Passing Words: Walter Koenig and Patrick Stewart

The lounge was busy, its low ambient light casting the shadows of full tables everywhere the soul looked; it was almost impossible to match a face to a familiar voice, for everything moved in a kind of "blink and you'll miss it" flux except for the barkeep and one other. "I'm a bit lost," the soul said quietly, to which smiles were returned. "I bet you're not," the barkeep replied, "but this is a great place to sit while you get your bearings." A drink was placed before the soul, but it hesitated; it had not ordered anything and felt unsure. "Za nas!" said the soul in the next chair and, "Cheers!" welled up out of the soul as naturally as anything. They talked a bit, the two souls, careful but relieved to have each other's company; there was a knowing that seemed to be enough in itself without much clarification. "Does everyone come here?" the soul inquired eventually, to which the other shook their head and the barkeep looked down while drying a glass. "Oh, no," they said, "this place is very special and kept open only for those who understand it." While speaking, the barkeep passed their hand over a panel embedded in the bar and the coverings of the walls receded, leaving only an unobstructed view of deep space. "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep," the soul whispered, transfixed. "We are made of star-stuff," the other added, staring. "Dreams, stars, buggery props and practical jokes," the barkeep offered, eyes glistening. "Aye, that's us." They'd missed the brogue before, but it was clear as a bell now.

In memory of Walter Koenig, who passed at the age of 90 on Monday, 10/26/26. Also in memory of Patrick Stewart, who passed at the age of 86 on Wednesday, 10/28/26.