Log:Nicky Winter's Funeral

2015/04/23 Dorian Paragon Zeal Zudares Richard Chamberlain Mayor Cangelosi 1

The sky is grey, with the final vestiges of winter on its way out. It helps to set the somber tone of the day, though. Commander Perrault, in uniform, is in the parking lot outside of the Harrisburg Clinic, with a urn on a small table next to him. There's a microphone set up for speaking to a small crowd, and there are several Starguard agents standing by in uniform. Several workers at the clinic have assembled as well as about thirty of the local residents for the memorial.

Third comes in near the rear of the crowd wearing a long black dress and a black hat. She doesn't own many dresses or hats, let alone black ones, so she had to get one especially for the occasion. She's accompanied by a quiet young man in a black suit and tie with a coffee stain that looks recent. He didn't know Nicky that well, but knew that Third talked about her a lot. Less somber looking is the quiet, sleeping baby that Third is carrying, wrapped in a white and pink striped blanket and with a pink onsey. It's hard to get baby clothes and items in black.

Dorian stands near the microphone. He checks his watch, to see if it's time. He finally steps up and says into the mike, "Thank you all for coming. This is...one of the hardest things I've had to do in my time here in Colonial Bay. I'll give you each some time to come up and speak a few words."

Dorian says, "I first met Ms. Winters about a decade ago. While I was still known as Syphon. It was not a good time. She eventually went to prison for her actions in the city over that year." There's some murmuring in the crowd from that. He continues, "But I got to know her better after her incarceration. She clearly had a change of heart, between talks with me and with the hero Dancing Coyote, who was also a friend of Harrisburg."

Richard Chamberlain

The district attorney, who is a long-time friend of Dorian's. He's dressed impeccably in a tuxedo which is like a mirror of Dorian's. He's about 6 feet tall, and looks moderately muscular, like he attends the gym fairly often.

Dorian says, "I am an optimistic sort. I saw the good that was in Ms. Winters. She healed several Starguard agents, many of whom volunteered to come here today. She directed the clinic here to help the neighborhood. I honestly feel that she had turned over a new leaf. That's not easy for someone with the history that she had. But I am a firm believer in redemption. And I think she achieved that."

Richard Chamberlain shows up a minute or two late, stepping over near where the Starguard Agents are.

Third casts her head down and makes a quiet sniffling sound as the rim of her hat hides her face. The young unremarkable man with her puts an arm around her shoulders.

Dorian nods somberly. "I can't give full details of what happened at Stronghold, as I've only just filed the report this morning. Suffice it to say, she gave her life while protecting others. That was why I made a request of the Governor for a full pardon. Which was granted." The grumbling turns to cheering and clapping, as the crowd clearly loved Nicky.

Third smiles softly at the news of a pardon and sniffs again, looking up as a tear travels down her cheek. The cheering and clapping awakens the baby sleeping in her arms, but all she does is look around with wide eyes while suckling on her binky.

Dorian says, "I'll end with this: When I first met her, we were enemies. I hated her with a passion. But in the end, we were friends. And I had been hoping to eventually offer her a place on Starguard Gamma." He glances over toward the agents and Richard, "I've been known to give former villains second chances. And she definitely deserved one." He stops and smiles slightly, "Who would like to come up first to speak about her?"

Third looks towards the microphone nervously. She's not used to making public speeches of this sort. She turns to her partner and whispers something to him. He nods and she hands the baby to him carefully before stepping forward and nodding to Dorian.

Dorian smiles and steps aside for Third to take the microphone. He remains up near the table, though. Mostly to direct the speakers.

Third wipes at her face with a thumb to clean off her tears before she turns to face the crowd and steps up to the microphone. It's more intimidating to do without the armor as she gazes out at the crowd. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts before leaning in to the microphone to speak. When she finally does, her voice comes out clear and strong.

Zeal walks up to the crowd, waving to get Dorian's attention, who in turn waves back to her. She smiles and remains off to the side, watching the proceedings.

"I never knew the Nicky Winters Dorian first met. I'd heard stories of her past. But that's all they were. Stories. Because the person I met, the friend I made, was only ever a hero to me and to Harrisburg. She wanted to help this part of the city when the city failed it. She watched over Harrisburg. Protected it whenever she was needed. In her honor, I hope others will step up to assist Harrisburg as they would any other part of the city, should they desire it." Third glances down for a moment in thought before looking up at the crowd with a sweeping gaze.

"So, yes. I would agree with Dorian say she achieved redemption. I'm just sorry it took her passing for more people to see it. We've lost a selfless hero and a protector. She earned those titles and more." Thirds eyes start to glisten a little and she has to stop from going on. "Thank you, Nicky." She looks to Dorian and nods to indicate she's done, and steps away from the microphone to give others a chance, as well as to compose herself.

There's some clapping as Third finishes up. Dorian smiles and then waves up the next person. Mary from the clinic. Mary looks a little awkward at the microphone, "I...don't give speeches. Umm...I had the privilege of working with Ms. Winters for several years here at the Harrisburg Clinic. She always had the well-being of the people here at the foremost in her mind. If there was a problem, she'd do whatever she could in her power to solve it."

Mary continues, "...and I don't think we've seen the last of her." She waits a moment, while the crowd looks a little puzzled. She smiles and says, "Because we have the results of her actions here as a lasting impression of her being here. And while that is here, she's not truly dead."

Finally Mary says, "Commander Perrault has been kind enough to give the Clinic her ashes. We're honored to take them and place them where she would want to be. Here in Harrisburg."

Mary steps back to the crowd. Next are a couple of the patients Nicky dealt with in the Clinic. Each takes their turn, describing the pain they had felt, and how no one seemed to care about them. Until Nicky and the Clinic. Both stories have a lot of similarities between them.

There's another story from a Starguard Agent along the same lines. Only this one started with him not trusting Nicky. And he had to get past that lack of trust to allow her to heal him after an attack on the Starguard headquarters.

Third has managed to shuffle back to the rear of the crowd to join up with her partner. She leans over to say something, gives him a kiss on the cheek, then takes Kysmette back to cradle as she listens to the speeches. She sniffs and has begun crying again during the speeches. Her partner reaches over to dry her cheeks for her.

Lastly, Richard steps up to the microphone, "There has been a lot of talk about redemption and trust. Now, one would think that as District Attorney, I might not be the most trusting sort along these lines." He smiles, "I have a reputation for being hard on violent criminals. But, sometimes it's possible to, as they say, turn over a new leaf. Commander Perrault's judgement in these matters has been...nothing short of stellar. Between how he dealt with Black Mamba as well as with Ms. Winters, I have nothing but positive things to say about the commander." He smiles and nods to Dorian, who is blushing a little bit but smiling.

Richard continues, "But back to Ms. Winters. I knew her only briefly, as my predecessor had deal with her crimes. But the woman that I met had clearly changed from the woman I had seen in City Hall only scant years earlier. And it's clear, based on the outpouring of people's hearts here, that she touched many people. I hope that we can live up to her example."

Richard steps away from the microphone, and back over near the agents. Dorian moves back to the mike to speak, "If there's no one else, I want to thank you all for coming. In the fine tradition of...well, most services of this type that I've been to, we have some food available for those who want to stick around and talk for a bit. Thank you all again." A couple of tables are brought out and some snacky foods and drinks placed on them.

Mayor Cangelosi actually shows up with a small entourage just after the speeches finish. He walks over to Dorian, "My apologies. I had hoped to be here sooner."

Dorian shakes the mayor's hand and smiles, "Better late than never. Thank you for coming, sir."

Richard shakes the mayor's hand as well, "A good turnout, I thought. And I agree with Dorian. I'm glad you were able to make it. Council meeting held you up?"

Mayor Cangelosi nods, "Gibson wouldn't shut up. He kept dragging things out."

As the official service ends, Third and her partner start to mingle and move forward. Eventually, Third makes her way to the table wtih the urn to have a few private words of farewell.

The mayor shakes Zeal's hand as well with a smile, "Ms. Zudares. Nice to see you again. I hope you are well?"

Zeal smiles slightly and nods. "As well as we can be, given the circumstances. Dorian is taking this hard." She glances over to Dorian, who returns with a look of 'Why did you say that?'

Cangelosi nods. "I understand. No worries, commander."

Third adjusts her grip on Kysmette and pulls back some of the blankets to present her to the urn. "I...I never found the time to introduce you to my daughter. You know, I never thought I'd have a child, but...I'm doing my best. Her name's Kysmette. I hope one day she learns responsibility to others as you understood it." Kysmette doesn't really understand the significance of what's happening, but she's being well behaved. She reaches up and makes a grab for Third's chin. Third lowers her head as a few more tears escape. "I should've been there to help you when you needed it, my friend. I'm so sorry."

Zeal walks over and puts an arm around Dorian's waist. "You cover it well. Don't worry. I won't give away your secret to anyone else. I promise."

Dorian's arm ends up around Zeal's shoulders. He smiles, though he looks tired. "Thank you. This is...tough. It's not the first time I've had to do something like this. But, it's still tough."

Third steps away from the urn and returns to her Partner for comfort. Kysmette keeps trying to play with Third's face, which eventually draws out a small smile from Third.

Mary walks over to the urn to say some quiet words to Nicky and effectively to herself.

Dorian walks over to Third and smiles. "I just wanted to thank you for speaking."

Third smiles softly at Dorian, but the sadness is still there in her eyes. "You're welcome. It's the least I could've done. Was she...did she..." Third doesn't seem to know what to ask. She closes her eyes for a second, takes a breath, then opens her eyes. "Can you say what happened someday?"

Dorian nods slowly, "As soon as the report is officially released, I can. And I might be able to give you more details in private. But not here. Not now."

Third nods softly. "Thank you, Dorian. I understand. And thank you for sponsoring her to get pardoned."

Dorian smiles. "I know there's some pundit someplace who is saying I'm being foolish. And I don't care."

Third smiles a little more. "Good for you. Don't let their opinions sway you from doing what's right."

Dorian nods. "It would be easy to let the politics of the situation rule things. But...I'm trying to stay true to my principles. I suspect it might someday cost me my job. But so far, so good."

"Jobs come and go. Best to not compromise yourself for something that's fleeting," Third comments supportively. "But they'd be making a big mistake if they let you go."

Dorian chuckles. "It woudln't be the first time SG made that kind of mistake. Random Factor was let go, and I thought he was pretty good at the job."

"Well, politics won't stop you from being a hero, I'm sure." Third glances back to her partner momentarily as if listening to something, but no words are exchanged. She looks back to Dorian. "I would love for a chance to hear more about past stories of Nicky. Of the person she became and wanted to be. Not the person from the past people keep remembering. Perhaps we could even invite you over for coffee and snacks sometime?" She thinks about logistics for a moment. "Well, perhaps after we've moved."

Dorian nods. "I'd like that." He glances back toward Zeal, who is chatting with Richard, and then he turns back to Third, "My wife is being patient, but I think I should head back over there. Feel free to contact me when you want to get together."

Third nods softly. "Of course. I hadn't realized you were married, but she would be welcomed too. We'll try to talk soon..perhaps after things have gone public and you are safe to discuss things."

Dorian smiles. "My wedding was pretty public. She's one of...I'll call them the social elite."

Dorian grins, "And she married a schlub like me." He chuckles, "I'll talk to you later." He waves and walks back over to Zeal.

Third looks a little shy and apologetic. "I'm not too well versed on high society, I'm afraid. I must have missed it. Or perhaps I was back in Boston at the time." She chuckles a little at Dorian's comments. The young, unremarkable man blushes a little, grins, and steps up to Third to put an arm around her waist as Third waves goodbye.

Dorian heads off with Zeal toward their car. She's apparently driving.

As the gathering starts to break up, Mary takes the urn inside the clinic.