=/\= A Call to Duty =/\=
USS Luna NCC-65828
SD 10510.30

Staring:
Christopher Dickinson as CO Savar
Karriaunna Scotti as CSO Harmony Singh
Sherilynne Floyhar as OPS Kehari Qui

Ship Manager Peter Saunders

Also Staring:
Peter Saunders as Admiral Weatherby
Peter Saunders as Commander Brown

Absent:
Richard Pickett as CEO Rickal Jarek
Scott Smith as CIV Ewan MacPherson-Quest

Episode 180 "Return to Federation Space, Part 2: The Changing of the Guard.” Thee Luna is currently stationed at Starbase 917 for recrew and resupply after their previous mission.  During this time the new commanding officer of the Starbase has decided to hold a memorial service as a mark of respect to those officers and crew who were killed during the Luna's last mission.
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CSO_Singh says:
@:: In her quarters, sitting before her mirror, doing nothing more then staring, but not seeing her face, only of others.::
OPS_Qui says:
@:: In her quarters changing into her dress uniform in preparation for the memorial services of those lost in the last mission. ::
CO_Savar says:
::Captain Savar is in his dress white uniform, walking amongst the caskets, each draped with the flag of the United Federation of Planets::
OPS_Qui says:
@:: Pulls at the collar to her uniform as she takes a last look in the mirror. ::
CSO_Singh says:
@:: At the chime of the half hour, she released a sigh and stood, automatically tugging her dress uniform down.::
CSO_Singh says:
@*OPS*:  Kehari, you ready to head out?
OPS_Qui says:
@*CSO*: Yes...   :: Sounds frustrated ::
CSO_Singh says:
@:: Heading for her door.:: *OPS*:  I will meet you in the hall.  Is there a problem?

ACTION: The Starbase observation deck has been decorated in the colors of the UFP for the forthcoming service, Savar is witness to the standard bustle before any sort of public engagement begins

OPS_Qui says:
@:: Pulls at her collar again and scratches the back of her neck. ::
CSO_Singh says:
@:: Exits into the hall and moves towards OPS’s door::
OPS_Qui says:
@*CSO*: No .. I just hate these collars.  I'll meet you there.  Qui out.   :: Moves to her door and exits her quarters ::
CO_Savar says:
::Savar speaks quietly with a grieving parent of a fallen crewman::
CSO_Singh says:
@:: Stops to look her over.::  OPS:  Might I suggest some soft material placed between your neck and your uniform?  :: Reaches up to pull hers down to reveal the material protecting her neck.::
OPS_Qui says:
@:: Walks down the hall tugging at her collar and enters a turbolift. ::   Turbolift: Umbilical cord.   CSO: I'll remember that for next time, Harmony.
CSO_Singh says:
@OPS:  Aye... we had best get moving before we are late.
OPS_Qui says:
@:: Looks at her chronometer. ::   CSO: We'll be right on time.

ACTION: Throughout the Luna and the Starbase a short announcement is made informing everyone that the service will be starting in ten minutes.

CSO_Singh says:
:: As the lift stops, she heads out, her face calm, but not her insides.  Stepping onto the ramp, she pauses to present her idea, then heads on down.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Follows Harmony out ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Quietly as they head for the observation deck.::  OPS:  How are you feeling?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Glances over to Harmony and gulps a little. ::   CSO: How do you mean?
CSO_Singh says:
:: Looks at her meaningfully, but says nothing as they continue onward.::
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: I still have nightmares, Harmony
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  I would be surprised if you did not.  Have you spoken with a counselor yet?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Glances at Harmony. ::   CSO: Until the Luna gets one assigned, no.  I've been dealing with it myself
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: But I have to deal with mine ... and Qui's
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  You know my door is always open.  :: Steps into the lift and sends it toward the observation lounge.::
Host Cmdr_Brown says:
::approaches the Captain:: CO: Captain Savar?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Smiles and looks over to her friend. ::   CSO: I know.  But I think I need to visit Trill for a bit ... for Qui's sake more so than mine.
CO_Savar says:
::Glances around the room, seeing Luna's officers filing in slowly.  He makes his way towards the front::  Cmdr: Yes, Commander?
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  I understand.  :: Pauses just within the lift door as they stop, her eyes going around the room.  Lowers her voice.::  OPS:  This may sound bad, but I really really hate this.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Whispers back ::   CSO: No ... it doesn't.  I don't care for these things either.
Host Cmdr_Brown says:
CO: Just reminding you that the Admiral will make a short announcement then it will be over to you, is there anything you need?
CO_Savar says:
Cmdr: I am prepared, Commander.  Thank you.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Sees chairs for them and motions in that direction. ::
Host Cmdr_Brown says:
::nods to the CO and then turns towards some other officers before vanishing from sight::
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  I need to join the captain briefly, then I will join you.
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: Alright.  I'll hold a chair for you.   :: Moves off to the chairs and takes a seat.  Closes her eyes as she waits and converses quietly with her symbiont ::
CO_Savar says:
::Steps up onto the platform at the front of the room, not quite approaching the podium yet::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Walks up to the captain, their height differences making them appear a rather odd couple.::
CO_Savar says:
::Sees the CSO::  CSO: Lieutenant Commander?
CSO_Singh says:
:: Hands him a PADD with some family names that had recently come in as well as memorial awards.::  CO:  Do you need me for anything?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Senses a person sitting next to her and opens her eyes. ::   Crew: I'm sorry, but this seat is taken by Commander Singh....

ACTION: The crewman gives the OPS what can only be described as "a look" before heading off towards a different chair.

OPS_Qui says:
:: Shrugs then watches as the crewman leaves for another open chair. ::

ACTION: A Haliian officer with Admiral’s pips walks up to the podium and surveys the room

CO_Savar says:
::Nods and takes the PADD::  CSO: I believe you may take your seat.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Nods and steps back down to join Kehari with a sigh.::
Host Admiral_Weatherby says:
::finishes surveying the room and takes in a breath:: All: Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for attending this service.  As I am sure you know every Starfleet officer is given the duty of protecting the Federation with mind, body and sometimes their soul.  The people we are here to honor today gave away everything they had in that defense
OPS_Qui says:
:: Sniffs thinking that could have been her at one time.  Looks at her hands in reverence. ::
Host Admiral_Weatherby says:
All: Each member world has their own ways of saying farewell to their dead.  Some honor them through drink and festivities, others spend weeks in isolation mourning their passing.  I ask that each one of you honor them in your own way but also honor them through your actions in the months and years to come.
Host Admiral_Weatherby says:
All: They sacrificed themselves to maintain our way of life, who would we be to squander such a gift...
Host Admiral_Weatherby says:
All: Now I believe that the Captain of the Luna would like to say a few words.  CO: Captain Savar? ::steps back from the podium::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Looks up, her eyes focusing on Savar.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Thinks of a man then quickly turns and scans the room in search of his face.... ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Vaguely notes Kehari's motion, but is listening intently.::
CO_Savar says:
::Steps forward, and faces the crowd, letting the silence settle for a moment::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Turns back forward and looks up to the Captain. ::
CO_Savar says:
All: Each of the people we honor today meant something to us - they were our sons and daughters, our crewmates, our subordinates or superiors.
CO_Savar says:
All: But now, they live on in their memories and their legacies.  Each of our honored deceased gave their lives to the service and defense of the Federation.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Looks away.::
CO_Savar says:
All: If you feel their deaths were in vain for whatever reason, soothe yourself by understanding that they performed their duties, and without them - perhaps the ship would not have returned, or more would have been lost.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Takes in a deep breath and sighs heavily. ::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Feels the tears starting to develop.  She hates these things - she always cries at them. ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Reaches into a pocket and pulls out a lace, old fashioned handkerchief and hands it to Kehari.::

ACTION: OPS is not alone, throughout the crowd the memory of those that have passed is starting to bring tears to the faces of officers and civilians

CO_Savar says:
All: Today we honor... ::reads the list of the fallen.  Several people can be heard crying after each name, but Savar's face remains calm and collected::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Whispers... :: CSO: Thanks, but I have one to soil.   :: Pulls a plain one from her pocket and shows the CSO before dabbing her eyes. ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Smiles and slips hers back into her pocket, no tears come to her eyes.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Blows her nose loudly. ::
CO_Savar says:
All: Remember them forever.  For they have slipped the surley bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.  With silent lifting mind I've trod the high untresspassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Sniffs some more and thinks to self ::   Self: That's so beau-ti-ful...   :: Blows her nose again. ::
Host Admiral_Weatherby says:
::steps forward:: CO: Thank you Captain, that was very... moving.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Feeling empty in side, simply watches, her eyes straying now that her captain had finished.::
CO_Savar says:
::With a small tip forward of his head, he steps back::
Host Admiral_Weatherby says:
All: I want to thank you all for attending today, I know it means a lot to the relatives who are gathered here  We have arranged for a buffet towards the back of the room while you say your personal farewells.  ::smiles and nods to the room:: Thank you ::steps down from the podium and heads towards a gathering of officers::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Dabs her eyes some more and is glad she isn't wearing any makeup. ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Looks back at Savar for the motion to stand.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Whispers to Harmony ::   CSO: When this is over, I'll catch you later....
CO_Savar says:
All: All rise.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Rises ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: nods and stands.::  OPS:  I need to be available to... :: waves her hand outward.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Sniffs... :: CSO: I know
CSO_Singh says:
:: Smiles weekly::  OPS:  Trade places?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Grins weakly ::   CSO: Nope
CSO_Singh says:
:: Gently hugs her then turns steps away.::

ACTION: A lone piper steps up onto the stage and begins to play "Amazing Grace"

OPS_Qui says:
:: Begins to sing with the bag pipes the words to Amazing Grace... ::

ACTION: This is too much for some of the families who break down amongst the crowd, the gravity of the situation hitting them with its full force

CO_Savar says:
::Walks with the Honor Guard off the podium and out::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Makes her way to the back of the room to stand for reception.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Sees the ceremony coming to the end files out of the room and heads back to her quarters... ::

ACTION: As we pan out from the observation deck and through the numberless corridors of the Starbase the tune on the bagpipes can still be heard, its mournful melody making enlisted personnel halt for a moment and recognize their own mortality

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