sorry that last line is out of sequence- don't know how that happened it should be the last thing Cellono says to Veest. Unless anyone else wants to add anything this story will have only two or three more episodes.
Rado was on duty early the next day she kissed Veest awake and said 'Do you want to come and help me choose our little girl before I start work?'
'Oh gardnil, yes!' he replied claiming another kiss before they both dressed hurriedly.' Anan was in with the embryo's. 'Ah Veest, show me which little one you have chosen and we'll give him his name.' 'This is Evest' said Veest proudly and as Anan attached a label to the crib Veest joined Rado as she looked at the tiny girls. ' I think I feel drawn to this little one.' she said.'Good choice.' said Veest, 'I talked to her a lot last night.'
'Anan, could you please give this little one the name Orad? ' said Rado.' We're going to bring her up too.'
'And could you move their cribs so they are next to each other' said Veest. 'Then we can talk to them together and as they get older they can look at each other.' 'Oh you are funny!' said Anan but nevertheless did as they asked. Cellono was delighted with their decision. 'You'll get allowances for both of them' he said.
While Rado was on duty Veest ordered himself an outfit for the committment party. His parcel arrived with Rado's later in the day and each promised the other they would not peep in wardrobes.
Orn and Olec wanted to organise 'Last Freedom Night' parties but Rado and Veest declined as neither of them were fond of strong drinks and were very wary in case Orn had a secret durg supply. Instead after they had both finished their day's duties they went to the embryo room, took two chairs and sat in front of Evest and Orad's cribs telling them what was to happen the next day. When they returned to their quarters they took their uniforms which Tharam had freshened up for them and hung them up ready to put on in the morning. The ceremony was to begin at 11 o'clock, Rupert and his parents, the Maddocks and Margaret Carne had been invited and once again Valeterra had organised some earth food including an ice cream cake. When all the guests had gathered in the main body of the ship Cellono began:-
The Ceremony.
Cellono:- Friends from Yoflotolf and Earth. Today we have assembled to celebrate the committment ceremony of Science and Livestock Premiere Officer Rado and Technology, Science and Communications Premier Officer Veest YDSO (Yoflotolf Distinguished Service Order). I invite you to stand to welcome them and their supporters Science and medicine officer prima Anan and Pilot and communications officer secondo- Orn. (They enter) Welcome Rado and Veest, will you and your supporters remain standing and face me. Everyone else may sit.'I ask both of you to confirm this committment ceremony is your wish by raising your right hands. (Rado and Veest comply.)Fellow crew members, I ask you to confirm your assent by raising your right hands. If anyone objects please indicate by standing and turning your back. ' (This was a nervous moment but nobody showed dissent.)
'Good- we are all in favour. Rado and Veest I invite you to face each other and join both hands, then I will ask you in your own words to make your committment starting with you Veest.'
Veest squeezed Rado's hand gently and she reciprocated. Looking into her eyes he said:
'Rado, we came through many ups and downs without admitting our true feelings for each other. Now, however, on a new planet we have opened our eyes and admitted our love. As we look to the future I cannot envisage a life without your support and love. I offer you mine with my whole being. I commit myself exclusively to you until the end of our lives. (These words are required by Yofoltolf law.)
Rado felt tears in her eyes as Cellono invited her to speak. Veest gave her a smile and a wink of encouragement and with love shining through her tears she looked into his handsome face.
'Veest, since our first day at Yofflotolf space agency you have been my best friend and you still are but now you have become my one true love also. You are part of me and I of you, truly we are osul temas. You are strong, brave, but gentle too. I accept the love and support you offer and freely give you mine. I commit myself exclusively to you until the end of our lives.'
Cellono fastened a length of red ribbon to each of their hands where it hung loosely. From leather pouches Anan and Orn produced pendants bearing on the front the insignia o Yofoltolf space agency. They were their official identification with their name on the back. Now each were also inscribed with the other's name, joined hands and the earth date. Veest took Rado's pendant from Anan and placed it over her head. Rado took Veest's from Orn and did the same. Then their two friends joined their left hands by tying the ribbons and their right hands in the same way. Then as Cellono asked they said together after him 'With these tokens we seal our committment to each other and ask all our friends present to bear witness to our union.'
When this had been done Cellono said ' In my role as commander of this ship of the Yoflotolf Space Agency I confirm the committment of Rado and Veest and offer my heartfelt congratulations. All crew members please stand, hold up your hands in the air in salute and speak the Yoflotolf motto:-
'Ew lal lastue oyu O Yoflotolf raif nad eliv ot hupdol oyur evalus nad onidartist herewerv ew rea'
Many of those present felt a lump in their throats and some cried openly as they thought of their lost homeland. 'Veest and Rado set the final seal on your committment in the time honoured way.' said Cellono and they shared their first kiss as life partners before going to change into their party clothes.