The Words Are Not Important
Posted on Nov 14, 2016 @ 3:14pm by Rear Admiral Dexter Marxx
Mission: Fortress: Earth
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"The Words Are Not Important"
(cont'd from "Traumatism")
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LOCATION: USS CENTURY
SD: [2.16]1114.0830
SCENE: Main Bridge, Deck One
{{I love you,}} said Siobhan, her breathing heavy, vision horribly blurred with tears that streamed across her face and dabbled the interior of her helmet.
{{Dex....}}, but words were crushed by the grief in her chest, and she felt the Vegan's hands relax, the seemingly never-ending, resolute strength leaving it for the last time. Choking down sobs, she quietly sang a tune that Kane and Morningstar could barely hear over the communication link.
{{Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas.}}
***************
LOCATION: USS CENTURY
SCENE: Crew Quarters
Time Index: Several Years Ago
Dexter Marxx held Siobhan to him as they lay in bed, arms around each other. She was about to doze off in bliss and comfort, when she heard Marxx quietly singing a song, just under his breath.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
"That was beautiful...what was that?" she asked, her eyes opening.
Marxx grinned. "What? Oh, yes, sorry. Just an old song from long ago."
"Is it Vegan?"
The Vegan gave an enigmatic smile. "That's a very good question, my love."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Hovercraft GRANDEUR arriving at the Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Age 14
Jazzed Marxx stood at the prow of the GRANDEUR taking in the heavily salted air as the spray of waves coursed past them. He was truly a man, having survived his Initiation. He felt as if part of Kesir-Tosharra. The All-Father's blessing had been upon him and it had chosen his continued survival. The ever-present crimson twilight of his homeworld burnished large clouds in the distance and he felt the hum of the sonic generators below the craft keeping the various aquatic predators away.
Ahead of him he saw the multi-level estate sitting squat next to the shore. Building such a home so close to the sea and its own menagerie of predators was the height of trust in the All-Father's approval. Yet His blessing had smiled on more than one part of the Marxx family, as they led the entire Dekaan Province from their citadel in Jagua City.
Now, he was part of that lineage. Today was the first day of truly being a man.
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: One Hour Later
It was the height of idiocy.
Despite his obvious success in his Initiation, Mother and Father continued to treat him as a child! He had no more authority than when he had been a mere boy. He was still to play nursemaid to his younger sisters and to perform chores not fit for a man within this new estate. Did they not believe the All-Father's blessing? Did they think his Initiation was not good enough?
They needed to know that the All-Father smiled on him. He would show them - PROVE to them.
Jazzed pulled off his shirt and pants and stalked, nearly naked, past the blue marble collonades (imported from the Vedran Mines from the North) and toward the lapping waves of the sea. He knew the larger town of Kur was approximately two kilometers up the coast line. He knew what he must do to show his parents that he was a man.
Jazzed dove into the icy cold saltwater and began to swim up the coastline. He remembered his survival training and kept his splashing down to a minimum, as not to attract predators. Still, his eyes saw dark shadows away from the coastline, exploring the new sound he was making. He knew they wouldn't attack. The All-Father had already spoken to this.
Though his young muscles tired, he continued to swim - willing to drown rather than give up.
"Jazzed!"
He heard Father's deep voice in the distance, just below the sound of the waves around him. So, his Father would witness this demonstration. He heard his name called several more times, followed by that of Mother's. Another blessing: they would see he was a man - they would know.
As he knew, as he believed, no predator came up from the depth to devour him. He swam until his legs and arms felt like wood, his lungs taking in deep breaths of Kesir-Tosharra's oxygen poor environment. Finally, he saw the first dock of Kur before him. He had made it.
On shaky legs, young Jazzed climbed the ancient wooden planks to stand before Father, Mother, various household servants, and his sisters. He could not have dreamed of a more fitting moment than this.
Father reached for the wet youth and grabbing him by the neck, slammed him to the dirt pathway with such force that Jazzed could not breath. He heard Mother cry and various servants moved to restrain the man as he lifted his fist. His sisters started to wale and Jazzed's world tilted about him in disbelief.
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Two Hours Later
"One."
The whip cracked loudly followed by an explosion of pain on Jazzed's back. He ground his teeth together, not willing to make a sound.
"Two."
The Chamberlain's voice was followed by another crack and yet another burst of pain. Jazzed inhaled sharply. Surrounding the courtyard, he saw Father and Mother, his sisters, the servants, and various townspeople.
"Three."
His voice betrayed him as he let out a whimper, eyes filling with tears. He looked up at Father, noting the shame in his eyes. His sisters wept quietly by his side.
Only twenty-five more to go.
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Path to Kur
TIME INDEX: The Next Day
Jazzed Marxx winced as the shredded flesh of his back rubbed against his shirt. Despite the salve the servants had put on his back, it would take weeks to heal. He had not spoken to his family since the whipping, still stunned at what had happened.
He was miserable. There was nothing left of him, the whip having taken his pride and his notions of the All-Father's guidance in any of this.
Jazzed walked the path along the shoreline that had guided his swim. It could barely be called a path at all, the rugged terrain being obfuscated by large weeds at various points in the journey. He would walk to Kur, for no reason other than his disgust of what was behind him. Despite the All-Father's twilight, the heat caused sweat to sting his back and mix with the tears in his eyes.
At a turn in the emaciated path, just past a clump of small, crooked trees and sharp razorgrass, a thin man sat on a makeshift bench; one made of a stump from a large tree. He seemed ancient to the young Jazzed, the man simply gazing out where the sky met the sea at the horizon. As he did, the old man was quietly singing strange words that Jazzed didn't recognize - despite having studied Federation Standard.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
The old man seemed to sense young Marxx's approach and turned to look at Jazzed. What struck him was the old man's eyes. They were a piercing emerald, with a gentle shade of color near the edges that showed warmth, courage, and kindness.
Jazzed quickly wiped the moisture from his eyes and greeted the old man in a rude fashion. "What are you doing here, old man?"
The Old Man smiled. "Young Jazzed Marxx."
Hormone fueled anger boiled up within the younger Vegan. "How do you know me, Old Man?"
The elderly Vegan put on an expression of surprise. "Are you not the son of the Provincial Minister, Sai Marxx?" he asked, using the proper title for Father; Sai being the equivalent of Mister in Federation Standard.
Jazzed faltered, then spoke, downcasting his eyes. "I am."
"Why are you embarrassed at this? Your Father is a great man."
The young Marxx stalked past the Old Man, tears threatening to manifest again. As he did so, the Old Man shrugged and looked back at the ocean. Again, he spoke the strange words wrapped in an unusual tune.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
Jazzed wheeled about. "What are you saying?"
The Old Man looked back at the youth in surprise. "I am singing, young Jazzed."
"I know that, Old Man. But what are you saying?"
The Old Man smiled, a flicker of light in his green eyes. "The words are not important."
"But what do they mean?"
"Nothing at first, everything in the end," replied the Old Man, his eyes turning back to the sea. "But, as I said, they are not important."
"Then why do you sing them?"
"The same reason the birds sing across the grasslands. The same reason a new mother sings to her newly born babe."
Jazzed frowned. "You speak in riddles, Old Man. I would have you speak plainly to me."
The Old Man turned back to Marxx, an edge in his voice. "How I speak will not matter, by the All-Father. How you listen will make all the difference." With that edge came a strange caring, an emotion that he did not share with his Father or Mother anymore. Jazzed's expression softened.
"My apologies, Sai," spoke Jazzed.
The Old Man nodded, then struggled to get up. The younger Marxx instinctively helped him, bringing the Old Man to his feet. "I will walk to Kur."
Marxx nodded. "I will....may I accompany you?"
The Old Man smiled. "Of course, young Jazzed. Come, we will speak of your swim and understand what has come to pass."
As they walked down the path, the Old Man began to spin the melody out, letting each word fall off his tongue. Despite himself, Jazzed joined in with the Old Man, finding comfort in the duet.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Age 19
Ensign Jazzed Marxx stood sharply on the blue marble terrace of his families estate, looking out toward the sea. He had been the first Vegan in a long time to pass through Starfleet Academy's hallowed halls and be commissioned as a Starfleet officer. He was no longer a Cadet, soon to be assigned to the USS LEXINGTON as a security officer. His red shirt matched neatly with his unblemished crimson skin.
He glanced up at the large house behind him and heard the celebration inside - his celebration. Father had spared no expense, inviting governors and ministers from the farthest provinces to announce his son's commission as a Starfleet officer. Food had been imported from hundreds of kilometers away to feed the multitude of people who would attend *his* party.
Still, he felt as if this place had grown too small for him. He no longer felt the freedom that standard Federation gravity gave him. Up there, amongst the stars he could tear doors from their hinges and put holes through walls with little effort. Down here he was....well, just Jazzed Marxx. Normal.
Tired of the festivities, Jazzed walked away from the house to get a breath of fresh sea air. As he walked he caught sight of the path toward Kur. He smiled and started toward the city as the sky darkened to night. Around a bend of short trees and razor grass he spotted an old man with a fishing harpoon, gazing into the froth covered waves that crashed against the sharp rocks. Not any old man; *the* Old Man.
As he approached he heard the familiar tune again and Jazzed's smile widened. "Hello, sir!" he called out, then realized he had been speaking in Federation Standard. "Hile, sai!"
The old man turned, his green eyes focusing on Jazzed. The strong voice called out amidst the crashing waves. "Young Jazzed, your uniform sits well on you. You have grown into a strong man."
Jazzed stood a little taller and walked up to sit next to the Old Man. "I am glad to see you again, Sai," said Marxx. "What are you hunting?"
"Time," replied the Old Man, looking into the tumultuous water. "Unfortunately, it is always moving and changing."
The young Ensign decided to play along with the Old Man's cryptic nature. "Then why carry the fishing harpoon? How can you spear a prey that is without form?"
The Old Man smiled at this. "Always changing, young Jazzed, but it definitely has form. I hold the harpoon in defiance."
"Defiance of what, Sai?"
The Old Man took a breath. "Of what my prey has taken from me. My wife. My children. My youth." He looked back at the sea. "My innocence."
Marxx nodded, just understanding the Old Man's lament. Perhaps those were the words he sang in his tune. Under his breath, Jazzed began to sing, letting the memory of the many years he had walked down this path to Kur embrace him.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
The Old Man nodded his approval and joined Jazzed as they sang to the dying, cloud-masked sun.
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: The Path to Kur
TIME INDEX: Age 25
"If they mean nothing, than why sing them at all? Surely the melody itself is enough to convey its beauty."
Lieutenant Jazzed Marxx walked alongside his mentor, the Old Man, as he did for every year since his youth. He could tell the Old Man was slowing down, and at various points he would help him over particularly rocky terrain.
Breathing heavily, the Old Man answered. "I did not say they mean nothing, young Jazzed. I said they are not important. There is a difference."
Marxx brushed dust off his new gold colored tunic and made sure the path ahead was clear of large debris. He noticed that the rustic path now included portions that were paved. Some other people walked past as well, nodding a greeting in Vegan.
"Where does the song come from, Sai? We have sang it together for many years, yet I am still no closer to understanding its meaning."
The Old Man nodded. "To hold something, are you required to understand it?"
Jazzed shook his head. "No, but I am curious. It is a beautiful melody."
"Then just sing it without understanding, Jazzed. For understanding is not just in knowing what the words mean, but in appreciating the context in which they are spoke." The Old Man looked over at the young Starfleet officer.
"As I said, the words are not important."
***************
LOCATION: Town of Kur, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: The Cafe Wren
TIME INDEX: Age 30
Rosa Cantor smiled, blushing slightly at the Starfleet officer sitting across from her.
"Really, Sai Marxx," she laughed. "Do you truly believe that the human meant that?"
Jazzed tilted his head. "Well, I had assumed it was the bathroom he had wanted-" They both burst out laughing, tears coming to each of their eyes. Marxx saw her skin had the islanders ebony birth marks, tattoo-like across her arms and face - making her beauty all that more stunning.
"Anyways," Jazzed continued, regaining his breath. "I have never seen a human run that fast before."
"I can hardly imagine," replied Rosa. She took a sip of her coffee and breathed in the salty sea air. Smiling, she put her delicate hand over his. "I can't imagine the sites you have seen, Sai-"
"Please, just Jazzed." At this she blushed again.
"Okay...Jazzed. What wondrous tales you must have from beyond the clouds - amidst the stars."
Marxx nodded. "Wondrous, yes. But dangerous. Floating amidst the stars is not for the feint of heart. Dangers both gross and subtle wait around each planet, each moon." She nodded her understanding as Jazzed paid the bill.
Getting up, they walked down several alleys toward the beach front and made their way past another cafe toward a path that led off to the south. "Come," Marxx smiled. "Let me show you my family's house." Rosa smiled at this and took the Starfleet officer's hand as they made their way down a path that was mostly paved now. At times they would walk past a vendor's stand selling sweet treats or a variety of beverages.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
Rosa held one of Jazzed's hands with both of hers. "That is a lovely melody, Sai - Jazzed. Where is it from?"
They walked past an Old Man who sat looking out toward the sea, seemingly oblivious to their presence. "I don't know," Jazzed spoke carefully. "But the song cares for one's soul."
Her eyes glinted in the twilight, looking up at his. "It's beautiful." They stopped, gazing into each other's eyes. Before another word was spoke, their lips met and they embraced, feeling her warmth against his. When their lips parted, it was Rosa who broke the silence.
"What do the words mean?"
Marxx smiled, caressing her cheek. "The words are not important, Rosa. The words are not important."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Age 35
Captain Jazzed Marxx stood on the upper balcony looking over his family's lands on this large island. His shore leave had been extended as the refit of the HORIZON finished at the Utopia Planitia shipyards. The HORIZON was his first true command, and he had been given the gift of hand-selecting his command crew. He stood ready to lead them as Starfleet's first Vegan Commanding Officer. There had been no celebration, no recognition. Simply the knowledge that he was at the apex of his Starfleet career.
On the floor below, Jazzed heard Rosa, his wife, sing a quiet lullaby to their infant son, Juraj. Her voice carried amidst the gusts of winds that came before the pending storm. He thought it was his melody - or rather the Old Man's melody. But listening further, he realized it was simply a traditional Vegan lullaby.
Marxx glanced up at the clouds overhead, their normal crimson outline now darkened with impending rain. He had already made sure that the acid shielding had been in place over most of the ground. The plants had been selected for their resistance to such storms so he was unconcerned about the landscape.
Again, he heard the melody, wafting along the wind gusts.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
That was not Rosa. If not, then-
The path. Marxx looked up the path and saw the vague outline of the Old Man. The storm!
Jazzed ran down several flights of stairs, startling Rosa and the baby as he blew out of the estate's large doors and into the windstorm that would precede the acid rain. He cursed the All-Father's gravity as his legs carried him at normal speed down the path toward Kur.
It was then that the rain came down in a flurry of hisses and pain. Without a second thought, the Starfleet Captain grabbed a large Oretes leaf and wrapped it around himself, shielding his head and neck. By the time he reached the Old Man, he was lying on the ground, shuttering at the intense pain, flesh boiling off exposed parts of his body. Marxx dove for the Old Man, using his own leaf to cover both of them.
"Sai, we need to get you medical assistance." Marxx reached for his communicator and found nothing where it should have been. He had left it in the estate. "Come, we are closer to Kur. We can find shelter and medical attention there."
He helped the Old Man up, the islander skin coming off in his hand. Around them acid pooled as they made their way toward the nearby town. Marxx ignored the pain coming from his feet as acid dissolved his Starfleet issued boots. The Old Man sagged, but Marxx persevered. "By the All-Father, come on! Move, Old Man!"
***************
LOCATION: Town of Kur, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE:
TIME INDEX: One Hour Later
Tenders washed down the streets of Kur with water, diluting and doing away with the remaining acid from the storm. Marxx knelt over the Old Man as two humans with thin exoskeletons bent over him. They ran a medical probe across the space over the Old Man and looked at the large tricorder they held in their hands. Jazzed looked down, tears in his eyes, at the visage of the Old Man, burnt so badly by the acid.
A small gesture had the Old Man reach up, and Marxx leaned down to the Old Man's lips, cracked and bleeding. Jazzed felt each word as the Old Man forced them out of his dying body.
"Young...Jazzed...it appears....my prey....has turned...on me...." The Old Man reflexively swallowed, but no saliva was present. Marxx looked up at the blue shirted human.
The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, Captain," he said, taking a step back.
Marxx clenched his eyes tight at the pain and let out a roar of anger. "No! I will not allow this! I can get a shuttlecraft!" With that, Marxx stood and ran for the nearby landing pad. The Old Man's clawed hands grasped at air, and the young human doctor knelt back down beside him.
"Young Jazzed...do not leave...."
"I'm sorry, sir," spoke the human, looking about at the other officers surrounding them. "Does anyone speak Vegan?"
"...I must....tell you something...."
"I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand what your saying." He looked up, shouting. "No one speaks Vegan here?!"
"...I...should have....should have told....you....long...ago...."
"Captain Marxx will be right back, sir," said the doctor, trying to comfort his patient.
The Old Man struggled to breathe, then looked up at the clearing, clouded sky, and managed a few more words. "I...will...see....you soon..."
"....Breanne...."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE:
TIME INDEX: Age 40
"Father, I don't want to go. I want to swim today!"
Rosa put a gentle hand on her husband's shoulder. "My love, go on your own. The walk always settles your mind." She kissed Jazzed on the cheek. "Go. I'll watch the children."
Marxx looked out at the sea. "It's been five years since the All-Father took him."
Rosa looked down. "I know. But you always find strength on the path. Go, my husband. The war above the clouds can wait for its Captain a little longer. Go."
Jazzed Marxx made his way down toward the beach, trying to forget the death and destruction he had witnessed, the people whose lives had been lost at his command - and how many more would lose their lives tomorrow and the day after.
The Starfleet Captain came to a turn in the bend, past some short trees and razorgrass and saw the tree stump. He remembered the tune, if not the words.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas-"
Marxx wept openly, tears falling in great streams as he fell to his knees. "I'm sorry I failed you, Sai. I'm sorry I took you for granted." Jazzed put a large hand on the stump and slowly pulled himself up to sit on it, looking out toward the horizon. And he began again, his voice only faltering twice.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Grounds of the Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Age 50
Juraj Marxx, with his fifteen years of teenage wisdom, rolled his eyes at his father. "I can't just now, Father," he said, gesturing back to the estate behind him. "I need to practice for the concert, then Ani and Mikel are going with me to the dance club!"
Jazzed smiled at the young cellist. "I know, Juraj, but it's just a short walk into town. We'll be back in a couple of hours."
Juraj gave his father a hug. "I can't, Father. Maybe tomorrow. I'll comm you if I'm late!" he said, running off.
Jazzed turned toward the path to Kur and sighed. Another year, alone. He hefted the fishing harpoon in his right hand and started walking down the path. It was mostly paved now, with benches set in along a nice stone wall that bordered the right side of the path. The trees that had once guarded the bend in the path now sat by themselves, razorgrass removed, and base neatly trimmed and decorated with various multicolor rocks. Oddly, they had left the tree stump there, acid and wind having not reduced it in the slightest.
Several Starfleet officers walked by, their exoskeleton's servo motors quietly whirring. Each nodded as they passed him. "Admiral." "Sir."
Marxx whistled the tune, but could not bring himself to sing the words. What was the point? They were meaningless. No, he corrected himself, they weren't meaningless, they just weren't important. Regardless, he would never know what they meant. As he passed the stump, he let his hand slide along the top.
"I miss you dearly, old friend," he whispered, tears filling his eyes. "May the All-Father guide you in the next life."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Age 65
The infant Maximillian Marxx cried out his displeasure setting the whole household of servants abuzz coming to the aid of Juraj Marxx and his wife. Five year old Dexter Marxx quietly played with a toy starship, letting it float through the air - searching for the next new world.
Without warning he was scooped into the air by a pair of strong, crimson arms. Unlike his own skin, these arms did not bear the mark of islander heritage; the tell-tale black fractal birth marks that were slowly showing up on little Dexter's skin.
In a moment, Dexter was laughing incredibly hard as fingers knew his most ticklish spots. It was the most pure laughter. "Stop! Papa, stop!" he cried.
In another swoop, the young Vegan was deposited on the ground by Jazzed Marxx and his shaggy black hair ruffled by the same hand that had released him. "Come, Exy, let's get out of the house for a bit."
Dexter smiled, knowing that a trip with his grandfather meant a treat or something better. He dropped his toys were he was and galloped off after the Starfleet Admiral.
"Let's go!" he shouted in heavily accented Federation Standard. Jazzed smiled at this.
"Who's been teaching you?"
"I learned Standard in school, Papa. We all do."
Jazzed nodded. "That certainly makes sense."
Dexter Marxx skipped after his grandfather toward a well-marked, paved path heading along the coastline. "Where does this path go, Papa?"
"To Kur. The town up the coast."
"Where there's...ice cream?" the boy looked up with hopeful eyes.
"Maybe," replied Jazzed with feigned mystery.
Little Dexter ran ahead of the Starfleet Admiral, up the path. "Careful, Exy, watch your step. I don't want you to fall! Hey, do you hear me?" Jazzed warned in good nature.
With one leap, Dexter hopped up on to a wooden stump that had been placed next to a well manicured set of small trees. The boy jumped up and down, whooping. "This is a special place, Papa."
Though still smiling, Jazzed grew quiet inside. "Is it now? Why is that?"
Little Dexter gestured 360 degrees around him. "Because you can see EVERYTHING!"
"Really," replied Jazzed.
The boy took a deep breath, then exclaimed. "It's so BEAUTIFUL!" the young voice echoing off the rocks and nearby wall.
Jazzed chuckled and scooped young Dexter off the stump and placed him back onto the paved path. "Exy, would you like to learn a song?"
"A song? What kind of song? In Standard? Because I know a bunch in Standard-"
"No," interrupted Jazzed. "It's a very special song, one that I learned a very long time ago."
"Sure!"
Jazzed placed a large hand on the boys head. "Okay. Listen to the tune first, then the words. Because the words are not important."
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Grand Ballroom, Marxx Estate
TIME INDEX: Age 70
Five dozen people sat and stood, with various drinks in their hands, as they watched the young pianist work his instrument with great emotion and technique. Ten year-old Dexter Marxx sat on an ebony bench, dressed in a dark suit with white shirt. The boy's fingers - already larger than a human of the same age - danced across the monochromatic keys of the ancient Earth instrument with a flurry of perfectly placed tones and sounds. The piece, Beethoven's Sonata Hammerklavier opus 106, was one of the most difficult to be played - most especially for its very famous fugue - which Dexter Marxx dove into without abandon.
When it was done, there was a stunned silence, followed by thunderous applause. Marxx stood and carefully bowed, before walking into the crowd of guests. He found himself out in the fresh night air, standing at the terrace's elaborately decorated balcony.
"Exy, that was amazing!"
Dexter turned to see his grandfather approaching. "Papa, don't call me Exy..." he complained.
"Ah, yes. I forgot about that."
The boy looked around at the very adult - very boring - party. He had done his part, now everything seemed to drag on and on. "Papa, can we walk to Kur? I'm bored."
"I'm sorry, Exy - Dex. I can't understand you," replied the retired Admiral, facetiously.
Dexter gave a deadpan look and switched to Federation Standard. "Can we walk to Kur, Papa?"
"Absolutely."
They walked down to the waterfront and started down the path, hand in hand. When out of site of the Marxx Estate, Dexter began singing in a tender, angelic voice.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
Jazzed nodded, almost unconsciously, then added his own, more aged, voice in along with his grandson's. When they were finished, Dexter hugged his grandfather as they continued to walk.
"I love that song, Papa."
"I know."
"It's a story, I think," stated Dexter.
"A story?"
The boy nodded. "Yes. It's supposed to say something, but I can't figure it out."
"Why do you say that?"
Dexter shrugged. "I dunno. It just seems like it does."
As he always did, Dexter leapt onto the wooden stump and leapt off of it, as they continued down the path toward Kur.
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE:
TIME INDEX: Age 75
Jazzed Marxx was helped along the well-paved path toward Kur by his fifteen year old grandson as he moved slowly with each step. Prokofiev Syndrome had struck hard and fast, and the former Starfleet Admiral now walked with great difficulty. Still, this was a tradition between him and his eldest grandson.
"What was her name again?" Jazzed asked, his Federation Standard rough with age.
"Alycia," replied Dexter, smiling. "And she's beautiful, Papa. I think I'm going to marry her!"
Jazzed looked up from his struggles to walk. "A bit early for that, don't you think? And what about Starfleet?"
Dexter scowled. "I'd like to, Papa, I really would. But there's Alycia, the music scholarship..."
They came to the stump near a small mound. The mound had once held a couple of small trees, but they had died last season and had been removed. Dexter helped his grandfather sit on the stump and let him rest.
"I think you would be good in Starfleet, Exy."
"Papa..."
"Dex."
"Why?"
Jazzed looked up at the teenager, noticing his violet eyes had shifted into a vivid green - a side effect of his injuries during his Initiation. "Because you have a gift beyond the piano, fighting, or whatever else you think you are good at-"
Dexter chuckled at the way his grandfather distilled his entire life into a sentence.
"What's that, Papa?"
Jazzed reached out and held his grandson's hand in both of his. "You have a charisma about you that is rare amongst our race, and rarer still amongst the other races of the galaxy. You are a leader, much like your great grandfather before you."
Dexter smiled. "And yourself, Admiral."
"Retired," Jazzed replied quickly, with a smile. "Definitely retired. Still, I think that Starfleet would allow you to harness that gift."
"Papa, the military isn't right for me-"
"But it's not the military, Exy! It's far more than that. On the HORIZON-"
"I know," interrupted Dexter. "We've all heard of the adventures of Captain Marxx and the USS HORIZON."
"Then you know that we were known for more than just our fighting. We were the Federation's forefront at exploring strange, new worlds. We found new life, and civilizations that took our breath away." Jazzed looked up at the overcast sky. "We went to places, Exy, that no one had *ever* gone to before." He looked back at his grandson. "That's a part of the fabric of what makes Starfleet so special. We provide the guideposts to the future."
"I'll think about it, Papa," replied Dexter, mollifying his grandfather.
Jazzed chuckled. "Besides, that Alycia girl is no good for you-"
"Papa!"
"Well, she isn't! She's just strange-"
"Papa, stop!"
***************
LOCATION: Village of Vandor, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE:
TIME INDEX: Age 78
"You don't have to do this, Dex," Juraj Marxx said, placing a hand on his eighteen year-old son's shoulder. "We-"
"He requested it, Father," Dexter replied. Tear filled eyes looked back into his father's. "I have to do it."
Juraj straightened his son's ebony suit and nodded. "Thankee, sai," he said, in formal Vegan. "You honor our family."
Dexter nodded and turned toward the path toward Kur. There, at its start, was Jazzed Marxx, now mostly immobile due to his disease. He sat in a hover chair, with a complex set of medical machinery keeping the elderly Vegan breathing. Over the past year, Dexter had taken care of his grandfather and had learned a great deal about the medical machinery and practices that kept his grandfather alive. The Starfleet medical technician that had been assigned to Jazzed had been patient and kind, allowing the young man to help take care of his dying grandfather.
Dexter Marxx stood behind the hover chair and gripped the handles. Almost immediately, an age-spotted hand reached up and held onto Dexter's wrist. Despite being unable to speak, Jazzed gave his grandson a squeeze with his hand. They began their walk down the path, and Dexter Marxx began to sing, his voice sad and low.
"Tenaro vas, tenaro dur, antiga vas, konias mur, asino vas, aminas, aminas, aminas."
Tears streamed from both grandfather and grandson's eyes as familiar scenery moved by and the old Vegan tried to burn everything into his memory. Dexter went slow on purpose, savoring each step. Soon, they came to the stump, sitting by itself, and Dexter stopped. Jazzed looked at it, more tears falling from his eyes, then looked out at the horizon. The sea met the rose colored clouds in perfect symmetry, and he smelled the salty sea air. Jazzed squeezed Dexter's hand twice.
"Papa..."
Again, Jazzed squeezed his hand twice. Stifling a sob, Dexter began moving again. As they passed the stump, the grandson reached down and deactivated the life support equipment, letting the sound of breathing die. Jazzed held tightly onto his grandson's arm as he took his final trip down this sacred path.
***************
LOCATION: Town of Kur, Isle of Teledar, Kesir-Tosharra (Vega IV - Vegan Homeworld)
SCENE: Town Square
TIME INDEX: One Hour Later
Total silence.
Nearly a thousand people stood all over the small town square, lining alleyways and side streets, standing on roof tops and balconies. Every person stood in silence, watching young Dexter Marxx push the lifeless body of Jazzed Marxx toward the town center. Dignitaries, Starfleet Admirals, Captains, Commanders, and those of lesser rank - of every race - stood, not making a sound. Important civilians from throughout the Federation stood in somber repose, their eyes following the lonely young man on his trek. Near the center, stood the extended Marxx family, all holding candles, all silent.
Dexter stopped before his father and knelt down beside the form of Jazzed Marxx. He held and kissed the hand of his beloved grandfather. "Goodbye, papa. I love you."
Juraj Marxx spoke loudly, in the tradition of his people, as first son of the man who had been Jazzed Marxx.
"The All-Father has taken Jazzed Marxx into his embrace. Where there was once a life, there is none. Where there was once a soul, it has departed." He switched to Vegan. "Fare thee well, Jazzed Marxx. Fare thee well, Father. Fare thee well."
All stood in total silence, and for that moment Kesir-Tosharra paused for the passing of a great man.
***************
LOCATION: USS CENTURY
SCENE: Crew Quarters
Time Index: Several Years Ago
Sio watched as Dexter Marxx smiled at some distant memory, and then looked back at her. His eyes were his most striking feature. They were a piercing emerald, with a gentle shade of color near the edges that showed warmth, courage, and kindness.
Reardon smiled, wondering about the lovely song - but thought to ask of it later.
***************
LOCATION: USS CENTURY
SCENE: Main Bridge, Deck One
Time Index: Present
And she had.
And it had moved her very soul. Now that story wrapped her heart as it ached with untold pain.
The tune ended and she whispered words through grief.
{{Fare thee well, Dexter Marxx. Fare thee well, my husband. Fare thee well.}}
[/\]
Marko J. Sertic
aka
Admiral Dexter J. Marxx
