The Memorial

Posted on Sun Apr 28th, 2019 @ 3:36pm by Captain Wilkan Targaryen & President Gruzy of New Xindus & Commander Nathan Hawkins & High Commissioner Jasmine Haynes
Edited on on Thu Jan 2nd, 2020 @ 5:42pm

2,277 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: Atlantis
Location: Main Shuttlebay, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2429-12-02, 09:00

President Gruzy stood at the podium looking out at the crowd of faces that had joined them for the ceremony honoring the loss of Commander H'wii of Starfleet and Commander Karrak of the Gorn Hegemony. The entire senior staff of the ship were here as were personnel whom had had the honor of serving with the two in the past. Neither would probably have ever imagined they were so important, but the Shuttlebay was full.

Gruzy looked toward the twin caskets sitting in the center of the room. The one to his left was adorned with the banner of the Gorn Hegemony as well as a Federation flag in honor of not only Karrak's current life, but also the one he had left behind to lead his people back to greatness. Beside him H'wii featured the Federation flag atop his.

In the view outside of the ship New Vulcan hung in space behind Starfleet One. The orange hued planet, with its amazing ring system, stood out like a jewel amongst the stars. To his left the new colonial governor, Kir, stood by to also help them honor the sacrifices.

Gruzy was the first to speak. He had spoken about his experiences meeting both men in the past and the future that they both had worked toward obtaining. For Karrak he spoke of how the Commander had wanted to rescue his people from oppression and restore them to a galactic power. For H'wii he spoke of the efforts of the Commander to build a stronger, safer Federation. In honor of both he awarded the two the Federation Cross for their efforts of building a stronger galaxy.

Rear Admiral Gregory Coulson, the recently appointed Commanding Officer of the 16th Fleet, took the podium next. The Fleet Commander spoke of the honor that both had exemplified in their Starfleet service. First he spoke of his time reporting to Karrak aboard this very ship and the lessons that the Commander had taught him. Then he spoke of H'wii and his experiences learning from the Chief Engineer about the ship and its abilities. He finished with how much he would miss them.

The Xindi President retook the podium and motioned toward Lieutenant Hererra, who would provide his experiences working with the Commander in his role of Chief Engineer.

Herrera had his son next to him, he squeezed his hand softly before taking the podium. The butterflies in his stomach were making him sweat. He took the podium looking at all the people and then finding peace on his son.

"I am glad to see so many familiar faces here today. I know that many of you travelled a long way just to be here and honor such a wonderful man, Chief Engineer H'wii. H'wii was an excellent chief engineer and I'm proud to have worked with him. He had so much life to live, but I guess the Universe had other plans for him. Although this is a tragic event that’s extremely hard for us to grasp, H'wii would’ve wanted us to keep our spirits high, because that’s who he was. He was everything you ever wished for in a boss, and I’m forever blessed to have spent so many missions with him by my side. Rest in peace, chief. You’ll always be in our hearts.”

He gazed at the audience taking a deep breath before waving to the Xindi president and sitting down close to his child.

After the Lieutenant spoke they opened the floor to anyone else who had something to say...

Jasmine was not what to say, she was still new to Starfleet One. She never had the pleasure of working with the Chief Engineer. She never got to know him, and that was sad to her. Here lived a man, and his life was taken during this last incident. What legacy would he pass on? His death in her eyes, seemed meaningless. And that angered her. Why does anyone need to die?

The universe is a big place, why must their be conflict? This was a question that Jasmine, could not answer. While the question could not be answered, it left the door open for her services as a security and tactical officer. It allowed her to work with the President of the Federation. Which was exactly what she was doing, at this moment. Protecting the president. After the incident with the Governor, Starfleet was not taking any chances.

Security had been increased, and no one was allowed to get to close to the President. Everyone was on high alert. Jasmine, watched from her position, with her weapon at her side. She was scanning the crowd looking for any suspicious activity. She was not going to have a repeat, of what happened on the shuttle, not if she could help it.

Res was quiet as she stood next to the President. Memorials or funerals, whatever you wish to call them, while necessary, were never something she enjoyed. She had attended far too many during the battles to free Coridan from perpetual slavery, and sending friends and relatives to the graves that awaited them. This was just another in a long line of such ceremonies. She set her lips and politely listened, ready to support Gruzy if required.

No matter how many times he'd attended a ceremony for a fallen comrade it never became easier to overcome the grief and hardships. Nathan Hawkins remain quiet and reflective as various person stepped forward to pay their respects. The days events could have been far worse if it hadn't been for the bravery of both H'wii and Karrack - none of them would be here if it hadn't been for the two outstanding men. Words on this occasion weren't enough to express the swirling emotions the crew were feeling on this sombre time.

Hawkins glanced sideways at Green wondering if she'd say anything following H'wii sacrifice.

Having just finished his tour of duty as the Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire, William Teagarden stepped up to the podium in his full dress uniform. The El-Aurian former Commanding Officer of the Enterprise had returned to his role as Starfleet Liaison to the Federation Council. It wasn't the role that he had wanted, but it was the role he would fulfill until his true destiny called once more.

"I have had the distinct honor not only to have worked with Commander H'wii," he began his remarks with, "but I have also had the singular distinction of having also been Commander Karrak's Commanding Officer during his time in Starfleet. There are many things that I could tell you about both men, but their similarities outweigh their differences in many different respects. Both were men of action who had deep devotion to the people with whom they served."

He paused, reflecting for a moment on the almost 20 years he had known both men. A small smile formed, "I can still remember when Karrak came aboard this vessel to serve as my Chief of Security. He had proven quickly to me that he was a person focused on honor and had an extreme loyalty to his crew. I made him Executive Officer and, after a time, I supported him further by placing him firmly in the track of commanding his own vessel: the Starship Pegasus. We lost touch for a while, a matter I truly regret, but I am lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know him once more in his new role as liberator of his people. It was truly the role he was born to play."

"As for Commander H'wii," he noted two things as he said the rank - that Rover was in attendance and that his rank had been changed. "He served here what seems like a lifetime ago as well. When he came here he was new to service, but I could also see the spark of greatness in him. I knew that he would do amazing things in his career and that his name would be shared with other Engineers like Tucker, Scott, LaForge, O'Brien, Torres, and Gomez. Some of the very things aboard this ship we take for granted H'wii had a direct involvement with developing, and we will be eternally grateful to him."

"Today is not a day to be sad, my friends, far from it. Today is a day to celebrate what has come before and where we are going. A new chapter starts for each of us this day and we will not forget the contributions that were made from those who came before."

The Admiral stepped away from the podium and retook his seat.

Kalev looked at Gruzy. She actually had many things to say about Karrack. The problem was, how do you speak of such a brave Gorn, and not disclose his or her own actions? He had taken her offer, and she had delivered. The weapons had gotten to the Gorn rebels, and led by Karrack. they obviously had made a difference. How this would impact the Gorn or other races who fought against Klingon tyranny in the future was anybody's guess. But, Karrack had died a hero. One that she truly admired, and was proud she'd been able to assist. Who would step up now? Klingon refugees, such as those her and Grayson had encountered and made a deal with, truly indicated major upheaval in the Empire. One that would impact the Klingon government's ability to wage war on the Federation. If Karrack had succeeded in that before his death, one day he'd be honored even more, by those that learned the truth.

So, she stood silent in her black dress and heels. A silent tribute to the one who deserved a medal for what he'd done. And freedom.

The Admiral's words touched Dillon's heart. He felt content to be there and to have worked with such great people. It didn't take long to have his eye caught by Kalev's black dress and figure.

When no one else was left to take part in the eulogy of their friends, President Gruzy approached the podium a final time. Turning toward the gathered Officers and Officials he considered his next actions carefully, methodically to make sure he was making the right decision. Only a short while ago he'd made the decision to conceal the truth to try to help make the galaxy safer. Now he was throwing caution to the wind again and bring it all back to risk again.

"My friends we have had enough bloodshed today," the Xindi said in measured words. "When I first met Commander Karrak he had been requesting that the Federation support his people in their efforts against their conquerors amongst the Klingon Empire. In my hubris I chose not to give him this aid he and his people so desperately needed in hopes of restoring an alliance between the Federation and the Klingon Empire."

He paused a moment before continuing, reminding himself that this was the right thing to do. "Commander Karrak remained a loyal soldier of the Federation until the very end, living up to the oath that he took as a Starfleet Officer all those years ago to be part of this humanitarian and peacekeeping armada. He sacrificed himself so that others may live and that is something we will never forget and can never repay him for."

"Nonetheless, we will try. After careful consideration I am ordering that the United Federation of Planets officially recognizes the Gorn Hegemony as an independent, subjugated nation of the Klingon Empire. With this I pledge that the Federation will support the Gorn and their efforts toward a peaceful resolution to this crisis. It is the very least we can do to honor their sacrifice for us. Thank you," he stepped away from the podium as the gathering prepared to end.

Herrera was taken aback by the Xindi's speech. It didn't seem to be a good timing for such request. He kept his ears tuned for anything interesting, though.

Greg Coulson smiled at hearing the President's announcement. It had been a very long time coming in his opinion, but he'd never make that known. The Gorn had been a long time ally of the Federation, even though their initial days weren't as friendly as one would hope. It was the very least that they could do to honor the sacrifice of Commander Karrak to save them all.

He glanced over at Admiral Teagarden and wondered what he had thought about all of this. Karrak was one of the first XO's aboard Starfleet One and one of the few that the Admiral didn't summarily dismiss in those early days. It may've been hard for him to see this day. Unlike many, Greg had gotten to work closely with the Admiral and spent a lot of time with him. He knew, deep down, that the Admiral was very much Human and not the demonic figure some had cast him as over the years. He only hoped that the most recent exploits that the Admiral had been involved with wouldn't be the end of his career.

The final stage of the ceremony began. Galatea stood at attention, "All hands, attention! Honor guard."

As the personnel all stood in honor of their fallen comrades the honor guard stepped forward as the bosun's whistle sounded. The twin casings that they were in disappeared in a transporter beam. The crowd turned toward the door and watched as the torpedoes were fired into space. The two distinguished people forever exploring the final frontier.

"The gathering is concluded," Galatea informed. "You are all dismissed to your duties."

 

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