"Passing the torch"

Posted on Sun Jun 5th, 2022 @ 3:26am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: Rejoinder
Timeline: MD5 - 09h00
1327 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Phoenix paused as she exited the turbolift onto the bridge of the USS Elysium. Gone was the blond bajoran disguise and she felt back to normal with her black hair and blue eyes. She took a breath and let her eyes sweep the empty bridge. As the Elysium was tethered to spacedock, no crew manned the stations.

With measured steps she moved to the ready room and out of respect for the outgoing occupant, she hit the chime.

Garrett sat behind the desk. He had cleared out all his things so the next captain of the Elysium, could again make the room her own. He was roused from his musings of his coming aboard with Carrington. His fights with the crew until finally success in bringing down a traitor and his network. By the door chime ringing. Sitting straighter, he called out "Enter!"

Phoenix entered and paused just inside the door. "You know, you look good there. You look like you belong there, like you did on the bridge the other day." She said softly.

Garrett stood and came around the desk to stand in front of the woman he had given so much trouble to, only to finally first come to respect her and now actually like. "You are kind Phoenix, very kind but this is your ready room, that is your center seat and the Elysium is your command." He answered without rancor. "You belong here. Please have a seat. Would you like anything from the replicator?"

She shook her head at the offer. "No thank you. Have you heard where you will be stationed next? I hope Evelyn has gotten you a good posting."

Garrett moved to the couch and sat down. he gestured for her to sit at the desk. He shook his head, "She's being coy. However, rumors have it that I'll be placed in command of Galaxy Station, which will also be the home port for the Elysium." He said, a smile on his face.

Phoenix sat but not behind the desk, instead taking the chair that faced it and turned to face him. "A very good posting. Not a starship but nothing that would stop you from requisitioning one on occasion. " Phoenix smiled.

Garrett's smile dimmed just a bit but quickly regained its brilliance. "No, it isn't a starship." He admitted "But as you pointed out I can requisition one. Maybe even get one assigned to the station, like a Defiant class."

"A silver lining to every assignment." Phoenix said with a grin. "Thank you by the way. For keeping the ship and crew together."

"My pleasure. I know how much both mean to you and I wasn't going to let anything or anyone break up a winning combination." Garrett answered with a smile of his own.

"And when Arrianna gets back I will be sending her to you to speak with you. I know what she did and said before she left."

Garrett nodded, "Thank you but Arri was under a lot of pressure and stress with Carrington coming on board and treating the crew like they were scum and if some were friends with you, that automatically put them on her shit list. I'm speaking of Gary in particular."

"I heard, believe me, I got the rant from Arri on it. I have spoken with Evelyn who informed me that her own hands were tied by Highlaw no less. Well he will pay for that as well as his crimes. I asked them to add charges of reckless endangerment, due to his messing with the proper way of things."

Garrett nodded, "Oh, I'm sure you got an earful maybe two earfuls from Arri. She was not happy with me." He paused and then resumed speaking, "Good nail his ass to the wall. You can also add the death's he caused in his attack on the Elysium as well."

"Oh those are already listed." Phoenix said softly. And with the evidence from several of his lieutenants he will not see the light of day."

Garrett nodded, "I should have known you would have all your bases covered. Don't give him any wiggle room." He stopped and just sat for a moment before he spoke from the heart. "You are an exceptional Captain. I can see why your crew holds you in such high regard. You care for them as if they are family." He finished

"They are family. I am sorry they didn't let you in fully."

"Not your fault. It's mine." Garrett said. "I was a bastard to you and them in my initial visits to this ship. They have long memories." He paused, "I am profoundly ashamed of my actions to you and this crew both personally and professionally. "It took Samantha coming back, for me to see that and I have you and the Elysium crew to thank for that as well."

"I heard she has settled in well and is doing well despite the past. I am glad we were able to bring her back with us."

"She has settled in and moving forward all the time. She has taken a position in the Diplomatic Department at Galaxy Station and think she is going to do just fine." Pride was evident in his voice for what Samantha had endured and overcome.

Phoenix smiled at that. "Good. And when they confirm the rumours about your posting, I am sure it will be the best for you both and your son."

He smiled gratefully, "Thank you Captain er Phoenix. I think so as well. I certainly hope so."

Phoenix nodded. "Shall we get the formalities out of the way?" She asked referring to the formal transfer of command.

Garrett gave an answering nod, "I think that is probably a good idea." He looked around and called out " Avalon!?" An instant later the AI appeared. "Captain Lovejoy." It replied.

"Need you to be a witness to the transfer of command and because you have a part in it." "Of course Captain." The AI nodded.

Phoenix smiled at the AI the turned to Garrett. "When you are ready Captain."

Garrett nodded, held up a PaDD and read. " "To Captain Garrett Lovejoy, Commanding Officer, USS Elysium. You are hereby requested and required to relinquish command of your vessel to Captain Phoenix Lalor. Commanding Officer, Signed, Commodore Evelyn Mountbatten."
Garrett spoke again "Avalon, transfer all command codes to Captain Phoenix Lalor. Voice authorization: "Lovejoy, Alpha, Bravo. 6137."
Avalon spoke "Transfer complete. USS Elysium now under command of Captain Phoenix Lalor."

"Thank you Avalon," Phoenix said softly. She looked at Garrett and held out her hand to shake his. "Thank you Captain."

Garrett took her hand and grasped it warmly. "You are welcome Captain." He turned to Avalon, "Thank you as well Avalon." The AI nodded, "Captains" and vanished.

Phoenix took a breath. "Okay then, I will leave you to your packing, i need to head back to Earth for a meeting."

"One last thing before you go Captain." Garrett said to her. "A welcome home gift, if you will." As he walked back to the desk and open one of the lower drawers. and withdrew an elegantly wrapped box. He handed it to Phoenix. "For you, I know of your loves for knives and such. I think this will make a fine addition."

She opened the box and smiled as she lifted out the beautiful Japanese dagger. "It is gorgeous Garrett, thank you"

"I'm glad you like it. If you see Sam, thank her as well." He paused and spoke quietly, "On a personal note, thank you for being the bigger person. I can't undo what happened earlier, but I can and do promise you, this ship and crew that they will always have a friend in me."

"The same goes for us Captain. Call on us if you ever need." Phoenix replied.

"You are a good Captain and an even better person. I will keep that in mind." Garrett answered sincerely.

 

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