Reasonable Marines Novels & Stories

BALIN My Maserati MC20 glided to a stop in front of the Star Ocean mermaid center. I leaned back, studying the building’s facade. “Are you sure you want to get a mermaid from this center?” Jarek, my Beta, asked for what felt like the hundredth time today.

I reached up, my arms wrapping around his neck, holding him close as our bodies molded together. ​"Lars is still going to use the audit," I whispered against his neck. "If we file the marriage certificate at the municipal courthouse, the automated system will flag my maiden name within seconds. The compliance board will freeze your registration before we can present the video." ​"Then we don't use the municipal courthouse," Rhys said, a sudden, fierce energy returning to his face. He pulled back slightly, looking down at me with absolute determination. "We are in a port city, Sasha. Under Washington state maritime law, a licensed vessel captain can perform a legal marriage ceremony on the wa

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I retorted calmly, “What good would it do if I did? Weren’t you busy?” James did not want to dwell on that topic. He did not even spare me a word of concern. Just then, Pearl walked out with Max in his arms. James told me, “I’ll be going abroad for business with Pearl for a few days. Remember to take care of Max.” I just shrugged, while Pearl protested that she could have taken care of him. I just waved her off.

“Tom, if you can take care of this matter, I’ll give you Marina’s hand in marriage. I’m sure the two of you can work together to lead the merfolk to glory.” Everyone was shocked, including Tom, who was in disbelief. No one expected that Moray would ask Tom to marry Marina. Even the fish creatures were shocked. Although they were enemies, they knew that Marina was the merfolk's holy maiden. Tom had been protecting the holy maiden over the years, so he was a servant without a doubt. It was ironic to hear that a servant was worthy enough to marry the holy maiden.

To augment the crew, twenty of the Marines have spent the last five days getting a crash course on how to sail the vessel, just in case. It’s a beautiful morning. The sky is a bright, cloudless blue, making the ocean a deep, sparkling blue as well. The oncoming breakers—not all that high, thankfully—rush toward the shore in bands of shining white foam. The wind is fairly stiff out of the northwest, making it cool down here by the water, but not cold.

*** Amaria and her friends had already arrived at Robb's. Robb began with a bright smile, "welcome to Mana's Bloom, what can I get for... " and paused when he noticed them. "You five again," he said stiffly. "We'd like you to lend us some of your weapons," Amaria said cheerfully. "What exactly do you mean by lend?" Teresa, Dove, and Elex inquired of Amaria. Robb frowned and pinched the bridge of his nose, saying, "young lady, do you think I'd just lend you a few of my weapons like that?"