Star Trek A Call to Duty presents...

USS Elara

“Absent Friends”

Starring

Terry Imrie as Captain Joseph Timrok
Peter Saunders as Commander Peter Pazoski
Dan Woodward as Lieutenant Junior Grade Ordo Rillix
Gordon Cindric as as Lieutenant Junior Grade John McKnight
Cosma Mihai as Ensign Cosmo Starbuck

  And

Lília Perfeito as Admiral Ix, Ambassador Trun and Trun’s Aids

  Guest Starring

Rob Lemmens as Ensign Conners
Ivan Balajić as Ensign Renzokuken
Tim Schols as Doctor Greene and Lieutenant Junior Grade McAllister

Host SM_Lilia says:
=/\= U.S.S. Elara Stardate 10412.05 - "Absent Friends "=/\=
Host SM_Lilia says:
The USS Elara is stopped half way between Starbase 927 and Ikiri alfa. The main star in the quaternary system in which the Starbase is located
Host SM_Lilia says:
Though she seems peaceful stopped in space, inside her the turmoil of emotions is great. Commander Mesme is dead.
Host SM_Lilia says:
His closest friends and comrades gather at torpedo bay one control room to pay their last respects to him.
Host SM_Lilia says:
The body of the Caitian/Rutian lies quietly in his torpedo casket, awaiting to join the star's hot furnace.´
Host SM_Lilia says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\=Begin Mission=/\==/\==/\==/\=
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::stands over main launcher control panel checking the tube and system of it....thinking: Darn it....why did he had to die....He was good leader.... ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
ACTION: In the torpedo room several MOs go about still making final preparations to the body. All in deep quietness. Officers start filling the room
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::In TL, pulling at the collar of his dress tunic::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: standing in Torpedo control room one silently - hands clasped in front with his left covering his right, effectively hiding the cuts ::
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::walks into the torpedo room wearing the "special uniform" feeling bad::
Dr_Greene says:
::In the torpedo control room, finishing the final arrangements::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Walking though a corridor, heading towards the torpedo control room, correcting his uniform::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::strolls down the corridor heading for the torpedo room. Speaks to no one::
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::walks over to captain Timrok and whispers:: CO: You ok sir?
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::Leaves the TL, walks to Torpedo room 1. Stops outside::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
::grumpily moves to the torpedo room, thinking of the past::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: raises his head slightly but keeps looking at the coffin :: CEO: Yes
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::looks at officer entering Torpedo room with sad faces in quite and choked atmosphere::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::Doesn't want to go inside::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: is about as cold and emotionless as at any time in his life ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::enters the room glancing from side to side. Then stands to the side of Mesme's body
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Walking down a corridor, just outside the torpedo control room, a red/black bundle under his arm, with some sticks sticking out::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Arrives at the torpedo room and upon entering it,  his eyes slightly start to water::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
::enters the torpedo room, tries not to look at the recently deceased::
Dr_Greene says:
::Walks around the torpedo one more time, checking whether all is set, with short, careful hand movements::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::Plucks up his courage, walks through torpedo room doors, and makes his way to the torpedo/casket::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: stands still ::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
Greene: Everything ready?
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Amb_Trun>::walks into the room with her 2 aids, as impassive as a Vulcan. approaches the body::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Takes out a napkin and cleans his watery eyes and nose::
Dr_Greene says:
::Doesn't look up as he quietly continues his work. He heard the doctor, but wanted to finish his job first, in peace::
SF_Commander says:
::slips into the torpedo room and loiters at the back of the room, out of sight, knowing Mesme for only a few short days a long time ago just wishes to pay his final respects and be on his way::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
:: throws look on beeping signal of computer showing him that everything is in order ...he stands by waiting to ceremonial begin::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: clears his throat & looks around the room ::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
::his grumble turns to small H2O drops as he remembers the former-XO::
Dr_Greene says:
::As he is satisfied they are done, he looks up and turns to the captain and nods::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Slips into the room, just before the captain cleared his throat, and takes out a bagpipe from the bundle::
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::turns pale as he walks into a quiet corner of the torpedo room::
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Amb_Trun>::looks down to the body and starts crying audibly:: breaking the CO's intended silence::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::shakes her head at the Ambassador::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::Turns around with Dr Greene, but steps back. Would prefer not to be near the front::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: waits for the wailing to subside slightly ::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
Senior Crew:
We are gathered here to Pay our final respects to Commander Aun’to Mesme, who has served and protected the crew of the USS Elara as Chief Tactical Officer and Executive Officer with distinction and loyalty.
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Trun's aids> ::help their boss calm down but are not very successful::
Dr_Greene says:
::Stands near the shell, feeling rather useless now, not sure what to do but listen to the captain::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::stands still listening to Captain words::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: The life he chose, the life we all chose - on a starship is a difficult one and the risks are many,
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Amb_Trun>::still crying, her sobbing is heard from time to time breaking the speech::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: tries to continue as diplomatically as possible ::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::steps towards the ambassador, putting an arm around her shoulders. surreptitiously gives the ambassador a mild sedative with his hypo spray, concealed in his other hand::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: as we look around here today we begin to understand how such a life is possible -
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Trun's aid>::see the hypo spray and eye the CMO menacingly. But say nothing::
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Amb_Trun>::slowly regains her composure::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::remembers the times when Mesme was around....::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: what drives us to go on in the face of so much hardship,
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: we see each other, we see the people who would lay down there lives to save us,
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::lets the ambassador's aides take care of her, steps back again and moves to the back of the crowd::
SF_Commander says:
::wonders whether or not in the long run the push into the final frontier is worth the cost in lives::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::quietly listening::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: we see the people that we may one day ourselves be asked to save.
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: takes a breath ::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Careful not to disturb anyone, he makes his way to a more central position in the crowd::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: To be in the company of such loyalty and bravery is a privilege indeed, and we must strive every day to be worth it.
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Sighs deeply, wiping away another tear::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: Aun’to was the best of us and in his sacrifice he has paid us the greatest of complements
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: because he believed we were worth saving, we have a duty to him to continue,
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
::in the front row, looking over the body trying to imagine what would he say if he was here::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: whilst his loss leaves a great void - it is up to us all now to grow and fill it,
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: to continue to carry on the Elara's values of Trust and Loyalty so that we too can one day stand shoulder to shoulder with Commander Aun’to Mesme and the many who went before him.
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::feels guilt wash over him; despises himself::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::stands listening to CO getting ready for say last goodbye to Mesme as he will push the button...and shoot him in never ending voyage in space::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: Before we commit his body, does anybody else have anything they would like to say?
Host Adm_Ix says:
::looks around then steps up:: CO: I would like to say a few words Captain
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: nods to the Admiral ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::nods back and steps to the CO's previous position. Clears her throat::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: remains with his hands clasped and his head bowed ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
All: Commander Mesme's loss affects the very heart of Starfleet. He died because we made a mistake. Not you ... this time ::looks at the CO:: We made a mistake
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: doesn't return the Admirals glance but keeps staring at the coffin with steely coldness ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
All: Could we have prevented it? Probably not. What I would like to say is this. To honor our comrade in arms we must strive not to make the same mistake again and learn from his departure. We are not perfect, we probably never will be ...
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::moves up to the center of the crowd still looking very pale::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::looks around:: All: But I can safely say, I am proud of what Commander Mesme and all of you have done aboard the Elara
Host Adm_Ix says:
::looks down at the body:: Rest in Peace
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::stands still thinking about the past times....trying to remember something about Mesme... ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::steps back to her place::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Sees the Admiral step back, looks around and takes a few steps forward::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Looks around the torpedo room and grabs a little note from his pocket::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::looks up at the Admiral, resenting her 'probably not' comment::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Puts away the note and looks up again::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
All: Words are not enough to express what Commander Mesme has taught us.
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: clenches his right fist beneath his left ::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::eyes fall to feet again, wants this to be over so he can go back to his quarters and drink himself into unconsciousness::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
All: I wrote a note with memories and things to say, but... ::takes a deep breath to prevent his eyes from watering again:: We will surely miss his presence here on the Elara.
SF_Commander says:
::shuffles slightly at the back, never knew Mesme had this effect on the crew::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Looks at the coffin:: All: I would just wish there was a way to turn back all of this. Farewell dear friend.
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Walks back into the crowd and takes out his napkin again::
Dr_Greene says:
::Steps forward:: All: Thank you.. I just want to say a few words. For these past few hours, I've been busy with the preparations for this ceremony. During that time, I took a few minutes to sit down and pray for commander Mesme. I prayed for a safe journey into the after-life. There's nothing more to say than this... Have a safe trip, commander..
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::reaches out to touch the torpedo, his hand stops halfway, then returns to his side::
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::sees the doctor returning to the crowd he steps forward:: All: The first time I came to the Elara I was fresh from the academy, everything was new to me. And I'm glad to say that I have learned a lot from the Commander. I had my first away mission with him, and it was a memorable experience.
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
All: I will never forget his furry appearance and his everlasting smile.... he was the first person that I wanted to be like, and for that I thank him, and wish him a safe trip to the heavens. ::steps back to the crowd as his eyes start to shine::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
I would have a last thing to say... ::make 2 paces forward::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
What can I say about Commande... um.. ex Commander Mesme? I know I didn’t serve with him long enough to get acquainted too good. I was with him when the poison first acted upon him. I knew, he knew, the Captain knew; we knew that he will die, but we also knew everyone will try and save him.
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
I also remember that at the time our CMO said through the comm that he died, we had found the cure. Just too late. I can't blame the Baroonians, we killed 50 of their people, for them this is just. What else can I say except... :: bursts in tears ::I'm sorry, I can't... :: puts the note on Mesme's cold body, and makes two steppes backwards ::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::steps  on the podium with tears in his eyes looking on Mesme body and then to crowd::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
ALL: I have to admit...I didn't get to know Commander good....but however I can tell you.. in my heart I know that he was good officer...friend and leader!
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
ALL: He left us in these times....he embarked on new journey.. in better place he went! ::tears drops over his cheeks::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
ALL: Although his body died....his heart...love and soul lives on.....In our hearts...in our memories!
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
ALL: As long we remember him...he will be among us...alive!... ::cries and stands of podium returning to his post::
SF_Commander says:
::wonders if the entire crew is going to need counseling after this::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::As the last person finishes his speech, he carefully blows air into the bagpipe, making a low, humming sound for about two seconds::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: looks up ::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Takes out his napkin again after Renzokuken's speech::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Blows firmly into the pipe and starts playing the last post::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
Commander Aun’to Mesme, we now commit your body to the deep, take with you our respect and our thanks for serving by our side
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::salutes::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::salutes::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: nods to the two TO's then lifts his right hand into a salute ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
::remains quiet looking at the torpedo casing::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Applies pressure with his arms while he takes a big, fast breath and blows into the pipe again, continuing to play the last post::
Host Adm_Ix says:
<Amb Trun>::crying quietly::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::approaches panel::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
::Takes a deep breath and make a promise to NEVER let anyone die while he's on the Elara::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::pushes the red button on which writes "launch" and cries::
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::steps back into the shadows of the room::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: stands still and emotionless -holding the salute ::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Finishes the last post and takes a deep breath, moving over to play Amazing Grace::
Host Adm_Ix says:
ACTION: The now closed torpedo casing holding Mesme's body slowly drifts down into firing position. At the same time, the last bagpipe notes of "Last Post" and the first of “Amazing Grace” are the only thing audible in the room, except for the Elara's engines constant humming
Host Adm_Ix says:
ACTION: Through a small screen in the room the crew can see the Torpedo being fired from the Elara's launchers and making its way at light speed towards the star
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::un-salutes and corrects his uniform::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: drops his salute and puts his hands by his side ::
Host Adm_Ix says:
ACTION: In a few minutes he disappears inside the main star of this quaternary system. All over the room silence fills everyone's  Soul. They all think the same "That’s it. Now what?"
Host Adm_Ix says:
::leaves the room nodding to the SF Commander::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Finishes playing, lowers the bagpipe to waist level and salutes, perfectly straight::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
Self: That's it. Now what?
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Releases his salute and stares at the small screen, again with a few tears in his eyes:: Self: Farewell dear friend.
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: glances quickly at each of the crew ::
Host Amb_Trun says:
::still crying, doesn't seem to find her peace:
SF_Commander says:
::straightens his uniform slightly::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Holds the salute for a few seconds, then lets go again and waits for the others to leave so he can leave with them::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
:: after his Klingon side takes over his emotions he stands straight, tightens his uniform, and exits the torpedo room::
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::takes one final look at the torpedo systems and head for the exit, still pale, still sad::
Host Amb_Trun says:
::approaches the CNS:: CNS: Ensign?
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
Ambassador: Yes?
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
All: we have a bit of down time, use it as you will, that will be all
SF_Commander says:
::now that the formalities are over makes his way over to the CO::
Host Amb_Trun says:
::still with her eyes and nose wet:: CNS: I really identified with your speech
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: eyes squint over to the approaching Commander ::
Dr_Greene says:
::Turns his look from the small window and to the crowd. He turns to the exits and leaves the room::
CEO_LtJg_McKnight says:
::exits the torpedo bay and heads to his quarters to change before he returns to his engineering shift::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::still can't believe that he fired Commander to space::
Cmdr_Pazoski says:
CO: Captain, its good to see you again, although I wish it could be under better circumstances.
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
Ambassador: I was just telling what was on my mind. But really... now i feel the most guilt of all... it was one thing not to know the cure.. but once you know it.. and you can't use it...
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
Pazoski: Its been a long time... it's good to see you again, despite circumstances
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Gets up and waits in line as the Ambassador is talking to the counselor::
Host Amb_Trun says:
::nodes to Starbuck:: CNS: I really ...had ...nice moments with him ::cries again despite the sedative::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Turns to leave, tucking his bagpipe into the bundle again and under his arm::
Cmdr_Pazoski says:
::nods:: CO: Although we will be seeing a lot more of each other from now on. ::hands over a PADD:: Apparently I am your new XO
Host Amb_Trun says:
CNS: Maybe you .... ::touches his bluish hand:: CNS: What nice tone of skin color
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
Ambassador: I bet you have, :: senses the touch :: but still try and remember him as he was then...
Host Amb_Trun says:
CNS: Would you like me to give you a tour of the station ::suddenly feeling much better::
TO_Ens_Renzokuken says:
::only remembers words....he is dead::
TO_LtJG_McAllister says:
::Leaves the room and heads for his quarters to put the bagpipe safely away again::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: pretends to look at the PADD :: XO: Welcome aboard, I would think of something witty and memorable to say but I’m just not in the mood :: offers his hand for shaking ::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
Ambassador: Sure.. when we get back.... ::steppes away from the ambassador::
Host Amb_Trun says:
CNS: You can find me in my assigned quarters at the Starbase ::nods and leaves with the 2 aids and a smile on her lips::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
OPS: Conners.. you wanted to say something?
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Sees the Ambassador step away and approaches the CNS:: CNS: I was wondering..... that dream I had before the mission actually started.... might this have had something to do with it?
Cmdr_Pazoski says:
::shakes the CO's hand:: CO: There will be plenty of time for that later, now if you will excuse me ::nods and walks away::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: nods & lets Pazoski leave ::
Host CO_Cpt_Timrok says:
:: exits & heads for the quietest place on the ship ::
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
OPS: Sincerely... I don't know. If it did, then you should take a psy test once we get back to the Starbase, you might have a bigger potential than we gave you
CMO_LtJG_Ordo says:
::as everyone leaves, steps out of the shadows, walks to the viewscreen and looks at it. Salutes. Tears finally come. Falls to knees and cries uncontrollably::
OPS_Ens_Conners says:
::Nods:: CNS: Thank you. ::And heads of to his quarters::
Host SM_Lilia says:
ACTION: While the Star's fusion reaction destroys what is left of Mesme's body, life on  the Elara proceeds. New Adventures, new Challenges. But they shall never forget one Aun'to Mesme
CNS_Ens_Starbuck says:
Self: This was it... ::slowly marches to his quarters, dropping a tear now and then::
Host SM_Lilia says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\=End Mission=/\==/\==/\==/\=
Copyright (c) 2004 by Star Trek: A Call To Duty. All Rights Reserved.