Memorial

Posted on Tue Sep 24th, 2019 @ 3:10am by Captain Taliserra Tigran & Civilian Jessica Haugen & Lieutenant Commander Radak & Lieutenant Mikoto Misaka & Lieutenant Seleya & Lieutenant Anthony Edwards Ph. D & Lieutenant Helena Wells & Civilian James Sulu

4,984 words; about a 25 minute read

Mission: The science of stars
Location: The Lounge
Timeline: 7th - 8th March 2395

OLD:

At 17:45 the preparations for the dinner had finished and James had stared putting the ice out in the cold section of the self service so he could just rest the salads on top and have them stay crisp. He set up the Bain Marie for the warm food service then started bring the hot food out. He would enlist Jessica’s help to get other foods out.

Then at 17:50 the non warmed, non cooled food was brought out and presented in the protected buffet area. Then at 17:55 he brought out the different salads and arranged them. “Just perfect.”



NEW:

Right on 18:00 everything was in readiness except the staff hadn’t arrived yet.

Seleya had been the first to arrive. She entered the room and looked around. The photos of those lost were a reminder to her of the friend gone and of the nurse that blamed her. She sighed and entered. There was a man already there. "Hello," she simply stated, wondering if he was the one to prepare this.

"Hello Ma'am James Sulu, Chef. How do you like the setting?" James asked, with a quick look at the woman's collar then asked, "You must be the new Doctor or Counselor?"

"The new CMO." She looked around. The pictures of Galatea and the others mocked her as if saying you didn't find the answer in time. "I am sure they would have liked your arrangement."

“Oh, did you know Doctor Polaris well?” James asked, thankful that he had caught the essence of the people behind the uniform. “It is sometimes difficult to get the right feel for these things when you don’t work closely with them! The bain of a chef's life is not getting to know the people you cook for closely, cause when they're hungry you're stuck in the background.” He thought about that for a while, letting it sink in then added, “Enjoy the evening and feel free not to read minds tonight Doctor.”

She quirked her head to the side. "Read minds?"

James looked at the Doctor and over time his mistake “Oh sorry! That must have been Doctor Polaris that was part Betazoid and part El-Aurian, my apologies.”

Radak entered the room, glancing around. He hated these kinds of things. They always seemed overworked and overwrought with everything. The new CMO was talking to the chef, but they seemed to be the only ones in the room. He started to walk casually toward the pictures of the lost crew. At least the atmosphere was lighter here, at least more so than Vulcan traditions, and they weren't playing any dirges.

Seleya gave a nod to the Chef. The door opened again and after Radak, in walked Elijah. "It seems that the place is starting to fill," she said to James.

“It seems so,” James said, looking around as the other two staff had arrived.

Radak took a slow deep breath and let it out again, just as slowly, as he approached the pictures of the deceased crew. It was strange to him, in these moments, that Humans always spoke of their lost. To Radak these people seemed anything but lost. Maybe they spoke of their loss of emotional connection, but the person was not lost, not in the literal translation. The word "lost" suggested to Radak that someone could be found again, and that was not the case in death, so the words held little meaning for him. They were gone. He reached out slowly and touched the picture of Sika, the Bajoran seemed so familiar now.

Ilana walked in and her eyes drifted to Radak. She slowly made her way there. "Are you alright?"

Radak could smell her perfume before she even stepped to his side. It was a comfort. He nodded in response to her question, his face an unpassionate mask. "Yes, Ilana. It is an interesting ritual. Are you alright? Have you attended one of these before?"

She smiled. "A few. I debated coming. Galatea was... a friend. She was a mentor and I feel a bit lost without her." She refrained from touching him even though she wanted to.

Radak stepped close enough to her that, for a moment, his hand brushed against hers. What he really wanted, was to hug her, but this was sort of a formal setting for public displays of affection. It was also the public part of that. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I have attended a few as well. I am never certain how to act. Although, I admit that this is the first one that I have attended where..." He lifted a hand to Sika's photo again, but didn't touch it this time. "... I feel... loss."

Jason Voss entered the lounge dressed in his civvies, clean, pressed, and little used. Since he got off medical and returned to the fleet he all but slept in his uniform. He'd come so close to losing it he didn't like to let it go. Tonight though, he made an exception. Walking in and finding most of the guests already gathered in conversation he headed to the bar. "Rige-" he began before his eyes fell on the image of Sika the Commander was touching and thought of Lt. Navore. "Make that Bajoran ale." It wasn't his favourite but tonight wasn't about him.

Next to enter were a foursome of ensigns; Debbie, Will, Amanda and Joran. Laughing and joking as they often did. "Evening Jessica," Will said as he approached the bar. "The usual for all of us."

"Coming up," Jessica replied smiling back at Will.

The door swished open again and Anthony with HG were waiting to come in. “I just hope this will be something Galatea would have been proud of.”

"I am sure," HG said cradling a bottle. She had not gotten to know too many of them. The problem with being both a civilian and also a head buried in the figures scientist. She hope the bottle of scotch would be welcome. It was her own personal one and one which she had not opened as of yet. Macallan single malt which had been found and given to her when she won her prize. It had been aged 75 years and then bottled and was now well over a few hundred years old at this point. "Not sure, but hope this makes a good offering for the departed."

Having seen some of HG stash Anthony was in awe. "I am not sure the dearly departed will care one way or the other, but your right it will be respected by the rest of the crew. Though you might like to speak to Jessica seeing as she's the official publican.

"Sounds like a plan, catch up in a bit," HG replied and went to find Jessica. She finally did and explained the bottle. "This was given to me for winning my Zee-Magnes prize. Just hung onto it but never thought to open it until a special occasion again. I think this qualifies."

"Not bad," Jessica said after examining the bottle. "Older than anything in my drawers, even my special one."

"Guess they decided that something special. I had near forgotten it but like a few other things, I seem to drag it around with me. Time to off load it." HG looked around and scuffed her shoe. "I think I am more of wake person, let's get drunk and celebrate, than a mourn, but just in case I get too tipsy, pull me back alright?"

"We've got to keep an eye on everyone, Captain doesn't want people getting too drunk." Jessica told her.

HG nodded. "Sounds good to me. I guess I will try to mingle some, but my social skills are somewhere between poor and non-existent."

"You're doing fine with me Miss Wells," Jessica said with a small smile. "Just don't think about anything to do with science during the conversation unless the conversation is about science and you'll be fine."

"That is rather hard, but I will try," HG nodded at the advice. She then thought a moment. "Say, would you like to get together sometime, maybe something holodeck adventure like thing?"

"I'd like that Helena," Jessica replied using Hg's first name instead of her usual response. "It'd have to be soon though, I think all you science folk will be busy when we get to this 'goldilocks' system I've heard a few people talking about."

"I suppose, I am guessing though it will be mostly Fleeters though. I think they do not trust a civilian much not to violate some rule or regulation."

"Well that's up to the Captain, she might want you there, you never know." Jessica told her.

"Indeed, well open the bottle up and let's pour a bit. I should catch up with my boss," HG nodded her chin toward the bottle before turning around to catch Anthony engaged at the buffet.

"Enjoy yourself Helena." Jessica said and shuffled down the bar a little to serve her next customer

As HG went to talk to Jessica, Anthony made his way to the pictures. He half smiled and gently out to universe he sent, "I love and miss you Galatea, but I'll deal with, I made a good relationship now, but I expect you knew I would."

Seleya stood off to the side. She looked out the window. She felt his presence before he entered her space.

"Are you alright?" Eli asked.

She turned. "I am well." She wondered if Hunter would show.

Surprisingly the next people to enter happened to be Mikoto and Touma. Mikoto immediately smelled the fresh food on entry. "That smells nice," she said to Touma. "I'll find seats, you grab food. No shellfish or anything remember..." she said tapping her stomach.

"Yeah yeah," Touma said. They still hadn't announced Mikoto's pregnancy publicly yet, so they were being extra cautious.

Seleya wandered around listening to those sharing memories. She wanted to participate but... would anyone want to hear what she had to say. Vulcans, at times like this, were not very wanted.

Anthony turned around and the first face he saw was Lieutenant Selaya trying to avoid being there. Laughing to himself, he waited until she turned away and then quietly stepped up to her and tapped her on the shoulder and quietly said, "Come now, Doctor, you're not going to run away are you? While it is true I am surprised Hunter isn't here, but if he chooses to let it out I'll be there for him we were developing somewhat of a friendship between us. However, I know you Vulcan's do something different again, but you were the one last one to see her alive. People are likely to want to hear from you in that case. While I was the one she was working with to cure it, I wasn't in the lab with her."

Seleya tilted her head. "Hunter... has to grieve on his own for a while. As for speaking, I am not good at that."

"Yes, I believe you're right about Hunter, however, Doctor, I would put it to you this way. If you have two patients, one with their own thumb in their eye and the other with a hangnail, which deserves your good bedside manner most? You have many patients here, Doctor, and they would all like to have you here even if they don't understand that you don't understand how you're important here," Anthony said with a smile.

She raised an eyebrow. "I am here. Perhaps someone who knew Doctor Polaris better. Lieutenant Alexander?"

Anthony laughed, watching the eyebrow raise. "That is so like Galatea." He smiled then added, "Look you won't be the only speaker if you choose to speak. That is a strong part of human funerals and memorials like this, every so often some will break from their group of friends and in some way directs that they want people's attention as they have something to say. Sometimes a few different people do it, is a bit of a string.”

"I shall consider it." She gave a nod.

Doctor Deepak El-Azar was perhaps a little late in his arrival for the festivities, but he had all intent on making an appearance, both to pay respect for those that the festivities were honoring, and to observe the crew during such an important time.

He came wearing normal civilian attire per his usual. Something more upscale and formal yet trailblazingly garish in both color and pattern or lack thereof. He always stood out. It was intentional that he did so like a beacon in the night.

Deepak made his way over to some food. He examined it with approval. "Fine spread," he said aloud.

“Thank you, I’m glad you like it!” James Sulu said as he was passing with a bowl to replace an empty one.

"You're very welcome," replied Deepak. "I suspect both of them would have been delighted at the selected food and beverages being offered here today along with the gathering of friends and shipmates," he added.

"We looked up their favourites in the replicator management system. Galatea's were more difficult, though she liked chocolate mousse which is why we have the mousse for dessert after the mains," James said with a smile.

Eventually the doors opened again and Taliserra made her way into the lounge, she was glad to see so many people had come but at the same time she was slightly disheartened as the last time she'd attended the lounge to make a speech it was full of joy and hope, this one certainly wouldn't be. She headed towards the bar for a nerve calming drink.

The doors opened again and Hunter walked in looking miserable. He headed straight for the bar and ordered a double Andorian ale.

"I don't need to be an expert in body language to see you're troubled Mr Hunter," Jessica said as she fetched a glass and poured him an Andorian ale.

"I am just peachy. Happy as a clam." He said feeling rather combative and tired.

"Now I know that's not true." Jessica said handing him the glass, "Come on, I know you might want to talk but people often tell their bartender things they won't tell anyone else."

He studied her. "Nothing to talk about. How long is this. I'd like to go back to my quarters and continue drinking." He said. He felt like a leech. He shouldn't be here. This was a celebration and he couldn't celebrate her life he was still mourning her passing.

As the door opened Anthony looked up from chatting with Seleya and said, “Well he made it, like a storm in a teacup, but he made it.” He watched as his friend stormed to the bar and thought to himself, That can’t be good.

HG finished up with Jessica and got the bottle open. A couple of glasses with the scotch neat in each and she made her way over toward where she could see Anthony.

"Heya boss," she called as she got close. "A little something to lift the spirits. This stuff has been moldering along that it is an archaeological artifact in its own right." She handed the glass to him.

“Is this from the hundred year bottle that you bought. If so it should definitely going to be smooth and strong at the same time.” Anthony said happily accepting the offered glass before he took a sip.

"Indeed it is," HG smiled. "Sipping suggested but what the heck, to Zee-Magnus prizes at least you get a decent drink!" she clinked her glass to his and took a good swig. She closed her eyes as the liquid hit both burning but in a mellow way.

Anthony likewise took a good belt of it and breathed through his nose and over the liquid before he swallowed to give himself the full flavour. He wasn’t a taster that’s for sure but he knew when he liked something and simply said “Very nice. To the Zee-Magnus prize.” There was a tear in his eye for Doctor Polaris.

"And to the others who have gone to to explore the undiscovered country," she said and hoisted her own glass and then taking a smaller sip then the first.

Radak finally stepped away from the table with the photos, hoping that Ilana would follow him. The room had become rather full since he had last seen it, and he was surprised when he turned around. He leaned a little toward Ilana. "Is it customary to eat food at these functions? The last I attended did not have food." While he was looking around the room he spotted Captain Tigran. "The captain is here. I should speak with her..."

She smiled. "Yes, food is good and I think the Captain should start things off. Might make others more likely to speak." She gave his hand a squeeze. "You are doing great."

Radak eyed Ilana. "My state of being is irrelevant," he said, perhaps a little colder than he intended. "As the First Officer though, I must speak with the Captain, probably before she speaks to the crowd." He paused for a moment. "Come with me..."

She gave a smile. "Absolutely." She let go of his hand wondering if he would want people knowing of their closeness. She followed Radak.

Radak reached back for her hand when she let go of his and stopped, his hand out and his brows furrowed just slightly. "I do not intend to pretend. I apologize for making it seem so. At least not where we are concerned." The last sentence was lower in volume.

She smiled. "I wasn't sure. Let's go find the captain."

After the initial part HG excused herself and got another glass. She was still working on hers since she promised not to get shit faced. After Jessica poured another three fingers worth she worked her way through the crowd looking for the captain. She finally spotted her actually standing by herself off to the side of the table.

"Captain," she said gliding up and handing over the glass. "Before it all disappears thought you should have a bit."

"Thank you Helena," Taliserra said and took the glass, "Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves." She glanced over at Hunter at the other end of the bar. "Well, almost everyone."

"Well not exactly an occasion to enjoy considering," she made a reference with her glass to the pictures. "Believe it or not there is some theory in quantum science that says information is never lost, just transformed. I know it sounds a bit too scientific but none the less there it is."

"Quantum science isn't my kinda thing but I get what you mean." Taliserra said then took a big sip of the drink. "Not bad." She remarked though inside she was trying not to cough and throw it back up, scotch certainly wasn't her drink.

"Understood captain," HG smiled. "It is an odd beast to be sure, and a lot is not intuitive but the universe is built on that seemingly odd combination."

She smiled an almost Cheshire Cat grin and then turned to the watch the rest while quietly musing:"
Schrodinger's cat is a strange cat,
A strange cat indeed.
Neither alive nor dead but a bit of both you see.
Schrodinger's cat is a marvelous cat,
A marvelous cat indeed.
Just when you think you have penned him in tight
He suddenly tunnels out of sight."

Radak moved through the group of people carefully and toward the captain. He stepped to her side and looked sidelong at her, his face a mask. "Captain," he said in way of greeting with a head nod. "Would you like any assistance from me?" He had sort of pulled Ilana next to himself as well.

"Good evening Commander." Taliserra smiled up at Radak then at his companion, "Miss... Jareth?" she said, only partly sure of the woman's name.

Radak nodded, it was very hard for him not to follow up his nod with a smile. "Yes, you are correct, Captain. Ilana Jareth, this is Captain Taliserra Tigran. Captain, my friend Ilana."

"Nice to meet you," Taliserra said, she'd met the lady once before but with over three hundred crew on board the few civilians were lower on the list for getting to know.

She smiled. "It's nice to meet you as well."

"This is a decent gathering," Radak said, looking around at the room, filling with people. "Do you need any assistance, Captain?" He had asked before, but he wasn't exactly sure what would be expected of the captain at this event. "Will they expect you to speak?"

"I suspect they will," Taliserra replied. "I spoke at our last little function like this, when we first left starbase after the ship was repaired and refitted."

Radak nodded and squeezed Ilana's hand a little. "Do you know what you are going to say?" He seemed to be more curious as to her process then he was asking about whether or not she was prepared. "Vulcan's do not practice these sorts of gatherings. I have only attended a few."

Taliserra nodded slightly. "I have some idea, but a lot gets thought of on the spot. I was never a fan of speaking in public even on my sixth life."

"I have never been a fan either," Radak agreed. "Although, I find myself in positions where it is required of me often. Such is life, yes? Do you need any assistance with anything? I am not much of a speech writer... but I will help if I can."

Shaking her head a little Taliserra downed the remainder of the drink HG had given her. "I think I can manage fine. Commander, I will give you some advice though. Keep your speeches short, simple and to the point. Keep to that and the rest will fall into place."

"Logical advice, Captain. Thank you," he replied, feeling grateful that she didn't actually need his help. He really wasn't all that great at writing speeches. Communicating with people was one thing, but giving a speech to a crowd was quite another. "Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help."

"I'll be fine Commander." Taliserra replied, slipping off her chair she decided now was the best moment "Excuse me."

With a deep breath Taliserra stepped up to the raised area of the lounge much as she had before, seeing this a lot of the assembled crew quietened down and quickly the rest followed.

"Well," she started just as nervous as the first time. "It has been an interesting first month as a new crew aboard a renewed ship, we've seen off pirates, traveled into unknown territory and helped two alien species resolve their differences and find peace but some of us are not able to enjoy the celebration of peace." She looked to the table where pictures of all thirty two of the deceased crew stood. "Their loss is keenly felt across the ship from the freshly minted crewmen to the most experienced and oldest crew onboard but we made sure their deaths were not in vain and accomplished our objective."

Deciding that was enough, she concluded with a toast. "To absent friends."

“Absent friends,” Anthony said raising his glass as he turned to look at Hunter trying to judge his feelings.

HG held her glass a moment and whispered:
"Those we love do not go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear
Silante."

She lifted her glass then to salute the fallen and then with a toss of head and glass finished the rest of the liquid in it.

“Nicely put,” Anthony added quietly with a kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you, it is an old Irish poem that I remember reading," she replied.

“It is a Celtic blessing for those passed beyond.” Anthony said with a smile.

"Does anyone want to say a few words?" Taliserra asked looking across the assembled crew.

Hunter, who'd had a few drinks stood up. "I got something to say." His words a little slurred.

"Chief Payton," Taliserra looked at Hunter.

Jessica shot Taliserra a look that said 'this could go badly'

He stood up and walked to the podium. He cleared his throat and took a moment to allow the room to stop spinning. "Ladies and gentlemen. Galatea Polaris... was a gem. She cared so much for her fellow crewmembers. She was... zome-tim's grumpy but always in a funny way." He smiled a little. "She worked down to the last second and I am going to miss her. She was smart, funny, caring and that man!" He pointed to Alexander. "Is alive because of her..." He waved his hand. "Long boaring Betazoid stuff and all hard to explain when the room is zpinping. Now that woman!" He pointed to Seleya, "I bet you couldn't wait to jump in her seat... you cold Vulcan... shrew!"

Elijah had had enough. He started towards the stage just as Seleya jumped up to head him off. "Stop Elijah. You don't need to be in the brig."

"Yes, but he does."

"Stop!" She hurried up to Hunter. "Come on chief. Let's get you to sickbay."

"Shrew!!!!" he yelled wobbling.

Seleya rolled her eyes and quick as mist she administered a neck pinch.

Hunter huffed and crumpled. She flushed green seeing the stares of the crew. "It is alright. I believe he has had a bit too much to drink."

Elijah turned to the Captain hoping she'd let him take the young chief to the brig. "Brig or sickbay?" He asked the Captain swinging Hunter over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.

Seleya stepped in. "Sickbay captain. He didn't mean it. He just needs to speak with the counselor...."

Elijah shook his head trying to signal the captain. It was odd an comical in a way... something Galatea might have enjoyed. He had to smiled at that.

Taliserra walked over to the group. "Take him to sickbay for now, give him an anti-intoxicant, if he resists put him in the brig till he's cooled off."

Elijah hurried out with Seleya following. Truth was she was glad to be out of there so she wouldn't speak.

As Elijah and Seleya took Hunter away Taliserra took a few steps back towards the stage. "Now that's over with does anyone have anything..... constructive they would like to say?"

Anthony touched his lips then touched Galatea’s picture before he made his way forward. “Since the crew returned to the ship I have probably been one of the closest people from outside of medical to work with Doctor Polaris. Today is about her and Lieutenant Sika, we are all out here knowing at any time this could be our last days, those bound to earth would call, on earth. Galatea was a friend for those that needed it always and a vampire when necessary. She took risks to provide for our safety.” Raising his still half full glass of Zee-Magnus prize, he said “galatea Sika ghoS 'ej 'ach wej 'e' DalIjchugh.” (To Galatea and Sika, you're gone but not forgotten)

Radak had managed to grab himself a drink, noting that most in the room had them. He raised his glass, as seemed tradition, and drank. He had never really been a huge proponent for the consumption of alcohol, but this occasion seemed to call for it. He also wasn't exactly sure what he was consuming, but it left a burning sensation in his throat and chest.

HG raised hers as well again but she knew to just sip. When the stuff had over a hundred years it was not just smooth but potent as well.

Ilana raised her glass of cranberry juice, a favourite of Galatea's. She looked at Radak. "I should go check on Seleya. Hunter has been really nasty towards her lately."

Radak nodded. "I am ready to return to my quarters as well. Should I walk with you for a little bit?" he asked.

She smiled. "Absolutely." She had to smile, this romance between the two that was growing was a pleasant surprise. He really was her Romulan. She couldn't tell anyone, of course, she'd promised she wouldn't, but she liked all of him so the fact that he was Romulan did not bother her.

Radak nodded and waited for her to take lead out of the room.

Ilana headed out happy that Radak was with her.

After Anthony left the raised area Taliserra looked around for anyone else that wanted to speak, when no one else came forward she spoke again. "Now we arrive in this goldilocks system tomorrow so no more real alcohol from this point onwards..." She spared a glance at Jessica and James.

James nodded as Taliserra said it and went through to the kitchen. “I’ll just lock my fun ingredients into the locker and we’ll be all set.” He knew the cooking process burned off the alcohol but it removed temptation from hom to because on mission he left the key in a safe in his quarters which was on a time delay so it couldn't be opened during a mission.

"I want you all fresh and ready for some exploring." With that Taliserra stepped down and headed for the exit.


OFF:

Captain Taliserra Tigran
Commanding Officer

Lt (jg) Anthony Edwards
Chief Science Officer

HG Wells
Civilian Scientist

Lieutenant Seleya
CMO

Lieutenant Commander Radak
Executive Officer

Deepak El-Azar
Counselor

Lt Mikoto Misaka
Chief Sec/Tac Officer

Ltjg Touma Kamijou
Science Officer
[NPC Mikoto]

Lt. JG Elijah Alexander
Security Officer
[NPC Seleya]

Lt Jason Voss
Chief engineer
[NPC Deepak]

Jessica Haugen
Lounge Manager
[NPC Taliserra]

James Sulu
Chef
[NPC Edwards]

CPO Hunter Payton
Head Nurse
[NPC Seleya]

Ilana Jareth
Civilian
[NPC Seleya]

 

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