: Posted by Ensign Mikhail Kovalev (Doctor) in Starbase - Aftermath
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: : Ghubari couldn't hide the look of shock on her face. No one knew her ties to the man and while she couldn't say Sims was very well known to her, he had played a huge part in her rehab. The look lasted only a moment though as she composed herself, shoving the shock and grief into the back reaches of her mind. She would deal with that later.
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: He saw the reaction on his captain's face, knowing she had felt the loss as well. He hadn't gotten to know Dr. Sims well beforehand, but they bonded during their time on Andoria. They traded stories over whisky. They argued about sports over vodka. They struggled to fight the disease plaguing the citizens. He was a good man and would be missed.
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: : But she went to go speak, and that composure slipped a little. "Um…" was all she said as she sat back in her seat, placing a dark hand over her mouth briefly. "I am so sorry to hear that. He was a very good man and this is very sad news indeed. Are you alright?" she asked with concern, her attention shifting to the ensign who had to deliver such news to his captain.
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: : Captain Koraia, CO
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: He nodded. "I had no illusions when I entered Starfleet. It is a dangerous galaxy. But I would be lying if I said that I'd expected it to happen so early in my career." She'd been in Starfleet for many years and had, undoubtedly lost numerous friends along the way. She knew what he was feeling. But he also knew she shared his sense of duty. "I believe the best way to honor our fallen comrades is to carry on our mission. One of my ancestors fought in the Great Patriotic War on Earth. The Nazis viewed Russians as 'sub-humans,' to be exploited and exterminated. My mother struggled similarly during the Cardassian occupation on Bajor." He wasn't sure if he was rambling or if the stress of the situation was finally catching up to him so he decided to wrap up his point. "They each lost comrades. Instead of mourning openly and ceasing in their duties, they continued their struggles until the goals they fought for were achieved. That is how I'd like to honor..." What was the term Sims used to describe himself? "...my Leprechaun friend." He smiled, remembering the first time he'd said it. Sims nearly fell over laughing hearing the word "leprechaun" spoken in a heavy Slavic accent.
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: Kovalev

Ghubari couldn't help but smile at that, even if it was a sad smile. "The feeling of needed to keep going. I know it well Mikhail," she said softly, allowing this to be less formal. There was no need for formalities at the moment she felt. "The Athena will be back at Earth soon. Check-in with San Francisco and they'll keep you apprised of our arrival. You are of course welcome back. We'll talk more then."

"Has his family made any specific arrangements for a memorial?" Ghubari asked evenly. Later, oh later, she would allow her real feeling out.

Captain Koraia, CO