( they're on the verge of the station's night cycle, when the place is settling into a familiar quiet. it feels fitting to him to reach out, in need of an outlet for his contemplative mood. )

You and Degar have managed the tremendous task of shelterin' and shepherding this crew over the past year, adding to folks' needs and comforts as they arise. There's nothing any of us can do to repay the both of you.

I was wonderin'... hopin'... ( he thinks of jim and drift, gone home, not knowing what they went through; of blue and clara, fragile but fighting so mightily against the end; and itachi, ready and relieved at the inexorable approach of his own death. those that he had so little time to know, and those still here that he and others have come to love so fiercely.

s'cuse him while he clears out the lump in his throat. )

I'd like to propose a memorial for the orbers, those who've come and gone from this crew and those long past. Somethin' permanent, somethin' tangible the crew can put their hands on, or sit with, if they want to. Somethin' they'll know will be here when it's time for them to leave too.

Even when they all forget, there'll still be an account of them here.