Overnight, the Armonians, Vaadwaur, and Crew of the Merced had worked tirelessly to rescue those affected by the attack. The final count was 1 human and 12 Armonians killed.

That evening at dusk came the hard part as the crew gathered around a coffin draped with a Star fleet flag.

The Armonians and Vaadwaur stood in attendance, more out of curiosity than duty. Each of their races had different ways of dealing with death.

For the Armonians they would put their dead into their swamps to return to the planet. Considered part of the circle of life.

Marcus did not know the Vaadwaur ceremony. But I had found many rumors and stories about some very dark funeral rites.

Marcus only sensed and piqued curiosity from both camps. Then much sadness amongst the crew. Kim had been well liked.

The Captain thought sharing the funeral with at least the Armonians was proper. When the Vaadwaur asked to attend, he couldn’t rightfully say no. The current peace was tenuous at best. It did not seem wise to fuel the fire.

Captain Spiff rose in his dress uniform and approached the podium. Then he saw Izkra Both rise in her ceremonial robes and also make her way up to join him.

The Captain spoke first, “We have lost a member of our crew and family in Lieutenant Junior Grade, Kimberly Estry best known to her friends as Kim. Her devotion to her family, crew, and ship. These are all things we celebrate in a great officer and a great person. Her passion for science and her love of a good challenge are pillars that we should admire.” The Captain saluted the coffin, as did all the crew.

Izkra nodded to her people, and hauntingly beautiful music filled the air. The Armonians were singing, much like earth frogs do. It was a beautiful, melancholy collection of tones.

As the sang Izkra spoke, “My people believe in the continuance of one’s soul into the next life. We sing to invite Kim’s soul to join those of our own to honor her for her sacrifice as she worked to save our people.” Izkra said then slowly backed off into their people as Izkra joined in adding their own tones to the mix.

Then one of the Vaadwaur approached the Captain. Turning to the crowd and addressing them through the song.

“I am Damel the leader of the Vaadwaur here on Armon III. I wish to honor the dead.” He said “Death is universal, it does not know friend or foe. It merely comes. There is no dignity in crying for the dead.” There was a gasp from the crew but the Armonians did not stop. Damel continued “We honor the dead by carrying on in their steads. With the belief that they live on in what they left behind.” He bowed towards the coffin. Then looked directly at Marcus “Let her legacy be the cure that is brought to all of our people.”  He said.

Damel walked back to his people. Marcus sensed a small bit of self satisfaction from him. The Vaadwaur contingent then left quietly.

Many of the other crew members spoke sharing stories of Kim.

Then it was Marcus’s turn.  “I feel like I knew Kim for such a short time. But she was amongst the first to welcome me on board and always made the very best cookies. He smiled softly “I will miss her greatly.”

Once everyone had a turn to speak the Captain said “I leave us with a line from an Earth poet named Harkins. ‘She is gone, but her light still shines.'”He bowed “Safe travels my friend. Let you shine upon us all.” 

The torpedo coffin was launched and the Armonians continued their songs. Marcus wiped a tear as he watched the coffin torpedo lift off and fly away towards the heavens.

The frog song continued long into the evening, filling the air with reverence and respect.