Chapter One--Dearly Departed
Year:2406
"Today we are gathered to admire the life of a great woman. Kathryn Janeway was not only the greatest captain a crew could wish for, she was the greatest friend a man could ever hope to have.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say 'good-bye' to our fallen hero and we bravely look to the future in her wake and continue to be guided by her precedent and her spirit.
"We must always remember, and remember we shall, with every sip of coffee and every order to 'do it', the memory of Captain Kathryn Janeway. We know bid our final farewell to one of our greatest companions. Peace my friend."
Kathryn Janeway had captained Voyager for thirty-five years and Chakotay did now know if he was ready to try to fill her coffee mug.
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Year: 2413
"Although unsure of his abilities to Captain this crew, our dear friend and captain, Chakotay, lived up to what was expected of him and surpassed our hopes. We valiantly followed him for seven intrepid years to the Alpha Quadrant. Seven years closer to home and seven more years of remembrance.
"We will all miss his kindness and his gentle aggressiveness. He always strove for peace. We will follow the many examples Captain Chakotay set for us.
"And now, in the customs of his own people, we lay him to eternal rest. Ako-chi-moi-a. We are far from the bones of our ancestors. Father Kolopak, guide our Captain, your son, into the glory of his final resting place to watch over us, his family, and protect us from all of our fears." Tuvok became Captain that day and ended his eulogy with the quiet words of "Peace my friend."
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Year: 2434
Mess Hall
"Neelix, what is keeping you alive?" James asked the Master Chef.
The extremely old Talaxian chuckled. "Healthy living, I suppose."
"I don't believe you," James replied slyly. "What's your secret?" he insisted.
Neelix sighed and stared out onto the starry expanse out his window. "If I knew, I would have told everyone a long time ago. Maybe it could have saved The Captain, Chakotay, Tuvok, B'Elanna and the rest of them." Neelix suddenly felt very old as one of the three surviving members of the First Generation, including the Doctor.
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