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 (3) 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

Cort jolted slightly and then looked at Dorma. He blinked, inhaled a steadying breath, and then shook his head. “It’s fine,” he said, moving forward to join Elema and Sherri.

He crouched, setting the votive alongside the others and closed his eyes in both a bid to take a moment to think of the man they came to honour as well as push old memories away.

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

A Oed Police cruiser pulled up on the street, lights flashing, followed by a long black limousine followed by another police slider. As the limo stopped, the door slid open and out stepped the Vren Ambassador. The amphibian biped stood up tall and looked around with his deep red and black-pupiled eyes. He was dressed a a loose-fitting, flowing robe of deep red, gold, and blue with long flowing sleeves. The growing crowd fell silent as his appearance. He visibly sighed and then, wordlessly, walked over to where the votives and flowers were laid. The Vren Ambassador stood there in silence for some time before kneeling before the small offerings of remembrance. He stretched his long arms out wide and lowered his head and a low, continuous rumble-like hum could be heard coming from him. This continued for several long moments as his arms slowly lowered and he reached into one of his sleeves and brought forth a small object. Head still lowered, he reached forward and drew a circular bright yellow glyph on the wall of the building. He then set the object in the flame of one of the votive candles and it flashed in bright green and seemed to vanish. His arms stretched out again as the low hum continued uninterrupted from the time it began, growing louder and louder until it abruptly stopped. Kek didn’t move for a long time, and then slowly stood up. He turned around and saw all eyes on him. He inclined his head and walked back to the limousine, stopping just close enough to Dorma and Cort to say “On behalf of my people, know that we share your grief. Your friend was a testament to your species, and his loss is a loss for us all.” He inclined his head and then climbed back into the limo before anyone could reply. The sliders slowly moved away and the crowd began talking in loud whispers about what had just happened.

Kek, Vren Ambassador