Mess Hall
6:00 PM
D'Ray had been very busy during the six days L'Naym and Alyen had been sequestered in their quarters.
The Mess Hall was lavishly decorated with vivid colors and lights. Several tables had been moved to make
room for the assembled guests and the ones remaining were covered in various Nlian dishes. In one corner
of the room where deposited gifts for the family.
Alyen, L'Naym and the baby stood at one end of the room. Kirk stood beside Alyen and D'Ray beside L'Naym.
Slightly to the right of them stood a small group of the parents' close friends. On the left stood the senior staff.
Beyond them stood the rest of the invited guests.
D'Ray stepped forward, she was not only the Hostess but the Announcer during the Ceremony.
"Today we gather to bear witness to one of the most beautiful of all events." D'Ray's words were solemn,
yet spoken with a broad smile. "Today we gather to welcome a new life. We welcome this child with joy.
We welcome him with love. And finally we welcome him with a name."
L'Naym stepped forward, with her son in her arms. Although both parents discussed and decided on a name,
the task of officially naming the child, by tradition, fell to the mother. When the discussions and decisions were
held they were done silently. The Naming Ceremony was the first time that the chosen name was spoken out loud.
"My son," L'Naym began as she gazed down at the infant's face. "Earlier this evening I named you with only
your father and the Giver of All as witness. I spoke your name in your ear so that you would be the first to
know your name and hear it spoken aloud. Then I spoke it to your father. Then I presented you to the Giver
and told Him. I repeat it to you now that all may know and remember.
"You were conceived among the stars and you born among the stars. Since then your father and I have both
sensed that you are drawn to them. We've also sensed in you great curiosity and courage. Even if you do not
become a wanderer, I know that you will always be open to new experiences. For thousands of years the stars
our people as wandered through the endless desert and the stars lit their way. May the stars always light yours."
L'Naym lifted her son higher and proclaimed solemnly. "You are Jay'veen, 'Wandering Star.' Jay'veen,
son of Tuskaro Alyen and Shylea L'Naym. Jay'veen, Child of the Forest. Jay'veen, Child of the Desert.
Jay'veen, Son of Nlia. You are Jay'veen Alyen. Know and remember always."
Gently Alyen took his son and held him up before the assembly. "Behold our son, Jay'veen."
"Welcome Jay'veen," all assembled announced back. D'Ray had instructed everyone on how to proceed.
"Let those beside this child now welcome him," D'Ray announced. "That he might know the names of his family."
L'Naym gently handed the baby to D'Ray who was silent for a few moments as she held the newborn for the first time.
"Jay'veen. I am D'ray Resh. I am cousin and Soul Sister to your mother." She smiled. And I am your aunt. You were
not born of my womb, but I will love you as my own flesh."
D'Ray turned and handed the baby to Kirk. "Hello Jay'veen," he whispered. "I'm James Tiberius Kirk. I'm Soul Brother
to your mother and father. I'm your uncle." He paused and swallowed hard. "I've got a kid now and it's you.
"And Jay'veen, I'm also your Captain," he continued softly. "As I pledged to your parents I now pledge to you:
By your side I will stand. On the right paths I will lead you. Your life I will defend. And your trust I will never betray."
After the baby was handed back to L'Naym, D'Ray once again stepped forward. "Let those assembled now welcome him.
That he may know the names of his friends."
Petty Officer Bower, approached first. "Hey, Jay'veen. I'm Steven Bower. I'm a friend of your dad's. Welcome aboard."
Next was Crewman Dantworth from Engineering. "Hi, Jay'veen, I'm Todd Dantworth. I'm a friend of your dad's.
Something that I'm very honored to be."
McCoy approached, wearing one of his rare smiles. "Hey, Jay'veen. I'm Leonard McCoy. Your dad works in my medbay
and since I haven't kicked him out yet, it means that he's not half bad. I'm also the Chief Medical Officer of this rust
bucket. If you ever get hurt or sick I'll do my best to fix you right up."
"Hello Jay'veen, I'm Sarah Richards. I'm a good friend of your mother's. Welcome."
"Hello Jay'veen, I'm Silvia Mayberry and I'm honored to be friend of your mother's."
"Shalom, Jay'veen, I'm Abigail Silverstein. I'm honored to be your mother's friend and to know you.
Yevhārēkh-khā Adhōnāy veyishmerēkhā."*
"Hello Jay'veen, I'm Natasha Holster. I'm a friend of your mother's and I hope I'll become yours as well."
"Ola, Jay'veen. I'm Pablo Rodriguez. Your mother serves under me and she's one of the finest botanists
I've worked with."
"Jay'veen, I'm Gavor. Your mother works with me in the kitchens sometimes. Odd…I can't think of a suitable
insult right now."
"Hello Jay'veen, I'm Monica Deerhorn. Your mother saved my daughter's life and I will always be in her debt."
"Hi, Jay'veen. I'm Trisha. Your mommy babysits me and I'm going to help her take care of you."
D'Ray stepped forward again. "Let those who lead now welcome him, that he may know the names of those
who will protect him."
Thelin stepped forward. "Jay'veen I am Thelin th'Valrass. I am First Officer and Chief Science Officer of this ship.
Family is of the utmost importance to Andorians and I shall always endeavor to make certain that you remain safe."
"Hello, Jay'veen I am Joyce Filars, Chief Engineer. I will always do my best to keep the ship that you live on safe for you."
"Jay'veen I am Clarice Hatcher, Chief of Security. I will always do my best to protect you."
"Hello, Ja'veen I am Laurence Tolliver, Chief of Operations. I will always try to make certain that this ship you live
on operates smoothly."
"Kon'nichiwa* Jay'veen. I am Harutu Akari. Chief Helmsman. I vow to always fly a steady course and do my best
to keep you from harm."
"Greetings Jay'veen, I am Arex Na Eth, Chief Navigator. I will always try to navigate the safest course."
"Hello, Jay'veen. I am Shiboline M'Ress, Chief of Communications. I will always try to make certain that communications
both on this ship and between others flow smoothly."
After all introductions had been made, D'ray stepped forward one last time, addressing everyone in the room.
"We welcome this child with joy. We welcome him with love. He begins his life in the warmth of family, friends
and tribemates. May he always live so."
Shalom*: A Hebrew greeting
Yevhārēkh-khā Adhōnāy veyishmerēkhā: A Hewbrew blessing. "The Lord Bless you and keep you.'
Kon'nichiwa* Japanese for 'Hello'