A/N: As a reminder, this weird version of Star Trek is based on my life, so there's no telling what will happen because life is unpredictable.
Ode to A Starship by Lina Shay
Chapter Ten: After Death
I found a message waiting on my computer when I got back to my quarters after work. I told the computer to play the message. A vulcan appeared on my screen.
"Lt. Shay. It had come to my attention that I have not taken the opportunity to contact many of my former comrads from the Academy. I shall rectify this where you are concerned. I have been well and hope you have been as well. Feel free to brief me on the recent events which have occured in your life."
I sat back and stared at the screen, feeling a little confused. Yes, I was at the Academy at the same time as Ston, but we weren't great friends. I saw him in a couple of my classes, we had a short conversation now and then, and we once had a drink together. I was actually attracted to him, but I got nothing from him. He didn't seem interested. He is Vulcan, though.
Why, of all people, would he contact me? I decided to respond.
"Hey, Ston. I was a little surprised to get a meassage from you, considering how close friends we... weren't." I paused to think of what else to say. "But, hey, if you want to know what's going on with me, I guess I don't mind telling you. In the career area, I feel like a fish out of water. Did I ever tell you why I chose Astrometrics, because I can't remember anymore. In friendship, I have some great friends here. They'd make you laugh... Or not, since you're Vulcan."
I paused again to laugh awkwardly. "Uh, in the guy area, I'm lacking... a guy, that is. I'm a little too single. Beyond that, not much is going on..." I found my mind wandering to Shari. I didn't think Ston had known her. His loss.
"I sometimes wonder why I chose Starfleet. I don't really fit." I shrugged. "Call again when you have the time."
I stopped the recording and sat back in my chair. After a moment or two, I sent the message. Then I got up to see what Sisma and Liz were up to.
The moment I walked into the room, Sisma said, "Steve died."
I stared at her, not exactly sure how I was supposed to react.
"You remember Steve," Sisma insisted. "You met him on shoreleave. He fixed my computer console. We served together aboard the Reeder."
"And he died?" I asked, just to make sure I heard right.
"Yup," Sisma said matter-of-factly. "The Ring-Bearer's got him. Can you hand me that datapad?"
I took the pad she indicated and handed it to her.
"I'm going to get Steve a really nice Death present because he's done so much for me," Sisma told me as she imputed some data on the pad.
"Death present?" I asked in confusion.
"What would you give a really close friend for him to take to the next life?" She mused.
"An empty plate," B'Liz spoke up from where she stood by the replicator.
We both looked at her in question.
"If in the next life, the empty shell is filled with the spirit, then in the next life, an empty plate would be filled with food," B'Liz insisted.
I tried not to laugh. This was a tragic time for Sisma.
"I envy him," she sighed. "To die so soon. I wish I had been so lucky."
"It was a good day to die," B'Liz agreed.
I just had to gawk at the two of them. How could they be so calm. A man was killed, a man we all knew.
"Would you use a crystal clock if you were dead?" Sisma wondered alloud.
"No!" I shouted.
B'Liz and Sisma stared at me in confusion.
"Is it just not clear to you that Steve is dead? He was murdered by the Ring-Bearers," I said slowly and loudly. "Aren't you mad? Aren't you upset?"
"He died in battle," B'Liz said. "An honorable death. He will go to Stovocore."
"Just because his life is over, doesn't mean he won't live again," Sisma explained. "Don't you believe in life after death?"
"Yes, but he's-"
"I don't understand why some species fear death so," Sisma muttered. "In my culture, death is a happy time. We are glad that our friends have moved on."
I didn't know what to say.