USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10406.22
Episode 6

Rendezvous in the Dark
From within the Darkness…

And a sad farewell…

They say Space is cold…but space contains some of the hottest blood of all…(revised from Melville's Moby Dick)

The Vesuvius is deep within the Marée Noir Nebula, a dark cloud nebula, where they were sent to rendezvous with the scientific ship, U.S.S. Discovery. They found her drifting near a neutron star…a star that is about to collapse and form a black hole.

They discovered the crew dead from asphyxiation. However, when they reached the bridge, they found three people in evacuation suits. They were barely alive. They were immediately beamed back to the Vesuvius where the CMO started working on them. He discovered some strange readings from the Discovery's CSO, LtCmdr Mauora.

Then chaos broke loose as the CMO was knocked unconscious by one of the survivors, a Dr. Barron, who then proceeded to feed off an EPS conduit located inside sickbay. Captain Kelson tried unsuccessfully to talk Dr. Barron from the conduit when he was touched by her.

Thousands of kilowatts coursed through Captain Kelson's body. Not able to stand the electrical current, Captain Kelson collapsed. The CMO regained consciousness, and rushed to attended to Captain Kelson.  Unfortunately, Captain Kelson was already dead.

In the chaos, Captain Morgan and LtCmdr Mauora slipped unnoticed from sickbay and ended up on the bridge where they proceeded to set off the red alert klaxons. LtCmdr Mauora began apologizing to the bridge crew, trying to explain it was all a horrible misunderstanding….

Answers were slowly obtained to questions surrounding the mystery which befell the Discovery.  The Vesuvius Executive Officer made a deal with the entities and he is now enroute the bridge after returning controls to the bridge.  The other entities are in cargo bay 7 and the three survivors are on the bridge.

Will they all be able to leave the nebula before the neutron star collapses and forms a black hole?

Meanwhile a transport carrying three new crew members, the CIV, the CEO and OPS, is holding position at designated meeting coordinates for the Vesuvius and they are concerned at her delay. Admiral Royce's ship, the Atlantis is enroute and nearing the coordinates as are other vessels having heard about Captain Kelson's death.

=/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  Begin Mission  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=

TO Raja says:
:: On post at Tactical pushing a few buttons ::

CIV Tyret says:
@:: On the Transport’s Bridge with his luggage, waiting ::

Dr Barron says:
:: Doesn't do anything now to threaten anyone ::

TO Raja says:
*CTO*: I have assigned quar-r-rter-r-rs for-r-r the new cr-r-rew acor-r-rding to r-r-rank.

CSO Lane says:
:: Manages to get her chair moving again and looks at the screen ahead ::   FCO: How long until we clear the area?

ACO Stricker says:
:: On the bridge sitting in the big chair ::   FCO: Set us a course for the transport ship carrying the new crewman.

FCO Flyer says:
:: At main navigation watching for the quantum spheres and trying his darned-ness to get the Ves out without running into one of them ::

CTO Naug says:
*TO*: it should be on the crew manifest

CMO Bannister says:
:: Back in Sickbay keeping an eye on these beings that had invaded the Discovery crewmembers' bodies. ::

CIV Tyret says:
@:: Takes out his long sword and polishes it ::

FCO Flyer says:
:: Sees sensors pick up another sphere ahead and adjusts course accordingly ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks over at Toir ::   CTO: How are the tractor beams holding now?

D-CSO LtCmdr Mauora says:
:: In sickbay with the CMO ::

ACO Stricker says:
FCO: How long until we clear the nebula?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Towing the Discovery is slowing the retreat of the Vesuvius down...

TO Raja says:
:: Monitors the power flow to the shields and the tractor beam ::

FCO Flyer says:
:: Checks time ::   ACO/CSO: About 12 minutes sirs...we may not make it

CTO Naug says:
CSO: So far so good as long as we take it slow

CMO Bannister says:
:: He has his nurses stay close to them because he is afraid of reacting badly to the
situation ::

ACO Stricker says:
FCO: If you can, increase speed. Either way, we have to make it....

ACO Stricker says:
CSO: Have you come up with an available neutron star?

CTO Naug says:
ACO: Not advisable sir

TO Raja says:
ACO: We could leave the other-r-r ship behind. It would incr-r-rease our-r-r speed

FCO Flyer says:
ACO: Sir, if I do that the shearing affect, from towing the Discovery, will tear the Vesuvius apart

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
$:: Sits brooding in his stateroom on the newly christened USS Columbia ::

ACO Stricker says:
FCO: Acknowledged....   CTO: Stand-by.

CTO Naug says:
TO: Please direct your concerns through me

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Another sphere is detected by Sciences...

CSO Lane says:
ACO: Yes Commander.  We'll have to make a small change in course but there's one in the Asteria Nebula, about 15 light years from here.

CIV Tyret says:
@:: Notices the other ships on long range sensors ::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: We have another sphere ahead, change course 8 degrees to port.

ACO Stricker says:
CSO: Will that interfere with us getting to a Neutron star?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Heads to his office to take care of some reports. ::

FCO Flyer says:
CSO: Acknowledged, ma'am   :: Fingers fly over console as he makes another course correction ::

CSO Lane says:
ACO: No sir, we should be fine.

ACO Stricker says:
CTO: I have made a decision, because she is slowing us down please let go of the USS Discovery…immediately....

CTO Naug says:
ACO: Aye sir   :: Punches the button ::   Discovery is floating free and away from us

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at Timothy ::   ACO: Are you sure you want to do that sir?

CIV Tyret says:
@COM: Unknown Ships: Can you please identify yourselves?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Vesuvius moves from the Discovery and she begins to pick up speed...

TO Raja says:
:: Redistributes the power from the tractor beam to the engines ::

TO Raja says:
CTO: I have sent the power-r-r fr-r-rom the tr-r-ractor-r-r beam to the engines

CTO Naug says:
TO: Good thinking Lt.

CTO Naug says:
ACO: Sir we have a transmission coming in

ACO Stricker says:
CSO: She is slowing us down. It is hard but it needs to be done. Keep your eyes open for the transport, we need to get the new crew. Once we clear the nebula, I need their positions.

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
&COM:VESUVIUS: This is LtCmdr Ravenprowler, aboard the Lightspeed.

TO Raja says:
:: Purrs at the compliment ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods ::   ACO: Of course sir.

ACO Stricker says:
CTO: Patch it threw please.

CIV Tyret says:
@COM: Lightspeed: Commander Ravenprowler? I never thought I would get to see you again.  It is Tyret.

CTO Naug says:
:: Turns on main viewer ::   ACO: on screen

Lt Chaser says:
^COM: VESUVIUS: This is Lt Chaser-r aboar-rd the Dir-rk.

OPS Storm:
TO: Thank you for your help

CTO Naug says:
ACO: There is another ship Hailing us…the  Dirk

CSO Lane says:
:: Scans for the position of the transport ship ::

OPS Storm:
CTO: I have it now Commander

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
$<C-OPS>: COM: Vesuvius: This is the USS Columbia, inbound.  ETA a few minutes.  Do you require assistance?

CIV Tyret says:
@:: Puts his sword back on ::

FCO Flyer says:
ACO: Our time exiting the nebula is two minutes, now...

Ryan Horn says:
*COM: Vesuvius: USS Vesuvius, this is Ryan Horn on the Whisper.  I have Captain Sarah Horn on board.

ACO Stricker says:
*Mauora:* I apologize but there will be a slight delay on getting you to the neutron star. We have however located one and will get you there as soon as possible.

ACO Stricker says:
FCO: How long until it collapses

D-CSO LtCmdr Mauora says:
*ACO*: Acknowledged.

ACO Stricker says:
COM: Dirk: We acknowledge your message. Do you need assistance, over?

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
&COM:VESUVIUS: Tyret, we'll await orders to dock.

CTO Naug says:
TO: Help me out with all the ships coming in

CIV Tyret says:
@COM: Lightspeed: This is not the Vesuvius. This is a transport vessel.

ACO Stricker says:
CTO: I am getting three messages coming threw? What are they about? Can you deal with them?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The Vesuvius exits the nebula just as the neutron star collapses upon itself...

CSO Lane says:
:: Sees all the incoming ships ::   ACO: Sir why are all these ships joining us?

Lt Chaser says:
^COM: VESUVIUS: Awaiting a docking or-rder-r, sir-r.

ACO Stricker says:
FCO: Are we cleared?

CTO Naug says:
ACO: Working on it sir the comm lines are all jumbled

FCO Flyer:
:: Sighs heavily ::   ACO: Yes, sir

CIV Tyret says:
@COM: Vesuvius: Ready for transport.

ACO Stricker says:
CSO: I don't know...how many are there all?

CTO Naug says:
COM: ALL Vessels: Please standby until we communicate with you

ACO Stricker says:
CTO: Grab a lock on our new crewman and if you can please beam them over.

OPS Storm says:
:: Clears his throat ::   CTO: Cmdr, if you'd let me I can handle comm now

ACO Stricker says:
FCO: Good job, now get us into transporter range of the transport vessel please.

CTO Naug says:
TO: Scan for the crewmen and find out which ship they are on

TO Raja says:
CTO: Could we send out a gener-r-ral message stating to meet us at a certain spot. It would stop the comm's

CSO Lane says:
:: Counts the vessels ::   ACO: Sir, they just keep coming.

TO Raja says:
CTO: Scanning now sir-r-r

CTO Naug says:
ACO: All ships are told to standby for now awaiting a message from you to continue with them

ACO Stricker says:
CSO: Are they Federation vessels?

ACO Stricker says:
CTO: Thank you

CSO Lane says:
ACO: Yes sir, that I do know.

TO Raja says:
:: Scans the ships looking for the new crew members ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  Twenty minutes has passed. All the in-coming vessels have transported over the various passengers, crew, etc. to the Vesuvius.  All persons are currently trickling into the Lava Lounge for Captain Kelson's services...

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Sitting looking at the floor dejectedly, thinking he's been to too many of these of late ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Enters the room with Tigs and Doole, and Chaser ::

Captain Horn says:
:: Enters the lounge slowly, leaning heavily on her husband's arm ::

ACO Stricker says:
:: Standing near a podium inside the lounge ::

CTO Naug says:
:: Sitting in a chair looking everyone over ::

TO Raja says:
:: Follows the crowd into the lounge ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Enters the lounge with Commander by her side and moves towards the front ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Standing behind the podium watching the people come in ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Wanders in wondering how he looks compared to all the officers ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Makes eye contact with Admiral Royce and nods with a sad expression ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Bounces to her seat giving a supportive smile to Xenobia ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: His first time on the starship that his son held so dear ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Futilely smiles back at the Fleet Admiral and moves to his side ::
Fleet Admiral: Sir, you are welcomed at the podium chairs

CIV Tyret says:
:: Nearing a seat with Tigs ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Sees someone who looks vaguely familiar and moves towards him ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Looks around the room, nods and gives small smiles to the faces she
recognizes ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
Admiral:  Thank you.  Please.  Seat me near Sam's father if you can.

Captain Horn says:
:: Moves up towards the front, her mind full of wonderful memories of her former Captain ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Feels way out of his element far from his farm on New Mecca ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Salutes Xenobia in Klingon tradition, smartly with a nod ::

TO Raja says:
:: Sees a bunch of strangers, and sniffs the air realizing that some of them stink ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Walks painfully with a cane to the front with assistance ::

ACO Stricker says:
:: Walks up to Admiral Royce and Fleet Admiral Taylor ::   Royce/Taylor: I wish we could have seen each other under more pleasant circumstances. I'm Commander Stricker, Acting Commanding Officer of the Vesuvius.

CIV Tyret says:
LtCmdr Ravenprowler: Shall we?

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Nods and shows the Fleet Admiral to Sam's father ::   Tiberius: Sir, this is Fleet Admiral Taylor.    Fleet Admiral: Mr. Tiberius Kelson

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Nods ::   ACO: Commander.  Well done bringing them home safely.

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Nods to Shras and sits down ::

CSO Lane says:
Tiberius Kelson: Excuse me sir, but you look...   :: Gasps ::   Sam?

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Nods ::   ACO: Commander Stricker.  Is everyone assembled?

CIV Tyret says:
:: Sits next to his friend ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Nods ::   Tiberius: Sir.  I want you to know I held your son in highest regard.

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Offers hand to Admiral ::   Admiral: My pleasure, sir.

ACO Stricker says:
Fleet Admiral: And a honor for us to have you, Captain Kelson's father and his friends aboard our ship.

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Shakes the hand of Tiberius ::

ACO Stricker says:
Admiral Royce: Aye sir, the crew is ready when the Admiral is.

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Just nods and lowers head ::   Admiral: Thank you sir...

Ryan Horn says:
Sarah: You okay?   :: Looks at his wife carefully ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
ACO: The honor is mine, son.

Captain Horn says:
Ryan: Yes, dear.  Just a lot of memories and a lot of emotions in this room.

Host Admiral Royce says:
ACO: Are all assembled, Commander Stricker?

ACO Stricker says:
::Nods at the Taylor and smiles:: Flt Adm: Thank you... ::Goes and sits down in the front row::

CIV Tyret says:
::never seen so much brass except at a Dentist's office::

ACO Stricker says:
Admiral Royce: Yes they are Admiral.

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Turns to the lovely lady and smiles slightly ::   CSO: There is a resemblance isn't there?

CSO Lane says:
:: Catches her breath and realizes that it's not Sam ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The room quiets down as Admiral Royce takes the podium.  Monitors around the Vesuvius are tuned into this sad event...

Captain Horn says:
:: Moves to the chairs slowly, sitting heavily ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
CSO: You must be Hope.  I'm Sam's father, Tiberius.  He told us much about you, my dear.

CSO Lane says:
Tiberius Kelson: Indeed there is. I'm Hope Lane...   :: Takes a seat beside him ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Nods to an her aide who rings the bell ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Sits down and sighs ::

CSO Lane says:
Tiberius Kelson: But you look so much alike...   :: Pauses and looks to the front ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: I am Admiral Xenobia Jenii Royce.  I'd like to welcome everyone here.

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Whispers ::   CSO: Best compliment I could have right now...   :: Pats her hand ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Turns attention to Admiral ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Leans against MJ's shoulder listening ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Watches ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles a little and then looks back at Xen ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: You'll hear from me in a few moments.  First, I'd like to introduce LtCmdr Ravenprowler as our first speaker

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Stands straightening her uniform and sash, and strides confidently to the podium ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Wishes he had subscribed to the Vulcan side of his family heritage more at the moment ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves to stand behind the podium.  Glances at the CSO and smiles a small smile to her ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Watches with pride ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Stands very tall nodding to the brass and Sam's father ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
ALL: It is the Klingon way to celebrate the releasing of the Spirit, rather than grieve the loss of the body. It is the hope of every warrior to die defending his honor, his ship, and his friends. I know my friend, Sam, met death with his eyes wide open, and an honorable death requires no vengeance.

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
ALL: Sam and I have shared the tora' dok, that moment of understanding between two warriors that needs no explanation.  I shall not forget how he could make this grumpy Klingon doctor smile with his quick wit, I shall not forget his boyish grin, nor his kindness.

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
ALL: When as ensigns, he and a few more of us stole the command chair of the Ganymede, played floor hockey on the station promenade with boiled eggs, went on our "first" first contact mission scuba-style, Sam was always up for adventure.   :: Winks at Xen ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Giggles at Tigs ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Smiles as she listens, the memories flooding back ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Watches intently as the speech continues ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
ALL: And so in closing I say, "Hovmey Davan." Or salute the stars. You will remain my honored friend, Sam.   :: Takes the symbol of her house from her sash and stepping down, places it on his tube, she kisses it before returning to her seat. ::

Captain Horn says:
:: Looks up at Hope, wondering how she's handling all of this ::

TO Raja says:
:: Listens intently while flicking his tail forth and back ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves to the podium as LtCmdr Ravenprowler steps down ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods reverently to Tigs ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: I'd now like to introduce, Commander Timothy Stricker

CIV Tyret says:
:: Thinks about what a great speech it was ::

ACO Stricker says:
:: Stands up from his chair and takes the podium ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves from the podium ::

ACO Stricker says:
ALL: Evening everyone. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Commander Timothy Robert Stricker. I'm now Acting Commanding Officer of the Vesuvius and Executive Officer to Captain Kelson.

Lt Chaser says:
:: Snuggles in next to Tigs as Tigs slips an arm around her small shoulders ::

ACO Stricker says:
ALL: I still remember my XO interview with Captain Kelson and Admiral Royce like it was yesterday and if anyone knows, they are very nerve wracking. There was something about Sam's compassion and kindness that made that interview go well and now I am honored to be his Executive Officer.

CIV Tyret says:
:: Looks at the pair and smiles a rare smile ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Pats Commander's head as he sits beside her quietly ::

ACO Stricker says:
ALL: I am proud to serve as his Executive Officer and am honor to be among his crew that he and the Admiral choose. There is nothing better then being accepted for your actions by a compassionate man.

Captain Horn says:
:: Thinks about her last mission with Sam and wonders if that pirate ship in the holodeck has sailed since then ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Looks around at all the officers here to honor his son ::

ACO Stricker says:
ALL: I believe that there is no end, only new beginnings to life. Sam is on a great journey we all will experience. It was my pleasure to be in his crew, forever remembered you will be Sam.   :: Steps down and takes his seat ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Sees the dog and remembers the last time she saw Sam he was holding the wiggly puppy ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves to the podium ::   ALL: I now introduce Chief Science Officer, Hope Lane

CSO Lane says:
:: Moves to the podium with Commander and nods to everyone ::   Admiral: Thank you Xen. :: Smiles ::

CSO Lane says:
ALL: I am Lt. Commander Hope Lane, and I’m pleased to see so many of you here today.

CSO Lane says:
ALL: As many of you know, Sam...err...Captain Kelson and I were very close. In fact it was I who gave him his furry friend here, Commander.   :: Smiles down at the dog then looks back at the faces before her ::   Over the years, I had come to know the Captain as a kind and giving man, always putting the welfare of others before his own.

CSO Lane says:
ALL: He was a good Captain of the Vesuvius and better yet, he was a good and decent man. Of course as some of you know, he was a frustrated cowboy of sorts, a bit restless and wild, but when he sank his teeth into something, he was a tough hombre.   :: Smiles again ::   Then there was the bronco buster side of Sam

CSO Lane says:
ALL: I remember the time he decided to pilot one of the shuttles.   :: Looks at Xen ::   Well let’s just say that there are some trees somewhere that are a few feet shorter than they were. Of course explaining the green stains on the hull was rather interesting.   :: Grins as she recalls the incident ::

CSO Lane says:
ALL: Suffice to say, we shuddered whenever he wanted to fly again.

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Giggles lightly dropping her head ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Pauses and takes a deep breath ::   ALL: Captain Kelson was more than just my Captain, he was my friend and I shall never forget him.   :: Looks up ::   Sam, where ever you are, I hope that you know that I love you and always will. Now saddle up and round up all those little fillies up there, cowboy

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Chuckles having heard about that one ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Laughs ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Laughs a small laugh at that ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Giggles ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles at Xen and moves away from the podium pausing in front of the black casing before her and whispers ::   Casing: Together forever and peace be with you Sam.

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves to the podium ::  ALL: I'd like to introduce Fleet Admiral Taylor...

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Smiles at the memories of letters from his son about having trouble in his flight classes at the academy ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves to stand behind the podium ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Rises slowly and walks painfully to the podium ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Looks down for a moment to gather himself and leans on his cane, his legs not fully healed from battle with the Gorn ::

Captain Horn says:
:: Thinks back to the dog people that sniffed Sam's butt during one of her first away team missions for the Vesuvius ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Sits down as Commander licks Mr. Kelson's hand ::   Commander, no boy!

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
ALL: I've been to too many of these, lately.   :: Pauses to get himself under control ::   My apologies.  I'm not here as an Admiral today.  I'm here to mourn the loss of a friend.

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Smiles and pets dog ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
ALL: I first met Sam as a commander on this very ship.  My memories of him are clear and positive.  Sam never met a stranger, and he never wrote anyone off, even when I thought he should have.

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
CREW:  I wish that he could have gone on as your Captain here.  He was an able officer and a hero.  He represented the very best traditions of Starfleet and of respect for life.  It says something about him that he was willing to give up his own life to save the lives of his crew.

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
CSO/Tiberius: Commander Lane, I grieve with thee.  I know how much you in particular meant to Sam.  When we had occasion to speak, it was clear that you made him a better man.  You have my deepest sympathies.  Mr. Kelson, You as well.  Your son was a noble man and a good captain.  He will be sorely missed.

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
ALL: Life in space is not a simple one, nor is it without danger.  Captain Kelson knew this, and did not let his fear rule him.  He saw the risks, and he faced them.  He embraced them, seeing in the risks a chance for something beyond mere existence.  Though tragedy has taken him from us, he will live on.

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Nods at Admiral ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
ALL:  He will live on in our hearts as we honor his sacrifice, and as we imitate his courage, and true honor.  Many have used Honor to excuse their actions and hide in it like a cloak.  Sam was not so.  His honor was real and earned, not demanded.  And it will make his memory shine bright as an example for us to follow in the night of space.

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Nods vigorously ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Can't help but look away into space, feeling guilty that he couldn't save his Captain. ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Looks into the air ::   SAM: As you face your final frontier, I have no doubt that you will do it with the same honor that motivated you and enriched our lives.  Fair sailing, Captain.  Godspeed, my friend.   :: A single tear falls from his eye ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Wipes a tear from her eye as she listens ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Limps from the podium, holding his cane but not using it, head back in defiance of the grim reaper and in honor of his friend ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Looks down at the deck while nodding ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Moves to the podium as she nods to Fleet Admiral Taylor ::

Captain Horn says:
:: Picks up the emotions from Taylor and begins to cry a little herself ::

Tiberius Kelson says:
:: Knows Sam is in a better place but still grieves ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Stands and embraces the Admiral ::   Taylor: Thank you sir.

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL:  Again, I am Admiral Xenobia Jenii Royce and former Captain of the mighty U.S.S. Vesuvius

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: I met Sam when I was assigned to the Vesuvius as her Medical Officer and he as her Tactical Officer. We were both fresh out of the Academy and I served with him for 3-1/2 years before becoming his boss.   :: Smiles at the crowd a moment ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Remember those days fondly ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: I really didn't get to know him, on a more personal level, until I was assigned as the Vesuvius' Acting Captain, and then as her Commander Officer…at which point, Samuel Quinn Kelson became my Executive Officer, my confidant, one of my closest friends.

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL:  We made quite the team, Sam and I. I knew he would make a well-loved Captain one day and seeing everyone here is testament to this great man we honor tonight.

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: What I will miss about Sam…his quick wit, his warm humor, his love of life, his devotion to the Federation. He was my confidant in so many matters when we were a team. I will miss my friend and the laughter he brought to all of us. The Federation has lost a bright star.

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: For Sam, I can only wish him calm seas, fair winds and a safe harbor as another journey for him begins.  God speed, my dear friend.

ACO Stricker says:
::Nods::

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Turns and nods to Tigodan Chaser ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Stands from her seat and bounces to the tube ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Seeing the nod from reH roj, Starr places a bosun's whistle in her mouth, and blows both long and true the last farewell to Captain Samuel Quinn Kelson. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: As the bosun's whistle blows, the Admiral receives a PADD from her steward, A. Depp Runner and reads it quickly….

Lt Chaser  (Bosun.wav)

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: Ladies and gentleman, before we are dismissed, I'd like you to turn your attention to the windows of the Lava Lounge. In light of our sadness, I feel Sam's presence with us. Please witness the nebula….

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL: The neutron star has collapsed and now the dark cloud nebula is luminescent with light and color that will only last for ten hours before the nebula goes dark again. I intend to submit a proposal to the Federation to rename this nebula Kelson's Nebula in tribute to our fallen comrade and friend.

CIV Tyret says:
:: Turns to the nebula ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Moves to the view port ::

ACO Stricker says:
:: Turns in his seat and views the nebula ::

TO Raja says:
:: Looks out the window ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Turns to look out the view port ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
ALL:  I hope that one day, the dynamics of the universe will allow this nebula to shine as brightly as it does for us today.

Captain Horn says:
:: Turns toward the nebula ::

LtCmdr Ravenprowler says:
:: Stands with Doole and Shras, looking at the view port, three musketeers once more ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at the view port, the tears streaming down her face now ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Watches and smiles ::

Lt Chaser says:
:: Loses her composure and starts sobbing ::

Fleet Admiral Taylor says:
:: Raises an eyebrow significantly and smiles slightly ::

CIV Tyret says:
:: Comforts Chaser ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Looks over at Commander Lane and can't help but feel worse. ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
ACTION: Those in attendance witness a spectacular display of light and color. Sharp, defined colors emerge from the dark cloud nebula .  Colors of blues, yellows, greens, reds, etc. radiate from the nebula as the bagpipes begin to play Amazing Grace….

Host Admiral Royce says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>