SIM:Nemesis-Goodbye

Goodbye

((Ten Forward))

As the doors to Ten Forward parted and allowed Diamond to enter, he looked around and was relieved that the place was quiet. Diamond walked over to the bar, ordered something to eat and drink, and headed to an empty chair over by a view port with his drink. As he sat there, looking out at Betazed, his mind began to wander. Wander back to happier times, times surrounded by old friends and crewmates. Back to when he saw them together for the last time.::

((Flashback))

The observation lounge was filled almost to capacity on the Star base on this day. Everyone who was anyone was there to see the NX-Nemesis de-commissioned. Admirals, diplomats, ambassadors, and of course the crew of the great ship. The ceremony was a solemn event from tales of her glory to the dedications of our fallen comrades. Commander Quinn’s tribute to Commander Moghan brought tears to everyone’s eyes that had the honor of serving with him. The ceremony was capped off by the captain.::

Wong: Ladies and Gentlemen. I would personally like to thank each of you for coming out today to say farewell to the greatest ship any of us could have served on. :: Looking out the view port, the Nemesis hung there in all her glory, like a model in a boy’s room hanging from a string in front of a starry backdrop.:: It was an honor to serve as her captain along side the men and women on her. ::looking back at the crew:: I know that I speak for each member here when I say that no other ship will be the same, but we will go on, ::starting to choke up:: no matter how hard it will be.

With that, Fleet Captain Alder-Wong turned and pushed a button that closed the viewing port, the crew of the Nemesis, as one, stood. Taking her place next to Commander Quinn, she remained standing until the port was completely closed and the Nemesis could no longer be seen. Slowly the Captain took her seat with the crew following her lead.::

Admiral: This concludes our ceremony. Thank you for coming.

Everyone stood and started to mingle. Chairs were moved to the perimeter while refreshments were brought out on long tables and positioned around the room. Most of the crew was already re-assigned to other ships, Diamond included, so they were saying their final goodbyes. Diamond already said goodbye to his medical staff and turned in his staff evaluations to the captain, so he was surprised when Lenara Erin walked up to him with a glass in her hand.::

Erin: Here you go doc, your hand shouldn’t be empty, not on a day like today.

Diamond: Thanks Lenara, here’s to old friends. ::taking the glass and sipping from it::

Erin: ::raising her glass:: Here, here. You know Paul; I’m going to miss you.

Diamond: I’ll miss you too; you’re the first real friend I had on the ship. You took me under your wing and kept me from being lonely.

Erin: You know, for a while there I didn’t consider you just a friend?

Diamond: No? What then?

Erin: :: blushing:: You know ………

Diamond: ::blushing too:: Oh. Why didn’t you pursue those feelings?

Erin: ::looking over at Kays:: She’s much better for you than I would be. ::looking back at Diamond:: Besides, we wouldn’t have become as close of friends if I did. ::Suddenly hugs Diamond tightly:: Good luck Paul, I’m really going to miss you.

She let go of her hug and almost ran away wiping her eye’s. He started to go after her but was stopped by the captain and commander.::

Wong: Mr. Diamond, a moment?

Diamond: ::stopped following Erin and turned towards the captain:: Yes Captain, what can I do for you?

Wong: I understand you’re leaving soon for your new assignment?

Diamond: Yes sir, ACMO on the Constitution.

Wong: Captain Hebron’s ship? Good ship with a good crew, you’ll like it there. Give the captain my regards.

Diamond: I will sir.

Wong: Before you leave I wanted to make sure you received this.

Wong handed Diamond a plague with a picture of the Nemesis on it and the motto “ I sing, oh Muse, the Wrath of Achilles”.::

Diamond: Thank you sir, I’ll treasure it. ::puts it under his arm:: And I’d also like to thank you for taking the chance in me when I came on board.

Wong: Trust me doctor, you’ve lived up to, and passed, all of my expectations. That time on Homni, you were more than a medical officer; you were a true Star Fleet officer.

Diamond: We were all more than what we were supposed to be then, “Addie”.

Both laughed as Quinn looked on in confusion::

Wong: ::to Quinn:: Inside joke. ::Back to Diamond:: Anyway, good luck on your new ship.

Diamond: Thank you sir. It’s been an honor.

With that she turned and mingled with others from the ship leaving Quinn and Diamond alone::

Quinn: You know something Paul, I’d say the same if it wasn’t being redundant. ::laughs:: But seriously, you will be missed. Too bad we never had the chance to really get to know each other. Just those two times, your first away mission with the Borg and when I arrested you. We were both too busy I guess. But if I’m any judge, you’ll go far in what ever you do in Star Fleet. I wish you the best of luck.

Diamond: Thanks Commander. Just one question though.

Quinn: What’s that?

Diamond: What were you going to do with the information I gave you on Captain Saunders?

Quinn: ::looking away:: Let’s just say I’m glad I didn’t have to do anything, ok?

Diamond: Ok. ::holding out his hand:: It’s been a pleasure, and honor, serving with you, sir.

Quinn: ::taking the offered hand:: The honor was all mine. Good luck Paul.

Diamond nodded his head, released the commander’s hand and watched him walk away. He talked with other senior officer’s he served with, wishing each other luck. He talked to everyone except for one, Himoana. For some reason they both tried to avoid each other and did a good job at it too. Finally it was time for him to leave so he could catch the shuttle that would take him to his new post. He said his final goodbyes and exited through the main doors. Outside stood the one person he would miss the most.::

Kays: Leaving now, huh?

Diamond: Yeah, my shuttle leaves with-in the hour.

Kays: I figured as much.

Diamond: ::feeling awkward:: Are you all set for your new post?

Kays: Yep, all packed, taking a shuttle tomorrow to Earth and the Academy.

Diamond: You sure you’ll be ok taking care of Sheila for me?

Kays: She’s no problem at all we get along just fine.

Diamond: ::becoming excited:: You know, I can still take that post teaching at the Academy with you, we can still be together, we can…

Kays: ::holding a finger to his mouth quieting him:: We’ve been through this, you would be stir crazy in no time and then be angry you stayed. We’ll be fine.

Diamond: We’ll, you and Sheila or you and me?

Kays: Both. :: taking him in her arms:: No matter what happens, I’ll always have these feelings for you. I’ll have Sheila to remind me of you and you have that holo I gave you to remind you of me. We’ll write to each other and get together as much as possible. Everything will work out, you’ll see.

Diamond: You’re right, as always; it’s just going to be hard is all, :: Holding her tighter and talking very quietly:: very hard.

Lowering his head, Diamond kissed Kays passionately and held it for a long time. Finally they broke the kiss and looked at each other. There was a tear in Kays eye and when Diamond went to brush it away she stopped him.::

Kays: You have to get going or they will leave with out you. I’ll walk you there.

They walked to where he was to catch the shuttle hand in hand, neither wanted the time to end. But time doesn’t heed the feelings of others and passed like always. As he was preparing to board, Kays handed him a padd.::

Diamond: What’s this?

Kays: A letter. Read it after you leave, not before, but after the shuttle leaves. Promise?

Diamond: ::taking her in his arms again:: Promise.

Kays: ::Returning the hug for a quick moment and then pushed him away:: Go, now before I change my mind. And Paul, be careful.

Saying that Kays turned and walked away before he could see the tears rolling down her cheeks. Diamond turned and entered the shuttle that was taking him to his new life.::

((Present))

Diamond stood and raised his glass to the vast expanse of space::

Diamond: ::toasting:: To old friends, where ever you are.  :: draining the contents of the glass in one shot, Diamond set the drink down on the table and sat back down.::