One of the great privileges that has always been bestowed upon ship's captains since the days of ancient seafaring vessels is the honor of uniting two people in matrimony.— Ed Mercer[1]
The wedding of Claire Finn and Isaac was held aboard the USS Orville in 2422, bonding Dr. Claire Finn and Isaac in matrimony.
Prelude[]
And, of course, I will continue to monitor the well-being of your offspring.— Isaac explaining to Claire that he would care for her children through his life if she married him[2]
During their time aboard the USS Orville, the Human Claire Finn and Kaylon Isaac experienced a blossoming romance after Isaac helped to protect Claire's children, Marcus and Ty, after they were stranded on a moon.[3] Though there was a falling out between the two when Kaylon briefly betrayed the vessel's crew to his people, Claire eventually forgave Isaac for his betrayal.[4]
Their relationship then took an unexpected leap forward when Isaac briefly gained the ability to feel emotions and Claire experienced firsthand how deeply he truly loved her, despite normally not being able to express it[5] Towards the end of 2422, Isaac observed the Moclans Bortus and Klyden performing the Commencement Rite of the Kazh-gahl, or The Renewal of Mating Vows. Seeing this, he found himself prompted to research the matrimonial practices of other worlds and decided based on courtship duration averages for biological lifeforms that it was an appropriate time for him and Claire to formalize their coupling.
Claire was at first stunned and confused, pointing out among other things that she would likely die well before the end of Isaac's existence. She asked what he would do then. She was aggravated when he said that he might select a new companion, but then deeply touched when he stated that he would continue to monitor the well-being of both Marcus and Ty, as well as their descendants. Claire decided to ask some of the other crew aboard the Orville for their advice, but ultimately took Ed Mercer's suggestion to ask her children what they thought. To her surprise, they had already learned of Isaac's proposal, the Orville being a small ship and news spreading fast. They agreed that she should marry Isaac. She accepted Isaac's proposal and preparations began in earnest.[6]
Preparations[]
"My soon-to-be husband is very impressionable. I assume someone as smart as you would've deduced that by observation, but apparently not."— Clare Finn laying into John LaMarr[7]
Things hit a brief snag when John LaMarr suggested that Isaac might need to play the field first, as he had only ever had relations with one woman. Isaac approached Kelly Grayson, proposing that they have intercourse. Kelly, realizing what had happened, reported this to Claire. Claire then told Isaac in firm terms that he was to have relations only with her, then visited Engineering and laid into John. Meanwhile, she asked Kelly Grayson to be her bridesmaid and Kelly accepted. Kelly asked about her sister, but Claire said the two of them weren't close at the moment.
Meanwhile, Isaac approached Gordon Malloy, asking him to be his best man. While Gordon was flattered, he asked Isaac why he had asked him, as the two of them were not particularly close. Isaac told him that in his research he had discovered that the best man had to deliver a public address of a humorous nature and that Gordon was regarded by much of the crew as funny. Bortus then chimed in, stating that he also possessed this quality. To Gordon's shock and dismay, Bortus then usurped the role of best man.
Isaac then contacted Kaylon Primary. He told him that he wanted to invite him to his wedding. Kaylon Primary was unfamiliar with the concept and when Isaac explained at first had to be ensured that it was not a new attempt to enslave Isaac. Isaac assured him that it was a shared commitment. He explained that it was a Human custom for biologicals to request the presence of other biologicals and he wanted to adhere to this custom in his way, stating that Claire had invited numerous guests and he was expected to do the same. Kaylon Primary then proposed that all units attend, save a small fleet remaining at Kaylon 1 in case of invasion. Isaac agreed that this seemed reasonable. This later prompted a minor panic when all of the Kaylon vessels arrived at once.
Bortus hosted the bachelor party, while Kelly and Talla Keyali hosted the bachelorette party. The bachelor party was largely a disaster. The party was held in a simulation of ancient Las Vegas. However, Bortus's performance of "Love Me Tender" as Elvis Presley fell flat, putting some of the crew to sleep and only entertaining his mate Klyden and certain members of the Engineering staff. The bachelorette party, on the other hand, was much more lively. It featured a simulated performance of Aretha Franklin's "Think" as well as simulated version of Isaac doing a lascivious dance.[6]
Ceremony and Reception[]
Some women shut their eyes and dream. Others open their eyes and hope.— Claire Finn, reciting her wedding vows[8]
Claire and Isaac are bonded in matrimony, Ed Mercer as officiant, Bortus as best man
The wedding of Claire Finn and Isaac was held within an Environmental Simulator aboard the USS Orville, set to an idyllic forest setting. The ceremony was performed by Captain Ed Mercer, with the power as a ship's captain bestowed upon him by the Planetary Union. Much of the ship's crew was in attendance, along with a contingent of Kaylons. Although those with roles in the wedding wore dress uniforms, many simply wore their normal uniforms. Isaac attended in his simulated Human form.
After saying a few words, Ed revealed that Claire and Isaac had written their own vows. Claire spoke of how she had chosen to open her eyes when others shut them. She told Isaac that he had touched her in a way no Human had ever could and that she couldn't wait to spend the rest of her life with him. Isaac stated that he was unable to reciprocate her love but that did not wish to experience error and that it was possible she would ensure his continued efficiency. Ed then married them and they kissed.
Everyone then dispersed for the reception. Kelly Grayson chatted with Lysella, a refugee from Sargus 4 who had decided to remain aboard the Orville. Ed then received a transmission stating that a transport had docked. He then left, telling everyone he had a "little surprise," returning unexpectedly with Alara Kitan, a former crew-member who had left for her home planet of Xelaya due to no longer being able to withstand the gravity aboard the Orville. Everyone was delighted to see her and she apologized for having missed the ceremony, having gotten held up at a conference.
Bortus then gave the wedding toast. He described this as being a series of good-natured jabs, followed by earnest wishes. His method, however, of doing this, involved repeatedly making extremely offensive statements such as "Dr. Finn. I do not believe an artificial lifeform is capable of properly raising your children," followed by the phrase "All kidding aside." After several rounds of this, Isaac, prompted by Claire, dismissed Bortus, telling him he wanted to hear from Gordon instead. Gordon then gave a much more convivial toast, with some light-hearted jabs and self-deprecating humor which elicited great laughter from the audience. He then, by request, performed James Taylor's "Secret O' Life."[6]
Trivia[]
- Ed Mercer's statement that "One of the great privileges that has always been bestowed upon captains since the days of ancient seafaring vessels is the honor of uniting two people in matrimony" echoes similar statements made by captains such as James T. Kirk and Jean Luc Picard when officiating weddings within the Star Trek franchise.