then choose between them and have their choice made. Each designer then called the respective client once the options were narrowed down. The technology on the ship made it easier to make clothing but they wanted the guests done quickly in case more effort was needed on the wedding party.
On Tuesday, Cere had to return home. Mr. Silverwolf had scheduled a meeting with her and Okin was scheduled to come at the same time. She was a bit nervous about this meeting. She didn't know how werewolves would take such information. She didn't know what Okin needed but assumed it was the same thing since they came together last time.
They arrived together, not knowing the other would be there. They looked at each other curiously then headed for the door. Just as last time, they were greeted and escorted to the meeting room where Cere waited for them.
This time, Cere rose to meet them, "it's good to see you gentlemen again." She looked to Okin, "I didn't know what you needed to see me about so I assumed it was about the same thing Mr. Silverwolf is here for, so I invited you at the same time. Is that okay?"
Okin smiled softly, a human couldn't tell there were different species, much less two that had waged war for hundreds of years and were in a fragile peace. "It's fine, Mrs. Techno. I'm actually here about your daughter but we can discuss that after you finish with Mr. Silverwolf."
"My daughter?" she was a little taken back. "What about her? Let's talk on the way to the lab."
"She's … special. Her mother was a friend of our family, and we have certain promises we must keep as a result."
Cere turned her head sharply his direction, "her mother? You know her?"
"Knew… We have a concern. She doesn't know it, but she isn't human. We are concerned that her marrying a human could cause problems with her future."
"She knows she isn't human. So does the boy she's marrying. I don't think his family does, though. What species is she?"
"I'm not at liberty to say. How does she know she's not human?"
"We sent someone to the school to learn about Abel Genetics."
"Yes, I know."
"She asked Aiden some pointed questions about what species he was. He responded with some of his own. Neither knows what species she is and we are quite curious as well. If you are worried she or that boy are in any way fragile, you have nothing to be concerned with."
"This is the lab, here," Cere's mind was whirling. She opened the door and there was a glowing hologram on the table in front of them. "I know you wanted the files destroyed, Mr. Silverwolf, but Abel Genetics did some very sketchy things under Barica's leadership. I needed to make sure what she was doing wasn't dangerous."
Mr. Silverwolf took a deep breath, "I assume I'm here because the news isn't good?"
"Well, I don't rightly know, honestly. I didn't even know werewolves existed until recently. However, this document in front of you details a hybrid program. They were mixing human DNA with werewolf DNA. They used… unscrupulous people to experiment on then set them up in their own town. Here is a data crystal with all the information." She handed it over and was intimidated by the intense anger on his face.
"Thank you Mrs. Techno. This is very … important."
She nodded and smiled, "do either of you have anything else I can help with? I think it's important I stay present with the wedding preparations."
"One question. How does the young lady feel about this?" Okin asked.
"They insisted on this being part of the negotiations between the two families. This was their choice, not ours. We are not pushing it on them."
Okin nodded. "In that case, I have nothing further. Thank you, Mrs. Techno. Our family is in your debt." He bowed slightly and escorted Mr. Silverwolf out. Before getting in their vehicles, Okin pulled the other aside.
"Jack, I may be stepping out of line, but if you need help with this problem, I'm sure the King would be interested in helping you."
Jack nodded, "I'll pass that along."
They both got in their vehicles and went their separate ways.
Cere's mind was racing trying to figure out what was going on. Suddenly her world felt small. She recently learned about werewolves and now the idea that Lana was also a different, unknown species. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind as she raced back to the school to support her daughter in an important event that will change her future.