The news had created some “disturbance in the Force,” as François had put it. Dedrick had vaguely mentioned the possibility of proposing the previous evening after a few too many drinks, but the Frenchman had attributed it to the Olympus Mons taking and dismissed the comment altogether. Needless to say, he was quite surprised when his Russian friend had made it official. What had made things bad for François was Sabrina’s envious reaction to the news. The next few weeks had been all about how wonderful marriage was, and how she hoped she would get asked too, someday. Her not-so-subliminal hints had been difficult for the Frenchman to ignore.
Regardless, Dedrick and Vera had finally tied the knot in May 2030, in front of the whole world watching from Earth. Ladli had been more than happy to be the bridesmaid for the second time, and Sabrina and Liu had helped decorate the small Martian outpost as best they could. Since Vera did not have a wedding dress, the two women had managed to fashion one out of several white and pink cloths, normally used to cover plants in the greenhouses. Regardless of the unusual look of her dress, Vera was radiant and couldn’t have been more thrilled. The forty-seven-year-old medical officer had become the first woman ever to get married on another world, and she loved it. Dedrick had asked François to be his best man, a role the Frenchman had been a bit reluctant to accept at first, considering his interest in weddings, left alone participate. But truth be told, he was touched nonetheless, and eventually agreed. Performing the ceremony had been entrusted to Najib. Commander of MF2 and team two leader, the Indian man had promised to do a great job. The occasion had also been a wonderful excuse to throw a party. Life on Mars could get quite monotonous at times. The need for some occasional play time was understandable.
“Vera Via, do you take this man to be your husband?”
“Yes, I do.”
Dedrick Sokolov, do you take this woman to be your wife?
“I do.”
“With the power given to me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” A small explosion of applause and yells by their colleagues filled the greenhouse. Tendai reached down the bag he was holding and pulled out a full fist of confetti which he threw high across the room. Countless small pieces of colored paper came flying down everywhere, while the newlyweds walked the center of the room. Ladli moved to the control panel and pressed play. The song “On Mars”, written and recorded by François a few days earlier for the occasion, came on. As the music echoed through the station, Dedrick and Vera started to dance. The dark ballade wouldn’t have been Vera’s first choice for their first dance, but Dedrick had convinced her it would mean the world to François. She had eventually given in.
Leaning against one of the support poles, Francois was watching the newlyweds with a satisfied smile. He turned to Ladli.
“I wrote that one just a few days ago. It’s brand new,” he whispered.
“Yeah, I know,” she replied, unimpressed.
“I used a recording program I created when I was still at Mars First, back on Earth.”
“Yep. I remember.” Ladli didn’t seem the least interested. But Francois went on.
“Listen, right there. Can you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
“That sound, in the background, like water.”
“What are you babbling about, Francois?”
He shrugged his shoulders at her. “The bubbles. You don’t hear that?” He had an arm extended toward the control panel Ladli had been at moments earlier.
“Oh, that? Yes, sounds like something under water.”
“It’s one of the Blobus Viscus tanks. I placed a couple of mics next to it when I was recording the song. I like it in the background, gives it a whole new dimension. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?” Francois seemed quite satisfied with himself.
“That’s great. Good for you. I’m gonna grab a drink. Want anything?” Ladli did not give the Frenchman time to respond. She was already walking away.
Francois leaned back against the pole. Sabrina approached, drink in hand. She was giggling, looking at Francois with a mischievous look. He instantly knew she was already feeling the effects of the Olympus Mons. That could only mean one think. He was in trouble.
“Hey baby.” Sabrina rubbed her hand along his chest. “What are you up to, French guy?”
He moved her hand back to her side.
“Nothing, just hangin’. What about you, hun?”
“Just looking at Dedrick and Vera. They look so happy, don’t they?” She leaned her forehead on his shoulder, still watching the newly married couple dancing.
“Yeah, sure. I guess. You know me and parties. Not quite my thing… I think I need another drink. Want anything?”
“Hold on, there, cowboy, What about us?”
“What, what about us?” Francois feared he knew too well what she meant.
“You know…” she replied, looking at him with love.
He knew it was coming. They had been a couple for almost fifteen years. She rarely mentioned it, but he knew she loved the idea. To the Frenchman, marriage was not something he was against, he just did not see the point. Anytime the subject was brought up, Francois was always quick to argue that getting married was not a guaranty of love or happiness. Plenty of people got married, only to get divorced just as quickly. Those discussions rarely went well. Tonight, he would have to expect a long talk on the subject. Sabrina was in one of her nostalgic moods. He would just have to do his best to stand his ground. Secretly, he wished himself good luck.
On Mars