[Semi-open] Officers meeting ... not a happy one

[sugarforteatime]

Characters: The officers on the Winding Way
Content: A very somber discussion about what to do with Hughes's body
Setting: L's quarters
Time: After the Way lands in Garrettstown
Warnings: Possibly gloomy

Comments

[godofrustration]

Garibaldi looked like hell. He'd hardly slept since the attack, running himself ragged. If he never stopped moving, never stopped focusing on work, maybe he wouldn't have to think about the fact that Hughes was gone.

"Hell..." he said to nobody in particular. "Well, I guess we either bury him here or bring him back to his family. Only problem is, none of us are undertakers, we can't keep him from rotting. Might be kinder to the family to just put him in the ground."

[sugarforteatime]

"I believe we have some appropriate chemicals, but you are correct, we do not have the expertise." He tapped his lip and considered the options, stood and started to pace as well, cutting a different track in the floor from Ranulf.

He didn't like that option. Normally he would have Watari take care of a notification like this, hell, Wammy's was right around the corner practically, they could get a ship.

"Perhaps he should be left here to have body preparations made. This is not a small town, and I am disinclined to return to his wife with no body." He knew that Gracia had probably been prepared for such an eventuality, but Hughes ... Hughes was not a man for the front line, he was not supposed to die like this.

[right_hand_cat]

"We could possibly manage it with a skilled mage, but... I agree. Let the experts handle it. It's the best we can really do for him." Ranulf sighed, tail lashing a little in aggravation. Just talking about it was rubbing salt into wounds. Less grief for Hughes, and more for the wife and child left behind. The Way wasn't staffed by fighters. none of them should have ever been in that situation. And that fact that those that could fight, himself included, were so throughly thrashed was once again turning sadness into rage. He could understand Ichigo's frantic need to train very well at that moment.

"Has anyone contacted his wife at all?"

[godofrustration]

"Oh god, his wife..."

Garibaldi considered it for a moment. "I'll do it. I've got experience."

[sugarforteatime]

He shook his head, slowly, but particularly adamant. He hadn't had a chance to speak to Watari about it, but ... he should be the one to do it. "I am - was - his Captain. I will do it."

When he'd done this before it had always been with a difference engine between him and his victim's next of kin. He had never had to see their faces. He only had to look at any one of the faces of his crew to know what Gracia's face would look like.

He was the one who had failed to protect his crew. He was the one who owed a debt because he sacrificed someone, even if the sacrifice was unintended.

[right_hand_cat]

A nod. It was the Leader's duty. He would have no argument from Ranulf. Like Garibaldi, Ranulf had told a few people their loved onces were gone. Wives and husbands, children and mothers.

"...it never gets easier."

[godofrustration]

"You sure, boss?" Garibaldi asked, concerned. The captain wasn't the most emotionally in touch guy. "I don't mind...well, alright I guess I do mind, but someone's gotta do it, and I'm willing."

[daughterofchump]

Zeetha shook herself out of her trance. She would have agreed with Garibaldi's assessment, but she was also a person who valued a degree of formality in these matters. To be told by the Captain was a mark of respect, and Hughes deserved that respect. However, she also knew it would be kinder to Gracia to have a more personal touch added as well

[stampeded]

Vash had so far been very quiet, just listening to what the others had to say. He was upset enough already, over Hughes' death, over the children being gone... he hadn't fared any better in the attack, and still wore a couple bandages on his face to cover cuts that were still healing.

He didn't speak up until after Zeetha did, his tone gentle, but weary. "We don't know if that's what his wishes were. If anyone would know how he wanted to be buried, it would be his family. We should defer to them, or let them handle it entirely."

Vash had experience with these things as well, far too much experience, but it wasn't something he cared to mention.

[OOC: If it's my turn and I don't respond within an hour, go ahead and skip me.]

[sugarforteatime]

It was actually ... very lightly amusing to realize what they were doing, Michael and Zeetha at least. They were concerned he would make a mess of things, and he had noticed. He never noticed that sort of thing. Maybe he was just better with death than with people.

It wasn't the most helpful of things to do, but he walked over to where Zeetha was and placed a light hand - or just a light touch of finger tips - on her shoulder. "That is not a traditional part of Reial burial tradition. If it is Gracia's wish, that is what will be done."

He took his hand away and resumed walking around the room. "I have already allowed her husband to be killed. I will not violate any wishes she may have for him in death." He looked down again. "However, if you feel it is best I am accompanied for the notification, I will allow it."

[right_hand_cat]

Ranulf didn't say anything, finally sitting on the edge of one of the chair, his chin in his hands. He wasn't good at this kind of thing, to be honest. Best to let those that were carry the conversation.

His ears followed the words, twitching and swiveling. Back home he had seen enough death, but somehow this was worse: the crew was close. maybe too close for this sort of thing.