Burial at Sea (part 4)

Posted on Wed Jan 30th, 2013 @ 8:15am by Commodore Samantha York & 1st Lieutenant Kara Melo & Commander Alexandra Vance & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant JG Anthony "Shade" Benge & Ensign Mandy Lane & Captain Cameron Bourne

824 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: A Pirate's Life
Location: Holodeck

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

Attending the funeral would only serve to cause her pain, not only for what she had done but for a crew and a ship she missed so dearly. She could not bring herself to face that pain just yet.

[NEW]

"Ma'am? Are you alright?" A lieutenant whom had been waiting for several minutes to speak to Alexandra asked concernedly.

Vance immediately snapped out of her trance and looked up at the Lieutenant. "What is it?" she asked flatly.

"I have the casualty report you asked for." she replied holding a PADD out to Alexandra.

Vance took the PADD from the Lieutenant and began to read over it. "That will be all Lieutenant."

"Ma'am? If you don't mind me asking why are you not at the funeral?"

"That will be all Lieutenant." Alexandra replied sharply through her teeth.

"Yes...of course my apologies ma'am." the woman replied abruptly turning about and walking away.

Alexandra bit her bottom lip holding back the wave of sorrow that accompanied the view of the names on the PADD. She had known the numbers from when Commodore York informed her in sickbay but the names....they had made it personal. She had lost men and women before, but that was on dangerous missions...they all knew the risks and had died valiantly in combat.

These men and women....those she swore to protect, she had instead betrayed. Stole their lives in the name of Borg.

What have I become?.....

-Holodeck-


Shade was almost done setting up and fueling up. it came as no surprise the wicks were taking longer than normal, since the air was different on a ship. looking up he noticed most of the crew was here. it was almost his time to shine.

[Holodeck]

When everyone who was coming had gathered, Sam stood on the bow of the ship. "Thank you all for coming to honor our fallen comrades. They were brave men and women who died protecting not only the Calypso but the Federation as a whole from the recursion of the Borg." She continued to speak, talking briefly about each Marine in turn.

Damion stood there with his hands folded in front of him. He was quiet with too many thoughts running through his head. He would sneak a glance over to Ronnie and then look back. He was angry with himself. Angry that he let this go too far. Angry that he couldn't find another way to do this without ruining his relationship with Ronnie.

Cam was standing off to one side, preparing the honor guard for the salute

Sam finished her speech and stood aside for the honor guard to perform the burial at sea.

As Sam finished her speech, Cam turned to the guard and drew his sword, "Company, Present Arm! Load Arms. Ready, Aim, Fire! Aim, Fire! Aim, Fire!" He ordered, standing at the head of the line. After the last shot, Cam stood for a moment of silence than gave his final orders, "Company, Order Arms!" He said, bringing his sword up to head, than returning it to it's sheath. Dismissing the guard, he than turned face Sam and nodded

Sam waited a moment for everyone to say a silent goodbye to the Marines, then stepped forward. "Thank you. And now, Warrant OFficer Cameron BOurne, step forward."

Cameron had been expecting this. Part of today's 'celebration' was making his promotion official. Standing to attention, he marched forward to stand infront of Sam. Turning to face her, he saluted, "reporting as ordered"

"Under the direction of General Ammon Khan I hereby promote you to Marine Commander with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Congratulations, Lieutenant Bourne."

Cam was surprised, he knew he was being given the post of Marine CO, but he didn't know he was being given a commission along with it. "Thank you Commodore"

"You're welcome. You've got some big shoes to fill; first with Colonel Raine and then with Major Mangalia. Colonel Raine sends his regrets. He wanted to be the one to give you the promotion, but he was called to Theta Fleet Headquarters by General Khan to help with a special project."

"So I'm told. Don't worry Ma'am, I'll do my best to stick around for a while"

"Good. And now, everyone give Cam your congratulations -- or condolences."

Mandy smiled, a promotion was always a happy occasion, even after a funeral. At least in her books it was. She stood aside though, not wanting to interfere with whatever everyone else would do. She was just a doctor after all.

Bottles and glasses were handed out so that everyone could toast the new Marine CO.

"Three cheers to Cameron!"

Kara raised her glass. "Hip, hip, hurray!'

OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Commander Alexandra Vance
Executive Officer

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Intelligence Officer

Lieutenant JG Anthony "Shade" Mauro
Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer

Second Lieutenant Cameron Bourne
Marine CO

Ensign Mandy Lane
Medic

 

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