Memorial Service - USS Burke(Open to All)

[Luby Wentock]

[Lounge - Memorial Service]

Luby was grateful that the Captain ignored her, at least at this point in time, she was here to pay respect and nothing more.

With the friendly welcome of everyone she'd spoken to, especially the Grazerite Ensign and the red-haired CSO, she felt she might be able to fit in here and not have to worry too much about feeling the odd one out.

She listened to the Captain give his eulogy and a few tears escaped.  She didn't know anyone who had lost their lives but it was sad and the Captain's words were very moving nonetheless.  Plus it was socially acceptable for even men to cry at funerals or memorials.

Watching the little dots of light she waited until the Captain had finished speaking then whispered to Torra.  "That's beautiful, what's the Captain like when he's not giving speeches?"

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Forward Lounge - USS Discovery]

Ian remained skeptical regarding the extravagant gift, but he relented and gave Ruth his almost patented lop-sided pilot's grin.

"The Great Material Continuum never stops flowin'. Regardless, thank you Ruth. I am in your debt. However, on a different topic..." He lowered his voice and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "As ye are a boffin, ye will get on well with Captain as he's one of the best. You're goin' ta have ta ask him about the twins as that's beyond my lift capacity. Funny thing though, you won't have ta ask about the dog. Torra's almost has a bloody kennel in her quarters, so a collie will nae be a problem."

[Memorial Service - Lounge]

Ruth waved off Ian's thanks then grinned.  "Well, we might have to have doggy play dates then Ensign Danjar-Addams. I'll cuddle anything cute and furry!"

Turning back to Ian she said "As for the twins, I figured it might be outside your remit, but doesn't the Captain have a daughter at the Academy?  Might be some company for her.  Anyhow I'll ask him."

[Lieutenant JG Nira Said | Forward Lounge | Deck Six | USS Discovery NCC-78393-B]

Nira smiled at the Commander's offer. It was true that she already had her own science lab; she asked Lieutenant Cadbury for one the moment she came aboard, and when she got his permission, she set to setting up her lab. But the fact that Ruth, as she'd like to be preferred to be called off-duty, offered her science stuff, she was glad to hear. She'll need them, though she hoped she can work with T'Lara, with the Vulcan's expertise and logic.

Hearing her offer made to T'Lara as well, Nira spoke up. "Well, we'd be especially proficient in a forensics project together sometime as well. Bit of practice and a bit of an attempt to solve a mystery."

Then she heard the whistle and she saw that the Captain had entered. She knew what that meant: the funeral is ready to begin in full swing.

She remembered that she'll have to offer a eulogy of her own. She had the beginning; all she had to do was continue with the rest when the time came.

"Well, you know where I am based probably better than I do as yet!" the CSO laughed, "But unless it's actually locked, my door is literally and figuratively open, I hate closed doors except on bathrooms!  Oh and airlocks... that tends to be quite handy!"

She listened to the Captain's words then looked over and saw the cadet she'd spoken to earlier shedding a few tears.  She moved silently two steps to her right and laid a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder, passing a tissue with the other.  Giving a gentle squeeze she looked sympathetically.  It was likely the poor thing's first memorial, something one had to get through, but not pleasant even if there was no-one that she knew who had lost their lives.

Ruth was only just keeping her emotions in check herself, but she was thinking of another memorial service that was probably being done elsewhere...which she couldn't attend.  Not that she was ever likely to wear black, and she was grateful that she only had the dog to answer to.

Vaguely wondering if Exy was alive or if he'd been with his master at the end she turned her attention back to the service.

'If you're still out there Will, be safe, if not be happy wherever you ended up, be it the halls of Valhalla or whatever your heaven is.'

[T'Lara]

[Deck 6 - Forward Lounge - USS Discovery]

Nodding to his new First Officer, the Captain turned to the podium set up, and took his place behind it, waiting for the gathered officers to come back to attention and ready for the service.  It was not something he liked to do, but it was something he knew he had to do.

"For dozens of planets across hundreds of lightyears, the duties of a navel Captain to act as an officiant have been a tradition, a tradition that has carried over millennia to the modern day Starfleet.  We are the voice of those who wish to be joined, for those who come into this universe, and unfortunately, for those who leave us.  It is this latter purpose that we gather here today. 

"Time... time is the ultimate companion.  It is our first friend and our first enemy. It is there from the moment we are born, until the moment our spirit leaves.  For some, time stays with us ever afterwards.  For others, time moves on, leaving us behind.  But time is always there.  And time is the reason why we gather here today to honor the sacrifice and loss of the crew of the USS Burke, NCC-1782.  The ship was launched almost a hundred years ago, and went missing 90 years ago, only to reappear to us this year.  Few of her crew's descendants could be found, and fewer still could be contacted, leaving her survivors to truly be children out of time. 

"So I ask of you, the crew of the USS Discovery, to join me in being the last connection to the Burke, and to open your hearts to those lost, having given the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of their fellow crewmen.  I ask that you remain silent while I read the name of those lost from the USS Burke, NCC-1782."

Nevir stopped for a moment.  Clearing his thoughts and taking a breath, before starting.  As he read the names, special torpedoes used to honor fallen officers were fired from the ship, as the funeral was being broadcast ship-wide.

"Commanding Officer, Captain James Franklin.  First Officer, Commander Thomas Porter.  Chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Junior Grade Anthony Warlow.  Chief Helm Officer Lieutenant Junior Grade Carol Lynn DuPries.  Chief Navigator Ensign Deana Park.  Chief Medical Officer Lieutenant Commander Dr. Richard Chatham.  Assistant Chief Engineering Officer...."

The Captain continued down the list of the 85 names, until he finally got to the end, leaving 85 glowing dots in the black sky to slowly fizzle out after an hour to honor the crew.  The Captain stepped away from the podium, turned on his heels, and came to attention, saluting the lights in the sky as a cue for a senior officer to call for the assembled crew to also come to attention and salute their respect.  Nevir kept the salute for a minute and a half before relaxing, and turning back around, stepping back to the podium.  In that time, the traditional empty torpedo was brought in with the flag of the Federation laid over it.  Since there was no body, it was all completely ceremonial.

"Their duty will not be forgotten.  Not to the memory of those who served with them, not by their family, and not by time.  The flag may be lowered for them now, but it is only folded in their honor." he said, signaling for the officers to gently fold the flag of the Federation, and present it to the Captain.

"This flag will be presented to the highest ranking surviving officer of the Burke, when they recover.  May this be a reminder of not the fragility of humanoid life, or the mortality that we all have, but the courage and compassion in our hearts.  Even in the face of inevitable death, the crew of the Burke heldfast, choosing to put the lives of those they could save, and those they did not know, over their own.  May each of us make the just as honorable a choice when the time comes and we are called upon to do the same.  Thank you."  he said, stepping back.  He looked to his two First officers... the one he was saying goodbye to, and the one who was just joining him, to see if either of them wanted to say anything, or end the ceremony and let the others gather again.

[Deck 6 - Forward Lounge - USS Discovery]

As T'Lara listened, she could feel the emotions around her building at the strength of the words Nevir was speaking. It was a beautiful speech, even she could appreciate that. After hearing this speech she now had an answer for her father as to why she wasn't yet a starship captain. She didn't think she had the charisma and passion for the job, at least not the kind she saw exhibited here. If she ever earned the rank she knew she would be a good one, but it was examples like these that separated the good from the great.

As she watched the torpedoes the emotions around her continued to grow so much so that it felt like they were going to burst. Indeed some people were overcome as T'Lara looked around and saw that tears were marking their cheeks. She had not been to many funerals, her own mother's was a somber yet stoic affair. The Vulcan woman had also requested she not have a Starfleet funeral, as was her right as the wife of a captain. But this memorial was a lovely display, a fitting tribute, and though she did not show an outpouring of emotion she secretly felt a slight pang of loss but ultimately pride in her chosen organization.

She saluted with the others and watched as the torpedo was brought in, then listened as the captain continued to the end of his speech. The end served as testament to the Burke crew's bravery, and a call for others to follow in their footsteps should the need arise. She knew she would, as she put honor and duty above all else. And if it ever came to be that she should die in the line of duty, she could only hope the speaker at her ceremony would have a similar talent as Nevir's. When he looked to her and Galloway and she saw the other man decline his offer, T'Lara stepped forward and took a single breath before proceeding.

"A ceremony like this is not enough to show the gratitude I know each and every one of us feels for the crew of the USS Burke, especially by those who knew these brave officers personally. As Captain Nevir has so eloquently stated, their sacrifice is why we are here, but we must also recognize the sacrifices of those who remain. Those who lost friends and family and those who will need to create new lives in this time, may they be fulfilling ones. We must show our gratitude for those who may continue to serve our Federation in Starfleet or other capacities, and also for those who gave up the lives promised to them in exchange for lives full of uncertainty. I know that I speak for everyone when I say that the entirety of the crew of USS Burke, NCC-1782 deserves recognition for their bravery, so I ask that we salute the Burke crewmembers still among us."

She held her salute for approximately a minute, then gently brought her hand back to her side.

"Before we adjourn I believe Lieutenant Said would like to say a few words and anyone is certainly encouraged to contribute if they wish, then-" she glanced at Nevir, not knowing if she had the authority to do it but forging ahead anyway, "everyone is dismissed from the ceremony. There are refreshments for those who would like to partake of them. Thank you." When her speech was over she gave Nira an encouraging nod as she stepped down from the podium.

[Nira Said]

[Deck 6 - Forward Lounge - USS Discovery]

As T'Lara listened, she could feel the emotions around her building at the strength of the words Nevir was speaking. It was a beautiful speech, even she could appreciate that. After hearing this speech she now had an answer for her father as to why she wasn't yet a starship captain. She didn't think she had the charisma and passion for the job, at least not the kind she saw exhibited here. If she ever earned the rank she knew she would be a good one, but it was examples like these that separated the good from the great.

As she watched the torpedoes the emotions around her continued to grow so much so that it felt like they were going to burst. Indeed some people were overcome as T'Lara looked around and saw that tears were marking their cheeks. She had not been to many funerals, her own mother's was a somber yet stoic affair. The Vulcan woman had also requested she not have a Starfleet funeral, as was her right as the wife of a captain. But this memorial was a lovely display, a fitting tribute, and though she did not show an outpouring of emotion she secretly felt a slight pang of loss but ultimately pride in her chosen organization.

She saluted with the others and watched as the torpedo was brought in, then listened as the captain continued to the end of his speech. The end served as testament to the Burke crew's bravery, and a call for others to follow in their footsteps should the need arise. She knew she would, as she put honor and duty above all else. And if it ever came to be that she should die in the line of duty, she could only hope the speaker at her ceremony would have a similar talent as Nevir's. When he looked to her and Galloway and she saw the other man decline his offer, T'Lara stepped forward and took a single breath before proceeding.

"A ceremony like this is not enough to show the gratitude I know each and every one of us feels for the crew of the USS Burke, especially by those who knew these brave officers personally. As Captain Nevir has so eloquently stated, their sacrifice is why we are here, but we must also recognize the sacrifices of those who remain. Those who lost friends and family and those who will need to create new lives in this time, may they be fulfilling ones. We must show our gratitude for those who may continue to serve our Federation in Starfleet or other capacities, and also for those who gave up the lives promised to them in exchange for lives full of uncertainty. I know that I speak for everyone when I say that the entirety of the crew of USS Burke, NCC-1782 deserves recognition for their bravery, so I ask that we salute the Burke crewmembers still among us."

She held her salute for approximately a minute, then gently brought her hand back to her side.

"Before we adjourn I believe Lieutenant Said would like to say a few words and anyone is certainly encouraged to contribute if they wish, then-" she glanced at Nevir, not knowing if she had the authority to do it but forging ahead anyway, "everyone is dismissed from the ceremony. There are refreshments for those who would like to partake of them. Thank you." When her speech was over she gave Nira an encouraging nod as she stepped down from the podium.

[Lieutenant JG Nira Said | Forward Lounge | Deck Six | USS Discovery NCC-78393-B]

Nira listened to Captain Tekin, and later T'Lara give their eulogies. She was entirely moved by them. T'Lara, especially. She had recently heard about T'Lara's promotion to executive officer while Commander...that is, Captain Galloway, was heading off for his own ship. Nira felt she might as well get used to change; it was happening frequently on the Discovery.

Seeing that T'Lara stated it was her turn to give a eulogy, Nira went up to speak.

Modifying what she said earlier, she began. "Here we are to commemorate, in a way, the solving of one of the greatest mysteries in Starfleet history. A lost starship found and then we lose it, but many we have preserved of the crew. I am proud to have been a part of solving this particular mystery, and I bid to all those who remained on the Burke to go down with the ship...as they say in my adoptive home of Arabia, Salaam. Peace be unto you."

And with that, she stepped down. Knowing her tendencies to ramble on due to her restrictions on telepathy, Nira felt to make it as short yet impactful as possible.

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Ensign Danjar-Torra Addams
[USS Discovery - Deck 6 - Lounge]

[Lounge - Memorial Service]

Luby was grateful that the Captain ignored her, at least at this point in time, she was here to pay respect and nothing more.

With the friendly welcome of everyone she'd spoken to, especially the Grazerite Ensign and the red-haired CSO, she felt she might be able to fit in here and not have to worry too much about feeling the odd one out.

She listened to the Captain give his eulogy and a few tears escaped.  She didn't know anyone who had lost their lives but it was sad and the Captain's words were very moving nonetheless.  Plus it was socially acceptable for even men to cry at funerals or memorials.

Watching the little dots of light she waited until the Captain had finished speaking then whispered to Torra.  "That's beautiful, what's the Captain like when he's not giving speeches?"

Torra listened solemnly as the Captain spoke, and she reached out to take hold Donny's hand, feeling a need for his support through this.  In a very real way, though she had done all she could, she felt that she had left the crew of the Burke down.

The eulogy was beautifully presented.  When it came time to salute Torra released her husbands hand and unhunched her shoulders so that she could stand her full 6'6" height, and saluted holding til after the Captain did.

In the quiet lull between his speech and T'Lara's, Luby asked a question.  Torra smiled softly "He's a man of science, so keeps an open mind and is listens to input from the staff around him. He is firm in keeping an orderly ship but is understanding of mistakes. Overall, he is a fine Captain." Torra whispered back wrapping up her opinion just as T'Lara began with her piece of to say.

At T'Lara's prompt she stood at Attention again to honor the survivors.  Then Nira spoke restating something similar to her remark earlier.  But Torra had nothing to say which was odd for a Grazerite.  It had taken only the few months at the Mars Academy to break Torra of her Grazerite cultural habit of agreeing and restating anew what had already been said.  Torra would leave the speeches to others. 

[Luby Wentock]

Ensign Danjar-Torra Addams
[USS Discovery - Deck 6 - Lounge]

Torra listened solemnly as the Captain spoke, and she reached out to take hold Donny's hand, feeling a need for his support through this.  In a very real way, though she had done all she could, she felt that she had left the crew of the Burke down.

The eulogy was beautifully presented.  When it came time to salute Torra released her husbands hand and unhunched her shoulders so that she could stand her full 6'6" height, and saluted holding til after the Captain did.

In the quiet lull between his speech and T'Lara's, Luby asked a question.  Torra smiled softly "He's a man of science, so keeps an open mind and is listens to input from the staff around him. He is firm in keeping an orderly ship but is understanding of mistakes. Overall, he is a fine Captain." Torra whispered back wrapping up her opinion just as T'Lara began with her piece of to say.

At T'Lara's prompt she stood at Attention again to honor the survivors.  Then Nira spoke restating something similar to her remark earlier.  But Torra had nothing to say which was odd for a Grazerite.  It had taken only the few months at the Mars Academy to break Torra of her Grazerite cultural habit of agreeing and restating anew what had already been said.  Torra would leave the speeches to others.

[Memorial Service]

Luby only had time to nod and smile her thanks before T'Lara took to the podium.  She stood to attention and hoped that the memorial would be short, not out of disrespect but the fact that she got teased about being the love-child of a Betazoid for the amount of feelings she got at such events.