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Sebastian’s intentions were to get married. Or at least, stage a wedding. He’d bandaged Thomas’ thigh and dragged him to his private suite to dress him in a suit and tie. In a wardrobe twice the size of Bianca’s he fussed and fiddled around Thomas, who kept his mouth shut. Blood loss, malnutrition, and fear kept him subdued, and barely able to stand.

“Come on, you can’t slouch like that, this isn’t a jumpsuit you know.” Sebastian pushed him in the small of his back and turned him to face the wall-length mirror.

“Don’t we look marvellous!” He said, clapping his hands.

Thomas had to agree, somewhere beneath the fear, that he looked the best he ever had in his eighteen years.

But Sebastian looked like a lunatic. Dressed in a white wedding dress that oozed lace and all manner of frilly edging everywhere. A long train lay in a puddle of silk around him. He’d tucked a veil under the sparkling tiara that balanced among his blonde curls.

“Hang on, let me put my veil down. There we go. Mary?”

“Yes, Sebastian.”

“Can you record an image of us, like they do in the vids?”

“A photograph?”

“Yes, that’s it, a photograph, for our album.”

“I believe before I do, you are supposed to smile.”

Sebastian’s mouth extended into a wide, manic grin and he dug his elbow into Thomas’ ribs to make him follow suit.

“Image captured, Sebastian.”

“Lovely!”

***

Mary came back online as Emily was testing her ankle, putting some weight on it, while Thief supported her.

“Do you think you can walk, Emily?” Mary asked.

“Yes, I think I can. But not fast.”

“Good. My observations of you two suggest that you’d insist on staying together, so I won’t ask you to stay behind. Can you now proceed in the direction Bianca came from, as fast as possible?”

They ditched the backpack. Emily shoved the remaining matches into her pocket.

“Are we going anywhere near Thomas?” Thief asked. “Can we rescue him?”

“Yes, and yes. Sebastian’s state of mind appears to be deteriorating. Thomas is at imminent risk. Therefore, I will assist you in his rescue.”

Johan came back on the line as the girls shuffled down the corridor.

“But Mary, you cannot cause harm to Sebastian, right? Are you expecting Thief and Emily to steal Thomas away, while Sebastian stands by and watches?”

“No Johan, I’m not. The line of authority on board the ship has changed, allowing me further discretion. Thief, at that bulkhead door you’re coming to, please hold your palm to the sensor.”

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“But it’s already open, and my palm doesn’t work on those, anyway.”

“The purpose is not to open door, it’s to register your palm print for my records.”

“Okay, why?”

“Because with Bianca’s demise, the position of Senior Science Technician has become available.”

Thief shook her head in bemusement, but when they reached the doorway, she placed her hand on the sensor and listened to the confirmation beeps.

“Thank you, Thief. You are now the senior ranking officer on board the Attenborough.”

“I’m what?”

“Senior Science Technician outranks Sebastian. I must prioritise your safety over his, and he presents an imminent threat to you. Therefore, assisting you won’t be a problem.”

“Err… okay.”

“Does this mean she gets more water allowance?” Emily asked, hobbling on her good foot.

***

“If you wish, Sebastian, as the ship’s AI, I’m able to marry you both.” Mary announced after taking more photos of the couple.

“Really? Oh, my goodness. That would be wonderful. I’ll be a true blushing bride!” Sebastian giggled.

“Yes. The ship even has a small chapel. Might I suggest we proceed with haste, though. Your groom is looking rather unsteady on his feet.”

Thomas swayed back and forth, on the verge of fainting.

Sebastian put a hand under Thomas’s armpit “Yes, let’s hurry, later you can give him some drugs so he’s ready for the reception. Where is this chapel anyway? And why haven’t I seen it before?”

“We’ve never had a wedding before, so maybe you didn’t notice it.” Mary answered. “Please follow my directions.”

***

“The key,” Mary said to Thief, will be to pull Thomas away at the right moment.”

“And if I can’t pull him away?”

“Well, I’m afraid the plan will fail. You can attempt to defeat Sebastian in combat, but with the element of surprise lost, even after your recent success, I don’t predict a positive outcome.”

“I wish I could help.” Emily said.

“You’re the backup. If I fail, you beat the living crap out of the vampire, okay?”

“Ah, I see. Well, that makes me feel better.”

“Quiet now,” Mary said, “They’re approaching.”

The girls pushed themselves harder against the curved wall, hidden from view.

Sebastian and Thomas walked with arms linked, towards the ‘chapel’. Sebastian did most of the walking, his long bridal train flowing behind. Thomas’s feet dragged along the shiny floor, his body leaning against the bride.

“Wow, we do have a chapel. So quaint!” Sebastian remarked with glee at the sight of the pink neon “Wedding Chapel” sign above the hatchway.

“Please activate the sensor, Sebastian,” said Mary.

At the touch of his palm, the door hissed open with the announcement. “Wedding Chapel activated. Access approved for bride and groom, only.”

“That’s us, dear!” Sebastian patted Thomas’ hand and stepped across the threshold.

“Now!” Mary spoke into Thief’s earpiece.

She sprinted along the corridor as fast as she could, covering the fifty paces in seconds, and grabbed Thomas’ free arm. Sebastian reacted, tightening his grip on Thomas’ other arm. While not as fast or as strong as his sister, he had a vampire’s physical superiority over a teenage human. Thief fell backwards, hoping her weight would wrench Thomas free. It did not. It seemed the plan had failed due to the simple lack of strength in her tired arms and legs.

The vampire hissed in anger and bared his fangs.

Emily, upon seeing Thief flailing on the floor, hobbled towards them, wincing with every step of her swollen ankle. She grabbed Thomas around the waist and pulled.

For his part, Thomas woke enough from his delirium to take in the situation. He saw that he was being pulled apart by two opposing forces and decided he’d rather be taken by those not wearing a wedding dress and baring fangs. His feet scrabbled for purchase against the floor, but the black leather loafers found none.

The four of them fought an awkward wrestling match in the hatchway. Everyone tangled in the bride’s dress.

Thief now lay flat on her back, Thomas’ arm slipping from her grasp.

Emily had the boy in a desperate hug around his waist but could not move him an inch from the vampire’s grip. She hugged him tighter to bring her jumpsuit pocket close to her hand and pulled the matches out.

“Hang on, guys!” She struck the bunch of matches against Thomas’ shoe and held them up under the bridal dress.

The fabric made a soft whoomph noise as it caught fire. Flames licked upward, enveloping the vampire. Sebastian howled and let go of his groom. The three humans kicked and scrambled away from the burning bride.

Thief stood up and slapped her palm against the sensor. The door swished closed.

“Caution. You are about to operate stage two of airlock A19. It contains matter totalling 72.41 kilograms. Any living organisms contained within will be subject to conditions not compatible with life. The initialisation of stage two is irreversible. Are you sure you wish to proceed?”

“YES!” The three shouted.