Posted by Civilian Cort Belanger (Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.) in Vigils- TMODJ

Posted by Civilian Dorma Fen (Governor’s Assistant) in Vigils- TMODJ

Posted by Civilian Cort Belanger (Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.) in Vigils- TMODJ
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“Wait, what? How is that even possible? The Vren aren’t even staying planetside just yet.” He frowned, the implications far too terrible to truly consider and Cort shook his head. “No… are they saying that’s what killed him?”

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

She shook her head. “Doesn’t look that way. BUt just having it there makes this a fu<&ing nightmare.” She looked out the window. “Call Sherri and Elema. Tell them to get about two hours of sleep and then meet back at the office. We need to talk about this.”

Dorma Fen, Aid to the Governor

It was evening, the sun having set awhile ago, and they had been going for easily fourteen hours now. Her hand somehow remained in his (did she realize?) and he squeezed as he said firmly but kindly, “Dorma… no.”

Her blue eyes were intense, full of conviction. “We can’t do anything more tonight. You’re tired. I’m tired. The others are tired. As much as you are used to fixing everything, this isn’t ours to do anything with. At least not yet. Whatever fallout we need to be prepared for can actually wait till the morning. We’ll be no good if we’re running on fumes, and I’m sure as hell not going to tell a pregnant woman she can’t rest right now. I know it doesn’t feel that way, but the toxin being at the scene isn’t an emergency tonight. Tomorrow we will deal with this. Tomorrow there will be more talking with a lot of people, including Ambassador Mathis who will need to be warned. But right now, a friend of ours is dead and we’re on our way to see for ourselves the tribute that people have set up to honour him. Let that be our focus for now,” he said gently. She was so used to giving the orders and making things happen. Did she ever pause other than to collapse into bed? An idea came to mind but right now, he wasn’t sure if she was about to tear into him or not. It was about fifty-fifty by his estimate.

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

Dotma look3d around him and said “Fine. You’re right. She does need to rest.” Her hand came away, but whether or that was a conscious movement or not was unknown. “And yes, we do need to focus on this right now. But after this, I’m going back to the office.” She said with a finality that left no room for negotiation.

Dorma Fen, Aid to the Governor

He didn’t say it aloud but instead thought, I guess I am too, then. The slider came to a stop and Cort stepped out, waiting for Dorma, but knowing better than to offer a hand unless she invited it.

Elema and Sherri were there already, keeping near their guards as they took in the scene. About a dozen people had gathered near the front of the building to the side of the main entrance and out of the way of the residents who needed to come and go. On the ground were various glass vessels holding votives and tealights. The odd flower or bouquet of them were laid with reverence amongst the lit candles.

One of the people wore a Starfleet gold uniform and a solid pip approached, carrying a tray of unlit votives with an electric lighter. He took in the group and there was sadness etched into his features. “Lieutenant,” he said addressing Watts. “Are you here to pay your respects?”

Sherri nodded. “We all are, yes,” she said softly.

The ensign held out the tray to them and Sherri and Elema both lit one each and moved forward to the growing vigil.

Cort handed one to Dorma and took a votive for himself. But he did not step forward, seemingly rooted in place, his body almost rigid.

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

Dorma took a votive and then looked at Cort. Her brow furrowed and she said under her breath “Cort, whats the matter?” and elbowed him in the arm hard enough to get his attention.

Dorma Fen, Governor’s Aide