I want to thank all of our Veterans for their service for our country. And I want to thank the family of Veterans for the sacrifices they have all made in support of their loved ones.
Jim kept by his mother’s side through the entire service dedicated to her deceased husband and son. George of course many years ago in service for Starfleet. George Samuel, far more recently. Though his death was as a result of an invasive alien organism on the planet, Deneva, he’d been working for Starfleet in the labs there.
His mother remained fairly stoic throughout the service until they handed her the folded United Federation flag. Then she had collapsed into Jim’s arms.
They went to her hotel room after. He’d asked her if she wanted to go to a restaurant, but she hadn’t wanted to be on display there, and Jim couldn’t blame her. She would be returning to Riverside in the morning.
Jim ordered room service instead. Tea and coffee and all kinds of food that the four them likely could never finish.
Spock stepped up to stand beside them as they both watched Winona Kirk speak softly to Peter Kirk, Sam and Aurelan’s surviving son. He would go to Riverside with her in the morning, to be taken care of by her now. Aurelan’s parents had passed on more than five years earlier.
“You are well?” Spock asked, softly.
“About as well as can be expected.”
“I know what it is like to lose a sibling.”
Jim looked at him. “Yeah?”
“One day perhaps I will tell you about them.”
“Them?”
“Mm. The important thing is you and your family now. I was surprised they’d never had a service for your father.”
Jim shrugged a little. “They had one for all those lost that day, not Dad specifically. At the time, she didn’t want one. But with Sam’s death, well, she arranged it for both of them.”
Spock touched his fingers to Jim and Jim smiled a little.
“Thanks for being here.”
“I could be nowhere else.”
Jim squeezed his arm, kissed him lightly, and then turned to his mom and nephew. He walked over to where they sat talking, kneeled down, and hugged them.
Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto) 
November 11, 2020 at 4:12 am
What a beautiful tribute to veterans. And especially touching for Jim. I’m so glad Spock was there for him. For them. It’s a deep pain that can never be assuaged, even knowing they fought and died for a noble cause. And for what they believed in.
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November 11, 2020 at 7:13 am
thank you
Yes it is. I had relatives that made it out okay, including a brother who served without ever facing combat, so I am fortunate.
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November 11, 2020 at 6:16 am
Kris is so right. This is a beautiful tribute. And the ceremonies are fitting and needed. But then everyone goes home, and the remaining loved ones are left to grieve within themselves for a long, long time. And the Veterans who come home, perhaps wounded physically and mentally, those and the memories are faced every day. So much pain and heartache. And pride in doing their best. But it’s a tough job, both in the battle, and in the memories.
Thank you for this tribute. George and Sam represents hundreds of thousands lost in the field, whether in battle or in the battle to save others.
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November 11, 2020 at 7:14 am
Very tough and I greatly admire those who have done it and their families
thank you
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November 11, 2020 at 12:48 pm
I agree with Kris and j, a beautiful tribute to veterans! And although painful, I think it’s an important ceremony and closure for Jim, especially considering that he hadn’t been able to be there for the one years ago.
My dad was career military, but (considering his age and my homecountry) never saw combat. I think my son would consider serving, but he won’t be accepted (he’s got a condition on his spine that excludes him). I have a collegue who’s son is with special forces and I can’t say that I regret that I won’t have to go through the not knowing where my son really is – ever. 🙂
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November 11, 2020 at 1:21 pm
Yes I don’t blame you there. I know J’s son served for many years and still suffers physical damage from his time serving. As I said I had a brother who served in the Navy years ago that did not see combat. But my dad was in WW2. He never ever spoke about his time there. I think that there was rather telling.
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November 11, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Lovely tribute to veterans and their families. 💕
This was a very emotional story. Jim being there as his mother’s support and Spock being quietly supportive and loving for Jim is so touching.
Jim acknowledges Spock’s help. “Thanks for being here.” Spock’s response is written on his heart.
“I could be nowhere else.”
❤️💚🖖😘
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