A Borial version of "Here Comes the Bride" was playing. Neklus, taking the place of his dead high priest, was going to preside over the wedding as king of Noran. The crew of the Virgo stood at the sides of the walkway that lead from the gate of the Keep to the palace. Captain Maruu stood in traditional Borial wedding garments. They had been convinced to have a Borial wedding by Neklus. Commander Lataro was bringing Nori down the aisle up to Neklus and Maruu. Four Borial flower girls walked behind them spreading flowers all over the aisle.
Maruu greeted them at Kalmar's altar. "My friend," he said as he shook Lataro's hand. "My love," he said as he held Nori in his arms.
Neklus told them to kneel and face him. He was dressed in magnificent clothing. He had the look of a King and the eyes of a god. There was definitely a god directing his actions.
Neklus began, "Today is a great day for the Borial nation. The Great War is finally over. We are amidst celebration. Now, we are here to join these two vessels of our great protector Kalmar in a union of souls. They will be one, and they will be forever united in spirit so that none will be alone, in this life, or in the lives to come."
A little Borial girl brought forth two beautiful Bajoran-style rings. Kalmar, no doubt, arranged that as well.
Neklus gave one ring to Maruu and asked him to place in on her ring finger. Then, he did the same to Nori.
The Borial girl then gave Neklus a Borial-style ring. It was large enough to fit two fists and made of a beautiful intertwined mix of gold and silver, very valuable on this planet.
Neklus had Maruu and Nori place their hands into the ring. Then he continued, "With this ring I bound thee eternally. Your souls are one. No mortal power may henceforth separate thee. Be one. Be one in Kalmar!" There was a flash of light in the sky, then two eagles united at the wings flew overhead, then everything went back to normal. He removed the ring and said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Stephen Maruu and Dana Maruu began kissing each other passionately.
Midway through the party that followed, everyone covered their eyes at another flash of light in the sky. This one was much brighter than the last. A beautiful owl flew down from the heavens and perched itself on Kalmar's altar. The owl looked at the statue of Kalmar and bowed its head in sorrow. Then, it flew in front of Captain Maruu and began to transform. It began to grow arms, legs. Eventually, it became a man. The man had a wonderful aura of white light.
Suddenly, the Borial members of the party kneeled down in prayer.
The man, humbled by the action, turned around and said, "That is not necessary. Please rise."
Maruu looked the man in the eyes and saw that they were black. Then he looked beyond. The vastness of space. He had been before time was time. He had seen the Big Bang. He had seen the birth of the Creation. A flash of light shone in his eyes now. He was a Prophet. Stephen understood that now. He wasn't a Bajoran Prophet, but he was a Prophet. Maruu also kneeled down before him. "Prophet. How may I serve you?"
The crew was amazed at their captain's show of humility.
Kalmar smiled. "Stephen, please don't do that. I come to request that I join your crew. Your twin is out there somewhere in the ship the Horde arrived on with a free Pharox. Together, they could cause much damage to the delicate balance of nature. He must be stopped. I want to help."
Stephen rose. "I am honored. Of course you may join us."
"Thank you."
"But what of the Borials? What will they do without a protector?"
Kalmar smiled again, with that smile that filled a million hearts with glee. "My brothers, the Borial gods, have already chosen a successor." He signaled for Thuddius to come to him. "My son will be a great protector. He showed great bravery in the War and must be repaid for his show of courage."
The giant Borial was overwhelmed with joy. He was going to be joining the gods as the protector of the Borial nation.
Benton looked sideways at Francesca. She looked stricken by the announcement of Thuddius' ascension.
Francesca understood that Thudd had to do what he had to do. She wrestled with her own feelings, but in the end decided that it would be best if she let him down easy. She detached herself from the crowd and walked over to her former protector and newly-elevated supreme being.
She walked up to Thudd and put her hand on his giant gold-clad arm. Thudd looked at her and opened his mouth as if to say something, but she cut him off and said, "Thudd. Don't say anything. Just let me get this off my chest, okay?"
She seemed uncharacteristically unsure of herself, searching for the right words. "There have been, uh... certain feelings between us." She smiled up at Thudd. "But both you and I know it would never have worked out. It's for the best." Francesca patted Thudd's arm. "After all, I'm a city girl, and you're a... a... well... you're a god now. I guess. Don't feel bad, Thudd. There'll be other women. You'll get over me eventually."
Thudd looked at her with a quizzical expression.
Francesca smiled up at Thudd. On impulse, she stood on her tip-toes and gave him a little kiss on the cheek. Then she turned and walked away from him before she could change her mind. She latched onto Benton's arm and towed him after her. "Come on Benton. Let's go," she said with a little sniffle. She didn't want to stay here any longer.
Thudd watched her go.
Kalmar again turned to Thudd. "Son, continue my work. Ensure the long-lasting peace and prosperity of this planet!" A light enveloped came over Thudd. It began to lift him into the heavens. He flew up, up, over the citadel. Then, there was a flash of light, and he was gone.
Maruu said to one Virgo, we have to go. That Virgo passed the news around. Eventually, every crewmember got word. Goodbyes were exchanged. Tears fell. Neklus wished the two Maruus many years of happiness.
The Virgos all began to assemble. Kalmar addressed the Borials. "The War is over. Be free my people! May you all live in peace and love for all eternity!"
The Borials cheered.
Kalmar waved his hand and all the Virgos vanished.
The senior staff gathered in The Day's End Lounge. The captain addressed them all. "After all that has happened I wanted to award some well-earned promotions. Valdago came forward with the black cases carrying pips. Maruu took them all. "Lt. Zano..."
"Lt. Zano is dead, sir," answered Lt. Sinclair.
Lieutenant JG Jenara Tomme said, "Lt. M'Terrn also didn't return from Xenon III."
Maruu bowed his head in sorrow. "Well, Lt. Tomme, you'll have to step forward then." He continued, "For your bravery on Xenon III, I grant you the rank of full Lieutenant." He placed the pips on her neck. "Lieutenant JG Richard Wallace, for your bravery on Xenon III, I also grant you the rank of full Lieutenant." He placed the pips on his neck. "Ensign Sitto Lan, for your bravery on Xenon III, I grant you the rank of full Lieutenant Junior Grade." He placed the pips on his neck. "Lieutenant Benton, for your bravery on Xenon III, I grant you the rank of full Lieutenant Commander." He placed the pips on his neck. "Lieutenant Garek Loran, for your bravery on Xenon III, I also grant you the rank of full Lieutenant Commander." He placed the pips on his neck. "Finally, First Lieutenant Johnny Chee, for your bravery on Xenon III and your amazing leadership capabilities, I grant you the rank of Major." He placed the pips on his neck.
The group congratulated each other. Maruu continued, "Well, Lt. Commander Maruu and myself will be in Holodeck One for the next month or so. I expect not to be disturbed. "Commander Lataro, you know what to do."
Lataro smiled. "Yes, sir!"
The newlyweds left the DEL for their honeymoon.