Posted by Civilian Griget Kek (Vren Ambassador) in Federation Embassy- A Memorial (TMODJ)

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Federation Embassy- A Memorial (TMODJ)

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Federation Embassy- A Memorial (TMODJ)
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Sharah bowed her head to everyone. “Excuse me,” it looked like Eela might need a private moment, and she did not want anyone to see her, the Chief Medical Officer, hanging around and think Eela was not fit. She made her way over to Sherri and slipped into a seat.

“Hey,” Watts said, wearing her own brand of stoicism. She had known Jones, if not deeply, and so this was still a shock to her as well, but she was doing her best to support Dasca as best she could. “It’s a nice turn out,” Sherri added, glancing around the room.”

“Hi,” Sharah responded. She looked around, “Yes, I’m glad. I only met him briefly, but he was… a bright beacon.”

Sherri, whose hormones were already wrecking havoc on her emotions, teared up. “Yes, he was.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out tissues, all but rolling her eyes at herself.

“We have his family on subspace. So we’re ready to start. If we sit, everyone else should follow.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Kenzo looked at Eela and said “Would it be appropriate for me to say a few words? Nothing long, of course.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

“Of course,” she said. “I think it would be most welcome. Especially since I haven’t quite decided if I will or not. I’m sure people are expecting it. I’ll let Mathis know.”

“El…” Roger said, arching a brow at his friend.

“Hmmm?” Eela said, blinking.

“A word of advice?”

“Always.” And she meant it. Whatever he felt she needed to hear she was and always had been open to. That was a part of their relationship that was special.

“They aren’t expecting a performance from you. And if they are, they’re fools and not worth the energy. Do what feels right for you. Speak, don’t speak- either way, let it be what youneed. After all, there’s no wrong or right in this. And no matter what happens, there are a lot of people here to support you,” Kellen said, touching her arm.

Eela smiled softly and nodded. “I know.” Then she smirked ever so slightly. “You know it’s uncanny this telepathy thing you do, especially as a Human. You should sell tickets.”

Roger took a step back. “Well, you’re a patron of the arts around here. Apparently you have a hand in that new arts centre. Maybe you can get a deal on the stage for me. Go really big,” he deadpanned as he took a step back.

She nodded. “Have a mentioned I’m glad you’re here?”

“I do believe it came up.” He gestured with his head towards the chairs. “I’ll go save us all some seats.”

Eela nodded and smiled as he walked away and then focused on Kenzo. “And that is why we’ve been friends all these years,” she said with a deep well of fondness. “And I hear you had a role to play in the whole surprise of him coming for Batareal. I’m not sure if I should be miffed everyone was sneaking around behind my back, but in any case, thank you.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Kenzo didn’t say anything, he just inclined his head to his friend and colleague.

Hyrushi, Governor

The doors opened and the voices that had filled the space became much quieter. Walking in was the Vren, led by their ambassador, Griget Kek. The first figure he approached was the governor, as protocol stipulated. “Governor. I am truly sorry for the tragedy that has befallen your people. It seems the late Mr. Jones was much loved by the people here. That is no small feat, so he must have been a singular individual.” and he bowed slightly. Hyrushi bowed deeply and then said after he straightened up “Ambassador, your words are much appreciated. Thank you for coming.”

Kek then turned and looked at Dasca. “Captain. I am to understand that you have suffered greatly at this loss. I am sorry that all I can do is give you words of condolences. I… I wish it could be more.” and he bowed to her.

Kek - Vren Ambassador

She returned the bow of her head and nodded. “Thank you, Ambassador. That means a great deal to me.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Stepping away from the front where people had been conversing with her, Jeanette approached the trio with a soft, if sad, smile. “Ambassador Kek, we’re honoured by your presence, and I am personally glad to see you. I’m not sure precisely how Vren acknowledge a life lived, but I hope you get a glimpse of one way how we do so.” While this whole affair was difficult for her, Mathis was genuine in her words. She knew deep down that Dash would not want any opportunity wasted to forge the relationship with the Vren that they had been working towards. If negotiations fell apart, it would not be because of anything related to the loss of her aide and friend.

“We’re just about to get started, if you and your compatriots would like to find a place where they are most comfortable. It won’t be a long ceremony, and then were will be time afterwards for people to converse.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Kek bowed in silent acknowledgement and then he and his two escorts moved far to the back. Kek was aware of the effect of his species presence on the colony had on it’s residents; and he wanted to ensure such a solemn occasion was about the deceased… not politics.

Kek - Vren Ambassador

Sharah saw Kek and had an urge to go join them, to help them feel not so isolated, but she wasn’t a diplomat and she wasn’t sure she should. She was already in her seat, so she stayed. She would make the effort to speak with him after.

Raf had debated about a good many things, but in the end he knew it was better for him to have an easy escape if necessary. So he was still in the back as well. He watched the Vren take up their own places, curious, but then focused on the front where things were finally happening. He just wanted, no needed to get this bit over and done with.

As people took their seats, Hyrushi stood and moved to the podium. He waited until the guests had settled and then he looked around.

“In human cultures, there is an idea that you can measure an individual. Long ago, it was called ‘The Measure of A Man’. Many cultures from the human home world had such an idea.” He paused a moment. “The term can be confusing for those outside of humanity. The measure of a man is not about quantifying the size of the individual. It is not his height. His weight. His physical being. No… the measure of a man is about the size of them- their spirit, their impact- in the grand tapestry that is our existence. Looking around at those gathered here… individuals from across the galaxy gathered to pay their respects to one man… Dashiel Jones had a measure that will be hard to best.” Hyrushi took a breath and then gripped the podium. For a split second, those who knew him well and who had such abilities, caught a veritable tidal wave of rage issue forth before the gates slammed closed again.

With her headband on, Sharah could not feel the rage that came from Kenzo, but she knew him in a way that others did not, and she could almost feel it anyway. There were depths to him that only a few were aware of. This whole incident was tragic and she understood the rage. Her brief experience in the same room as him would leave a mark on Sharah. His impact would be remembered.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Jeanette moved towards the front but Eela whispered something in her ear and she nodded, keeping to the side and leaving the podium free.

“I did not know Mr. Jo-… Dash… well enough to call him friend. But I knew him well enough to call him impressive. Not just in his abilities and performance of his duties, no… but impressive in his drive and desire to make the galaxy better. To create relationships… to forge understanding… to prevent conflict and build friendships. And he was incredibly talented in that. His departure is a loss for the galaxy, not just the Federation or this colony. But while he may not walk with us now, his impact… indeed his measure… will be a part of all of us forever. We will continue his work. We will continue his drive to make this galaxy a better place for everyone in it. And we will honor him in doing so.” Kenzo inclined his head and then stepped away, walking to the front row and taking his seat next to Eela.

Hyrushi, Governor

Not for the first time had Raf wondered if all these people truly knew Dash better than he ever could have. Yes, he’d known him since they were teenagers, but the lives of kids were not the same as those of adults. And yet, at the same time, Dash understood that the thing that kept Dash even loosely in his life was the same thing that had gathered these people here. The Governor was right, it was Dash’s drive. Most wouldn’t truly know or understand what was behind it, but he did, and so did his family who appeared on the screen at the front.

Rafael Torres, Resident

Mathis had been standing off to the side and drew a silent and long breath. She hung back a beat giving herself a chance to steady herself from not only her own emotions but her impressions of everyone around her plus the Governor’s words and demeanour. In some ways, the force behind his words gave her added resolve. She was grateful.

Standing at the podium, she turned to face the screen and bowed her head to the family and then to the rest of the room. “Governor Hyrushi has very accurately described why we are here, why it is important that we gather. Dash understood ceremony, even if he himself would have gladly dispensed with it. And in that vein, I’ll keep the formalities brief.

“We gather here to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Dashiel Jaden Jones, who was born in the Federation year of 2350 on the colony of Ajilon Prime. He was the eldest of two children, and today we welcome his mother Ellie, and his sister Clarissa Jones-Malone, her husband Wade Malone and their daughter Chelsea. Dashiel, who preferred to go by the nickname Dash, served the Federation with distinction for each of the twenty-two years he worked for the Diplomatic Corps. He started out happy to be in the background, just helping to keep the Corp working. But later he ventured out to make use of the degrees he received in Diplomacy and Public Relations, moving slowly through the ranks.” Mathis smiled. “He became my attaché in 2389, but it was only supposed to be temporary, as he was covering a maternity leave. But when my previous aide decided to ask for an Earth-based assignment, Dash’s placement became permanent. By then he was well entrenched in not just the work I was doing, but also the lives of my family.” She paused, taking a couple slow breaths. “He… he was a member of our family. It became about more than just the work and he had this way of sliding into people’s lives so seamlessly. He understood that life in diplomatic service was hard on children. Dash took mine and Ren’s son under his wing, because he knew what it was like to struggle as a teenager, to need a sounding board that wasn’t your parents,” she said with a tiniest smirk.

Her hands gripped the podium, but Jeanette focused herself so she could keep going. “He was so much more than my aide. He was my dearest friend and the closest thing to a brother I’ve ever had. He was funny and at times irreverent, but never inappropriately so. He loved to cook and try new foods, and I always teased him about the iron stomach he developed living and studying all those years on Bolarus Nine. My family and I miss him more than we can say. But I also know Dash would want us to do exactly as the Governor said. We came to Oed for a reason and he was absolutely dedicated to that mission. He was deeply compassionate and loving, and he wanted to help anyone in need. He had a difficult start in life and had to overcome a great many things. It gave him a different perspective that I know people not only valued but often endeared them to him.

“More than once I encouraged Dash to move on, told him he had put in the years and was more than ready to take the next step in his career. But…” Jeanette stopped and suddenly the words evaporated. At least anything else of consequence she could say. Instead of dropping her gaze, she looked into the front row at Ren and Jessie and gave a rueful smile as Ren gave her an encouraging nod. “But, each time Dash would simply say that he went where he was most needed and as far as he was concerned, he was right where he should be.” She swallowed. “Dash was quick to remind people that they weren’t alone. And so we are not. All I know for myself personally is that as lost as I have been without him, I will carry him with me always, just as I know others will as well.” While her emotions weren’t screaming or anything, she had lost her tight control over them over her eulogy and was more than glad to pass the mic on to someone else.

“And now his sister wanted to say a few words on behalf of Dash’s family.” Mathis turned to the screen and gazed at the brunette woman who bore a striking resemblance to Dash.

“Thank you Ambassador, for your kind words about Dash,” Clarissa said, eyes shiny. “He was so proud of the work you did together and he loved you and your family a great deal.” She paused and shook her head as she placed a hand over her heart. “I don’t have too much more that I want to add, other than to say that Dash and I had a rough time as kids, but he was always the protector for my mother and I, even at his own expense. He hated seeing people suffer and would do anything he could to help. But there was a time he lost his way, and I told him just last week when we spoke last that him choosing a different path to the one he had been on had been about the most courageous thing I’ve ever seen. That when I’m struggling in anyway, I just remind myself that things can change and we can make them better. It won’t always be easy, but it’s life changing work when you do. He was not a perfect person, nor did he claim to be. He just lived his life as honestly as he could. At the end of the day, I think that’s all any of us can do.” She dipped her head to indicate she was done and then the older woman (Dash’ mom), put her arm around Chelsea.

Jeanette glanced casually Eela’s way to see if the Lieutenant Governor wanted to speak or not. As far as she could tell, it was about fifty-fifty right now.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador & Chelsea, Dash’s sister.

As her gaze met Jeanette’s, Eela wanted to be just about anywhere else than here. But her desire to feel ha da lot more to do with the chaos of her life in recent months than this moment and speaking about Dash. On one side she had Kenzo, on the other Roger, and Caridee was beside Roger. But she could feel that brush of her mind from her daughter and she drew in an audible breath as she struggled to make a decision.

“Here goes nothing,” she muttered, though only those in close proximity would hear. Rising carefully, Eela moved to the podium and exchanged a look with Mathis, reaching out her hand and touching Jeanette’s arm. The other woman smiled and nodded, an unspoken vow of support.

Standing at the the podium, the grey-clad Haliian was all too aware of everyone in the room and closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. When she opened them, she felt a soft smile slip onto her face. “Haliians have a complicated relationship with death. On one hand, we respect the ebbs and flows of life/ We recognize that there are cycles. Things begin and things end. So it is with our lives. And we celebrate frequently throughout those cycles, especially death. We honour and respect the ends that bring new beginnings, and we believe that a person is never gone entirely. Much that is intangible is left behind.

“But we are also a society of empaths and touch-telepaths. We feel everything deeply. When we allow someone to become a part of our life, they leave imprints on us, both physical and emotional. And we welcome this connection. It means everything to us. But when you have such connections, it means that when a person’s life ends, we feel that absence just as deeply, just as tangibly. It’s not just an absence of their presence, but a gap, a hole. That hole can and does heal over and we get to choose how we fill it, but that connection will have forever changed us. We cannot go back. We are marked.” Somehow everything had become so much calmer. Her voice was audible but Eela spoke more softly than she usually did when she was on the job. “There are many things I love about Haliian life, but that one fact is probably one of the most beautiful things, even if it can bring great pain.

She took a moment to adjust a pin that held the grey hood over her hair. “Dash showed up in my life at a time when so much was in transition and there was a great deal of chaos. And I’ve been thinking about all the transitions I’ve been going through and I understand that everything happened at the exact right time. Had it been any earlier, I would not have been ready to meet Dashiel Jones. We… saw something in each other that we recognized but couldn’t vocalize. And he reminded me that how things had been before in my life were not how they had to be going forward. That I could carve a new path. I’m still struggling to wrap my mind and consciousness around the fact that he is gone, but about the only thing I know for certain is that life is so short. We are obligated to make the most of it. To try, even if we fail. I’m still learning to feel okay doing things imperfectly, but Dash reminded me that there is a great deal of grace there when we trust ourselves, trust our intuition.” Eela smiled, though she had lost the battle and tears filled her eyes. “I had to be coaxed into listening to mine, but I’m so glad I did. Because Dash Jones was worth knowing, worth risking something for. I have a great many regrets in my life, but he will never be one of them. It hurts to have this end, but I also know that Dash would want us to celebrate life in general, not just the one he had lived. It is the way of the Universe.” As those last words slipped from her lips, Eela could feel the overwhelm rising. Good thing she was done.

Dasca stepped away from the podium, but she did not return to her seat. There was no way to make an inconspicuous escape, so she just accepted it for what is was and stepped out the ballroom rooms doors, moving to the grand staircase and sitting on one of the steps, trying to steady her breathing.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Jeanette wanted to hurry after her, but it was not possible. Though she had plans to invite the woman to drink her and Ren later. She moved back to the podium. “If there is anyone that would like to speak, you are more than welcome to. Otherwise, we’ll have a little reception here. Dash’s family is going to stay on for a little while in case anyone wishes to speak with them.”

OOC: I might have one more short little speech, but I thought I’d give the chance for other characters to speak if they wanted.

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador

Bump

The assembled dignitaries, government officials, Star Fleet officers, and guests suddenly went even more silent as the Vren Ambassador walked down the center aisle and stepped up to the podium. The tall, frog-like figure dressed in robes looked out over the crowd; the dark red eyes unblinking for a long moment. It was impossible to read the Ambassador. Everyone’s experience with the Vren was either the past few days their diplomatic entourage had been on the planet… or the much darker history of the colony’s previous encounters.

“I do not know Dashiel Jones. I met him only once before. But I knows he is a person of immense sincerities. Of dedication. Of peace. I do not know Dashiel Jones… but I knows of him. And I appreciates the toil and sacrifices he’s has made to bring ours two people’s together. And it is in his honor that we, the Vren Assembly, will continue to strive to build the peace between us that’s Dashiel Jones wants. Thank you.”

The Ambassador moved away from the podium and returned to the back of the room and his entourage.

Kek - Vren Ambassador

“Thank you, Ambassador,” Jeanette said. “And thank you all for coming. Dashiel’s family will be staying on a little longer should anyone wish to speak with them. And you’re all welcome to stay and chat a little while longer if you like. There are refreshments, so please help yourself. But before that, we have one last task.” Mathis turned and nodded to one of the Starfleet security officers assigned to the embassy.

The officer turned and nodded to another and they stepped, no, marched, forward to the Federation flag on display. Then, in a ceremony done over and over probbaly trillions of times over the centuries, they folded the flag with precision into a tidy triangular package and presented it to Mathis.

As the flag rested in her hands, she gazed it it, this symbol of her work, her life. It was everything she was and had fought for. Dash too. She looked up and nodded to the officers, who saluted before stepping back and marched off to the side. Jeanette turned and bowed her head to the screen. “This flag is the symbol of all Dash held dear. It will be sent along with remains and effects. Please accept it as a symbol of your loved one’s loyal service to the United Federation of Planets.”

“Thank you,” Dash’ mother said, teary-eyed. “We are honoured.”

And thus the service ended. Jeanette placed the flag on the table with Dash’s ashes and then touched her fingers to the urn for a brief moment.

The doors to the ballroom were opened and secured and people began milling about or filing out. Jeanette saw Eela in the grand lobby with Rafael Torres and stepped out to join her, Ren and her son not far behind. The two women exchanged a long look and it was Jeannette who smirked first. “I have a large bottle of something very strong upstairs that Ren and I are absolutely going to down this evening. Care to join us?”

Eela snorted. “That sounds like the best offer I’ve had all day. Done deal.”

Jeannette Mathis, Federation Ambassador & Eela Dasca