

The first person familiar to him in the crowd that gathered was Nyota. She was gesturing to him, her face somber, her attire that of their dress uniform, hat firmly in place.
Spock stepped up to her and allowed her to lean forward and kiss his cheek. She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “How are you holding up?”
“I…well enough under the circumstances.”
She nodded, sympathetically, and then drew him forward. “The others are seated already.”
He followed her to where Lieutenant Sulu, Ensign Jayleh, and Lieutenant Commander Scott were seated. There was a spot left for Spock. A few aisles away he spotted Carol Marcus. He looked away quickly and took the offered seat.
Admiral Morrow walked up to the podium. “Thank you for coming on this day to remember those from Starfleet we have lost, not only in the last year, but in all our years.”
Then to Spock’s amazement, Morrow turned to the side.
“We welcome, Captain James T. Kirk, who has only just gotten out of the hospital this very day to attend this ceremony honoring those who have fallen.”
Doctor McCoy wheeled Jim out in a chair toward the podium. Jim wore a dress uniform but looked shockingly pale. Spock was half out of his seat before Nyota gently pushed him down.
“Did you know he was going to do this?” she asked.
“No.”
“I don’t think the captain should be out of the hospital,” Sulu spoke up.
“He should not,” Spock said curtly.
Jim stopped at the podium and then was helped to stand by the doctor. Spock’s jaw tightened as Jim swayed.
“Today, we are gathered to remember our fallen brethren, including a member of my own bridge officers, Ensign Pavel Chekov.”
***
“Captain!” Nyota rushed at him after the ceremony. “You shouldn’t be out of the hospital.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” McCoy grumbled. “Damn fool insisted. And he’s going right back.”
Spock dropped to his knees beside Jim. “T’hy’la. Why? We talked about this and decided you would stay in bed.”
“You decided,” Jim said softly. “For Pavel. I had to.”
Spock inhaled, counted to ten, and then nodded. “Very well. But you will not leave again until you are well. Promise.”
“I promise.”
Spock stood and took control of the wheelchair from McCoy, ignoring the doctor’s rolled eyes, as they all followed behind as Spock brought their captain back to the hospial.

For those lost…we remember
May 25, 2020 at 6:04 am
Tugged at my heart. This was a wonderful fic. Thank you for sharing
LikeLike
May 25, 2020 at 8:21 am
Thank you ❤
LikeLike
May 25, 2020 at 6:54 am
Beautiful tribute. And a wonderful reminder to remember. What today is all about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 25, 2020 at 8:22 am
Indeed, thank you ❤
LikeLike
May 25, 2020 at 6:55 am
It’s Monday morning, I just got up, and already I’m crying. Yeah, you’re crying, but I am too.
This is beautiful.
I am one of the lucky few who has not needed to attend a military funeral. My family all came through WW2 intact, so neither did any of my grandparents or my parents way back then. And that’s saying something as there were 13 siblings/children altogether between both families.
And everyone I personally knew, returned from Vietnam. Definitely affected, but alive. Same for every skirmish since. Though I once dreamed my son was killed when he was in the service. I didn’t have to see it. I just dreamed seeing his wife standing at his grave.
So I truly have no deep or painful personal memories for Memorial Day to cry about.
Sadly, the majority of people do.
I have such great respect for those who offer everything they are to serve and protect their country and their families who live day to day on pins and needles while they serve, just never knowing…
Thank you for writing this. It’s a gorgeous tribute. And of course Jim would drag himself to Pavel’s memorial. Of course.
LikeLike
May 25, 2020 at 8:27 am
Thank you. I knew that’s who I had to write about in today’s and I wanted Jim to be injured too but insist on coming.
Me too. I have been fortunate not to have personal experience in my family also. But I, too, have the greatest respect for those who have served and made such sacrifices. ❤
LikeLike
May 25, 2020 at 10:13 am
Of course Jim would insist on speaking. He’s not going to stay safe when there’s a need for him. RIP poor Pavel. Very sad. Spock is understandably very concerned for Jim here. His T’hy’la is also injured and needs care. Spock will probably have to sit on him hereafter to help him recuperate.
Enjoy your Memorial Day ❤️💚🖖😘
Oh, I’m still not getting ao3 emails! 😦
LikeLike
May 25, 2020 at 10:53 am
Yes I am guessing Spock won’t let Jim out of his sight now!
Thank you. Yes it is sad, especially as we think of those who truly lost their lives in service
LikeLike