"Surprise Visit"

Mission: Season 5: Time Warp
Location: USS Elysium - DECK 4
Timeline: 1/8/2397 09h00
6413 words - 12.8 OF Standard Post Measure

=Arboretum Level 3=

[[All Crew to report to the Assembly area on Deck 4 in the Arboretum!]]

Sapphire Morgan had been under strict orders. She set up the small stage in front of the assembly area, and had ensigns setting up the chairs for every crew member of the ship as well as several key civilians and Cadets. As she ship was in drydock there was no need for many on the bridge so Operations were assisting with the set up. No one knew why the set up was required and if they did, they were silent.

1st Lieutenant Woolheater wasn't the first one here but he was among the first to arrive. Chairs and seating were being put out and Sam went and offered to help. He was busy setting up chairs when Crewman Apprentice Adelaide Kirby arrived. Seeing him, she went over and asked, "Do you know what this is all about Sam?" Sam stopped setting up chairs and looked at her. With a straight face he said, "Well, the way I figure it is that someone has been eating my lunch out of the office refridgeamerator. Captain prolly heard about it and being the excellent, responsible practical leader, she's called a meeting to get to the bottom of it and put an end to lunchtime sandwich theft." Adelle pursed her lips and decided to sparr with him. "You are a grade 'A' bullshitter Sam. And I seriously doubt that the Captain would call the whole crew together over your stupid lunch when I've lost an earring earlier this week. I think this is to find my earring" she said and crossed her arms. Woolheater smiled at the sparr and simply said, "Touche!"

Kyle entered next, then moved to where his cadets were set up to sit. Though he was a senior officer, it felt odd to not be part of the senior staff for once.

David and Liam arrived together, discussing a few things that David wanted Sergent Reece to go over with his squad later. They both found their seats, nodding to both Lieutenant Woolheater and Captain Reece as they did so.

Walking in while reading a PADD, George was busy trying to figure out the new pilot lineup that Vaii had asked him to compile.

Lia now walked into the Arboretum, a quick glance told her that many of the crew hadn't yet responded to the general hail. =/\="Lia to Gary, you might want to hustle the bridge crew along. There's not many crew here, and those who are don't seem all that interested."=/\=

Imik then appeared in the door, "Commander, I heard a general hail. Do you know why this was issued?"

Gary answered Lia. =^= Bridge crew is on the way Lia, I'll be down there shortly.=^=

The nurses, and some of the Counselling staff staff hustled through the door, Kara, Emily, & Heather followed closely by Alicia & Leilani. All finding their seats ready for whatever the announcement was to come.

Tate arrived and offered smiles to familiar faces as she took her place amongst the medical and counseling staff. She noted some people looked nervous while others just appeared apprehensive. Having been aboard the Elysium for sometime now, Sullivan had an idea of why they had been summoned, but she could understand the tension for the others who didn't know what to expect. She wanted to tell them to rest easy, but she also didn't want to spoil the surprise either. Some small part of her wondered if they had been summons for something more serious and sobering, but not having any evidence to support the notion, she decided she would choose to believe all of this was good news and return out to be a celebratory occasion.

Consul Orin walked onto Deck Four with several PADDs in both arms. He wasn't sure why the meeting was called, but it must've been very important. Orin sat down next to some of the people from the Diplomatic and Counseling Departments. He smiled at the people all around him as he put the PADDs down on the table in front of him as he continued his work.

Naxea entered with S'hib. "Any idea what this meeting is about?" she asked as they made their way to a table.

"I was going to ask you, this wasn't scheduled on any department reports I know about." He said as his brow furled in confusion.

"Then it can't be good news," she replied, crossing her arms.

T'Kek entered along with several staff from the Medical Department. He was curious as to the nature of this meeting. It was very rare for a Captain to summon an All-crew meeting. He made his way to a nearby table to take a seat along with other medical staff.

Entering next were Man'darr and Jessica entered behind the Medical staff as they made their way to two empty chairs. "I wonder what is going on. These All-Crew meetings usually means something huge is happening."

Jess responded. "Either someone is going to get their ass promoted... Or someone is publicly going to be keel-hauled." The pilot noted.

Gunnery Sergeant Gami entered with a group of Marines. "I wonder what the meeting is about," one Marine wondered as they took a few chairs.

"Well," Gami began. "It's probably some fate of the universe kind of issue," Gami shrugged.

Samaire came in with others from Operations and Engineering, she paused and noticed Marines flowing in.

The ship's chief MD and the cybernetasist were next through he doors both wondering what all this was about. Behind them came Snow and the Orion Gunnery Sergeant. All took a seat as they waited to know whey they had been called.

Rin found the initial order...irritating. She was Chief of Intelligence. She had some of the highest clearances on the ship, yet she was left in the dark. Surely this wasn't a highly classified matter. They wouldn't be gathering the entire crew for such a thing.

She milled around the arboretum, taking the long way around to her seat, listening in on the conversations around her. It appeared that everyone was just as in the dark as she was, which was a slight personal relief. But she didn't much like the idea of luring every crewmember into one space, and her gaze kept moving around the room, focusing on dark corners and obscured areas.

--Ebi, do you know what's going on in the Arboretum?--

--I do not. They gave all of the civilian staff the day off.--

Rin silently continued her inspection of the space as others continued to file in.

Minutes later, Gary entered. He looked for Lia and saw her standing with Imik. "Here I am Lia. Hi Imik." He greeted the Onjas.

"Blessings on your house Commander, welcome to this mystery meeting." She bowed towards Gary.

Lia turned and gave Gary a peck on the cheek, "Hi there, any idea what this is all about?"

Gary returned Lia's kiss and then bowed to Imik. "Hi there sweetie and blessings to you as well Imik." He shook his head, "Not a clue." He admitted.

"Well don't that just take the biscuit, guess Phoenix is gonna drop some kind surprise on us. AGAIN!"

"Operative word being again." Gary said with a smile as he wondered just what Phoenix had up her sleeve.

Lia looked about, "Well it seems we're not the only ones who are in the dark, even Imik hasn't a clue."

"Imik doesn't know? Then it must be something major." Gary replied half seriously. he really wasn't too concerned. They would all find out in a few minutes.

"I have nothing up my sleeve" Phoenix said walking past them. "The Commodore on the other hand..." she waved towards the Commodore they all knew who was briskly walking into the area.

Commodore Evelyn Mountbatten was carrying a briefcase and behind her, her newest aide, and niece Jaeih t'Noramei-McKinley was carrying another. They moved to the small stage.

Seeing Commodore Mountbatten enter, Naxea focused on the woman. She had first met the woman when she first reported aboard the Elysium when the senior staff had been captured by Riov Mishka Valdran. 'Well, this definitely can't be good,' she thought to herself.

"If you're going to sssstand in front of everyone," M'Tuuri purred as she brushed past S'hib, making sure she was in earshot of Naxea. "You could at least purrrt me on your sssshoulders." She hissed in a teasing tone as she silently padded through the sea of the crew, getting a disdainful snort in return.

Scott entered and looked around at the vast gathering of crew. "Wow." He whispered to himself. He then looked around in search for Sapphire who he knew was here...somewhere.

Sapphire waved Scott over to where she was just taking her seat.

Commodore Evelyn Mountbatten stepped up to the centre of the small stage area and clapped her hands together. “Please everyone, take a seat we are about to start.”

Once the crew was settled she glanced at Jaieh who nodded and picked up a padd.

“When your name is called please come up to the left hand side of the stage” the Commodore announced.

Jaeih stepped up and began to read out the names “Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr, Lieutenant Kara Starr , Lieutenant JG Samaire MacBride-Reece, Lieutenant JG Vira Vemre, Lieutenant JG Napoleon Bond, Lieutenant JG Alice Jordan, Lieutenant JG Vise Kesahl, Ensign Jason Danvers , Ensign Alana Balfour, Ensign Louis Bordeaux , Ensign Tarr Zell, Ensign Shanyrria Kelmys, Ensign T'Kek , Ensign Heather De La Rosa , Crewman Apprentice Adelaide Kirkby, Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles, Sergeant Liam "Swede" Reece, Sergeant Leilani Charles, 1st Lieutenant Anna Hendrix , 1st Lieutenant Joshua Young, 1st Lieutenant Samuel "Sam" Woolheater and Captain Mattias Richardson.”

T'Kek was surprised to hear his name being called as it took a moment for it to actually register. Standing from the table he sat at, he made his way up to the stage. As he walked, he began to try to work through the reason why he had been called. He ruled out a promotion as it would be highly irregular for the Captain to pass the responsibility to a flag officer such as the Commodore, next, he ruled out punishments as he had not committed any crimes and he doubt the others had as well. As he took his place, he could only conclude that he was being selected for a mission.

Liam wondered why he was being called up, he looked over at Samaire, who was on the other side of the room, with her department. As she rose as well, he gave her a soft smile. He then moved down to the specified location and made sure he was standing in proper rank position.

Malakai heard his name and then Kara's being called along with a host of others. He stood and looked for her before going to the stage.

Kara was astounded that her name had been called, standing up she made her way across to Malakai following him to the stage.

Napoleon with Lorelei arms tucked in with each other nodded. Alice Jordan smiled at everyone as she walked in with several other engineers.

Jason blinked when he heard his name and then heard Lana's. He wondered what was going on. Were they being reassigned? He looked over the group. There were red and gold shirts and even some blue even some marines, whatever was going on they had a wide variety of crew.

Alana felt a nervous chill run down her spin hearing her name but not knowing what for. Her mind quickly shifted through all the ways she could possibly gotten herself into trouble the last few days and nothing major came to the forefront. Certainly Jason hadnt done anything. She nudged Jason and nodded towards the stage.

Jason nodded and took tentative steps toward the stage, wondering just what he was walking into. Whatever it was Lana was there with him and he was perfectly fine with that.

Josh stood and began moving to the stage. He heard Lana's name called as well along with Lt. Woolheater. Whatever was going on, they were all in it together.

Anna stood and walked up to the stage. Somehow, someway, She was wondering if she was up there for her ass to get kicked.

Heather exchanged surprised looks with Emily, and Leilani as all three of them were called to the stage. As they stood Heather exchanged surprised glances with Fernando, as both Leilani and Emily did with George. All three headed to the stage together.

Vira Vemre smirked to herself. Confidently she moved from the back of the room towards the stage.

Crewman Apprentice Adelaide Kirkby was really surprised to hear her name being called. More than surprised, she was anxious. Sam could see the look on her face. As the names were read off, he mentally noted the roles of the people. A pilot, five medical staff, five marines, two engineers, security, alien archaeology, a counselor, nurses, transporter and tactical. This was the basis for an away mission. Something was going down. He rose from his seat and walked with Adele to the stage. "You ok?", he asked. She said, "Oh...I'll be fine. I don't like being on stage. Never have." Sam smiled and said nothing about his observations.

Samaire walked calmly across to the left hand of the stage leading the Operations officers.

Science officer, Ensign Kelmys had only shown up because it was mandatory, she was planning on resigning from Starfleet so was not sure why she was being summoned.

Vise was shocked to hear her name, but with a nudge from Sthilg she stood up and hurried to join the group.

Once the group was assembled, Evelyn waved Gary and Phoenix to join her on the stage.

Phoenix moved to the stage and stepped up beside the Commodore.

Gary was confused by the Commodore's request but he nonetheless walked up and onto the stage, coming to stand besides Phoenix.

Evelyn had to hid a smirk as she turned back to the crew "Officers of Starfleet, Crew of the Elysium. Thank you for attending here today. I know you are all enjoying your shoreleave, some more than others from what I hear." She paused as several snickers echoed. "As most of you know, a few months ago a very important mission was undertaken by a select group of Starfleet officers. It is why I have begged your Captain this indulgence to do this event today. Captain Mattias Richardson, Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr, Lieutenant Kara Starr, 1st Lieutenant Anna Hendrix and 1st Lieutenant Joshua Young please step forward."

Hearing his name, Mattias stood up from his seat and moved smartly up to the stage. When he was in position, he snapped to attention.

Kara looked across at Malakai from where she sat as their names were called, getting up she made her way across to the stage waiting for Malakai to step up first before joining him.

"I have the immense pleasure to award these fine officers, the Starfleet Medal of Commendation." Commodore Mountbatten announced.

Jaeih stepped forward with the award boxes on a tray. Evelyn moved down the line, placing the awards on the officers chests one by one.

Mattias seemed to stand a bit straighter as the Commodore pinned the award to his chest. "Thank you, Ma'am," he said respectfully. His eyes then flicked briefly to Phoenix's, a ghost of a smile quickly crossing his face.

Malakai's face showed a slight smile as the Commodore came to pin the medal on his uniform. "Thank you Commodore, thank you very much." He said softly even as his eyes flicked briefly in Kara's direction.

Kara’s smile said it all as she accepted her award. “Thank you so much Commodore!” Her eye’s met her husband’s as the Commodore moved on.

Anna smirked as she was standing. At least she wasn't getting demoted or anything else like that, Considering how much of a pain in the ass she was. "Thank you, Ma'am."

Joshua stood rigid at attention as the Commodore pinned the medal to his uniform. "Thank you ma'am." He replied. The pride in his voice evident.

Once they had each been presented she waved them back to their place in line.

Samuel was the one who started the applause. He said, "OOOrah!" and then began applauding the recipients of the prestigious award. Adelaide joined him as did many others.

"Captain Lalor, if you could please assist with the next section?"

Phoenix nodded puzzled.

"Commander Taylor, you as well please?" Mountbatten stated waving Jaeih to hand the next tray to Gary.

Gary looked at the Commodore and then to Phoenix to see if she had any idea of what the Commodore was up to even as he took the tray from Jaeih.

Evelyn took a breath. "When I read your name, please come up to Captain Lalor to receive your gift."

Gift? is this what these were? Phoenix studied the boxes and knew there were pips inside.

"1st Lieutenant Samuel Woolheater, please step forward."

Sam said to himself, ~Oh shit!~ He looked at Adelaide and she just shook her head, ~I don't know?~. Woolheater stepped forward and stood at a crisp attention.

"It is our pleasure to promote you to Marine-Captain rank" Evelyn said and nodded at Phoenix who took the box labeled with the officers name from the tray and presented it to Sam.

Sam opened his hand to receive the promotion pip and was shocked. He had never met the Captain before now. She was both commanding and elegant in an amazing balance of those two qualities. With precision, he accepted the promotion, "Thank you Captain Lalor" and returned to his spot on stage. It was overwhelming and he was flooded with happy emotions.

Adele whispered to him, "Congratulations Sam!" And he responded, "Thanks!"

"Lieutenant Kara Starr"

Kara’s eyes widened in surprise as her name was called a second time.

"You are hereby promoted to Lieutenant Commander." It was announced.

Phoenix smiling, presented her sister in law, with her new pip.

Kara’s eyes twinkled with emotional tears as she accepted her promotion from Phoenix. “Thank you Captain.” She quickly wiped away a stray tear so as not to embarrass herself.

"Lieutenant JG Samaire MacBride-Reece"

"You are hereby promoted to full Lieutenant." It was announced.

Captain Lalor smiled and presented the Officer with the new pip.

Samaire beamed. "Thank you Captain" She said saluting.

"Lieutenant JG Vira Vemre"

"You are hereby promoted to full Lieutenant." It was announced.

Vira expressed a confident grin. "Thank you Captain." After accepting her pip Vira saluted the captain still grinning.

"Lieutenant JG Napoleon Bond"

"You are hereby promoted to full Lieutenant." It was announced.

“Thank you,” Napoleon replied with a salute as he was always short on ceremony,

"Lieutenant JG Alice Jordan"

"You are hereby promoted to full Lieutenant." It was announced.

“Thank you Captain,” she said as she shed a single tear thinking of her husband who was missing in action and assume dead.

"Lieutenant JG Vise Kesahl"

"You are hereby promoted to full Lieutenant." It was announced.

" Thank you captain." The very happy trill replied as she was given her Lieutenant pips.

"Ensign Jason Danvers"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

A bright smile split Jason's face at the announcement. To make it even better Lana was promoted as well. They would celebrate long into the night.

"Ensign Alana Balfour"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

Alana almost stumbled over her words as she was promoted. "Th-thank you Captain!"

"Ensign Louis Bordeaux "

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

“Thank you Captain,” Louis replied.

"Ensign Tarr Zell"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

Tarr showed his Ingavi teeth in a smile as he replied with a thank you.

"Ensign Shanyrria Kelmys"

Shanyrria nervously stepped up to the stage.

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

Shanyrria stared at the Pip, Captain Lalor handed her unsure if she could accept it but they were moving on.

"Ensign T'Kek"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

T'Kek remained stoic as the pip was placed on his collar. His logic about not being promoted was obviously wrong. He was sure his father would disown him for such a failure in deduction. However, on the good side, this meant he would now get his own quarters. Snow was decent enough company at times, but it was nice to have your own quarters.

"Ensign Heather De La Rosa"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade"

Heather stood in shock and moved quickly to the stage, it hadn’t seemed long since she’d transferred to fleet from military and become an Ensign, now she was being promoted. “Thank you!” Her eyes searched out Fernando in the crowd giving him a shining smile.

"Crewman Apprentice Adelaide Kirkby"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Crewman"

Adele, all this time, even with people getting promoted all around her, still didn't think that she would be getting promoted. So, her deer-in-the-headlights look had a few people who knew her laughing and then they started clapping and then they started whistling. "Whoo! Addy! Woo-hoo!" She was standing next to Sam and he supported her with a nod and a smile, "Fuckin' aye; go get it girl!" She took a haltingly step forward and then another, trying not to look awkward and feeling awkward the whole time. She accepted her promotion and said, "Thank you Captain. Thank you Commodore!" She looked at the XO and nodded, "Thank you" and then returned to her spot. Her friends and other people were clapping and calling her name in support. Sam applauded and nodded. He leaned in and said, "Wow. What a speech! You know that's going in the history books. 'Thank You'...very inspiring he teased and she just laughed. A tear in her eye from happiness.

Emily was just as shocked as Heather as she stood, walking quickly to the stage she stood before the Commodore and Captain Lalor.

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Senior Chief Petty Officer"

“Thank you Commodore, Captain” She stood proudly as she accepted her new rank.

"Sergeant Liam Reece"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Staff Sergeant"

"Swede...Swede...Swede...Swede...Swede...Swede...Swede" some of the marines from his platoon started chanting. Faster and faster, louder and louder until it ended with a loud, "Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!"

Liam stood ramrod straight as he was presented with his new rank pip. Saluting, he replied, "Thank you, Commodore, thank you Captain!" He then resumed the position of attention.

"Sergeant Leilani Charles"

"It is Starfleet's pleasure to promote you to Staff Sergeant"

Leilani made her way across to join all the others, accepting her award. “Thank you so much!” She stood proudly alongside Emily. This was a very special day for their family.

"Congratulation's to you all" Evelyn Mountbatten announced as the last officer and enlisted was promoted. "Now, I beg you all a small indulgence as we await these newly promoted returning to their seats. After that, I have one more announcement."

As the group started to move off stage, Sam said to Adeliade, "There's always a catch isn't there?" He winked and they left the stage and returned to their seats. Sitting down, Sam opened the small box and took a look at the marine captain bars. He thought, ~Whew boy-o!~. He felt Emily's hand on his. He heard her ghostly voice whisper in his ear, ~Congratulations Sam. Good job!~ He closed the small box. Later he'd tell his sister and then call his mom and dad.

"You should be proud of yourself kid. It's not everyday that you get promoted to Captain," Orin said quietly with a wink to Sam.

Sam saw Andrinn and that made him happy and he grinned, "Awww....itsssss.....thanks man." But it was something and Sam enjoyed his moment in the sun with Andrinn's compliment.

S’hib beamed a bright smile towards everyone leaving the stage, towering over the assembled crowd with ease.

“You know…” He said while crossing his arms, leaning somewhat over to Naxea. “This is the first one of these I've been too where I didn't get anything…” He said with a sarcastic sigh, almost as dramatic as the whole event. “You still love me though? right?” He teased, nudging Nax lightly with his elbow.

"Hmmmm," Naxea began, keeping her eyes on the stage as a grin formed on her face. "I don't know...you are slipping," she teased back as a chuckle escaped her. "You know I do," she nudged him back.

****
At the back, Ensign Eric Kyler leaned in to his follow Flight Control Officer, Anish Talan, and whispered, “Why aren’t we up there? Danvers is up there and he doesn't do anything more than the rest of us.”

The denobulan shrugged at the bitter tone and replied, “Well he obviously knows something we don't. The rest of us haven't had a look in. Not even the candyfloss princess.”

“Well that’s no surprise, but why should the rest of us suffer?” Eric folded his arms and rolled his eyes as more names were promoted.

“Because the powers that be probably don’t know you exist. Fruitloop can’t organise a decent shift rota; do you think she even realises she’s supposed to do staff appraisals?” Anish sneered. “I know Neri’s only went through because Qwyyn put it into SFC before she fucked off and abandoned us to the idiot.”

“At this rate I’m going to grow old and die before I get promoted.”

There was a pause, then the Denobulan said, “Maybe it’s time we ...did...something?”

Eric could hear the subtext loud and clear, and his initial ingrained reaction was shock. Then he stared across the arboretum to where a dozen or more people were waiting for their new pips. The single red uniform in the sea of teal and mustard. The shock dissolved into a simmering anger. “Yeah. Maybe we should.”

****
Commodore Mountbatten looked out at the crew. "As some of you would be aware, it was rare for a ship of the line to be captained by a commander when we granted Command to then Commander Lalor. But it is also rare for this ship to be commanded by a Captain."

Phoenix tensed from her position on the stage.

"Thus, we are looking to change that."

Jaeih handed her aunt a small box.

"Captain Phoenix Penelope Lalor step forward."

Phoenix did so, worried she would be replaced this time for real.

"After many conversations with members of the Joint Fleet Command, and BUPERS, it has been decided that you will now be promoted to Commodore."

Phoenix stared. "Ma'am?"

Evelyn held out the box. "Congratulations."

Gary began clapping loud and long. "Congratulations to our new commodore!" He shouted. "Yip, Yip Hurray!" He moved closer to Phoenix, "Congratulations Phoenix. Very well deserved."

"Guess whos not going on away missions anymore..." S'hib yelled from his position back in the crowd, his thick Sequus accent carrying his words effortlessly onto the stage.

But despite his statement dripping with sarcasm he knew full well the implications his department would now have to undertake to protect a Commodore on a regular basis, let alone one who wasn't known for sitting behind her desk a lot.

"She's gonna kill me." He added in a hushed tone to Naxea.

Phoenix had heard S'hib and her blue eyes narrowed.

"Can I watch her do it?" Naxea smiled at S'hib.

Baeryn Whavi and Vira Vemre clapped and shouted their congratulations for their new Commodore from the crowd.

From his seat, Mattias applauded loudly and proudly for his new bride. As he did so, he let loose a few loud whistles. No-one, in his opinion, deserved a promotion like that more than Phee did.

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Evelyn waited for the cheers to subside. “Now we have one more surprise before you are all. It has been put forth that one more officer needs a promotion and it has been agreed, that Commander Gary Taylor is to be promoted to Captain forthwith, and with it, is offered command of the USS Arizona-D”

Gary blinked and did a slow pivot toward the Commodore. He heard the announcement but couldn't process it properly. "What?" He asked.

Jaeih handed a box to Phoenix who smiled and stepped up and opened it and showed Gary the pip. "No Joke" she said softly. "Training wheels are off. And you deserve your own command if you want it."

Gary looked at Phoenix then to Commodore Mountbatten. "I, I don't know what to say. I'd like time to think on it before I make a decision. If that is alright?" He asked.

Phoenix nodded. "Of course but the promotion remains." She said softly and handed him the pip.

Lia had heard the award Gary had received, she turned to Imik. "Did I hear right? He's been made Captain of the USS Arizona?"

Nodding her head, Imik responded. "Yes, you heard correctly. Why do you sound upset, I thought promotion to Sinkahue was an honour?"

Lia simply nodded a yes to the Ojnas.

Sam and others laughed at Commander S'hib's remark. As the applause grew, Sam started a few Marines with the "Eerrrrrrrrrrrrrr!" a kind of low rumble that was meant to show support. So it sounded like a rushing ocean wave with the appluase and the cheers.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attendance, refreshments are set up off to the left, please enjoy the morning tea provided." Commodore Mountbatten announced.

Sam got to his feet saying, "Well hell's bells y'all! Time for the Kool-Aid and the double-stuffed Oreo's. I hope Starfleet didn't just buy a bunch of bananas and granola bars. Is it so wrong to ask that these things be catered?? That's what I'm putting on the suggestion card this time."

Baeryn turned to Vira who stood beside her. She nodded towards the sparkly new pip adorning her collar. "Congratulations V. You earned that."

Vira's hand reached up to caress the pip, giddy still from her time on stage in front of such a large group. She grinned, "Eh, It's about time you recognized my hard work." The two laughed in unison.

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Eric and Anish cornered Jason Danvers as he moved to the refreshments. "That's a shiny new piece of jewellery you've got there, Danvers" Eric crossed his arms as he leant against the table next to the newly minted LTG.

"Thanks." Jason replied guardedly. "What do you two want?"

"Just wanted to say congratulations," Anish settled on Jason's otherside. There was nothing congratulatory about his tone. "Those things are in short supply."

"Thanks." Jason repeated. "Were you not watching the ceremony? Didn't seem like they were in too short a supply."

"Maybe not if you're in operations, or engineering. An awful lot of yellow up there." Anish replied, "Not too much in red."

"So how you swing it, Danvers?" Eric inspected his fingernails for dirt. "You proposition Pinkie or something?"

"I guess you missed Captain Lalor and Commander Taylor getting promoted. They wear red." Jason answered "As for the other, only you two would think like that."

"Got to admit, its suspicious," the Denobulan said, "Of our entire department, you're the only one who's got a promotion. No-ones had a crew evaluation in a year. It takes Derani five goes to sort out a new rota, and she can't add up time in service without using her fingers. So how did you swing it? Go over her head? Got a friend in office of Personnell?"

"Suspicious how? Because you two weren't on stage? You two are the biggest slackers in the department." Jason countered. "As to how I got it, I earned it. I don't think Ensign Derani had a hand in it, so can't help you on that score."

"I resent that accusation," Eric drawled. "I work just as hard as you, Danvers. Just because your lah-di-dah arse doesn't get put on shuttlebay duty doesn't mean the rest of us are down there pushing our thumbs up our butt-holes."

"I've been stuck on the Battle Bridge grave yard shift for six months," Anish snorted. "Do you know what I'd give for your cushy on-call chauffering job, Jason?"

"Do you?" Jason questioned. "Maybe it's your attitudes. You two roll your eyes every time you get an assignment you don't like or maybe Lt. Gregory who is in the battle bridge with you Anish doesn't like how you do your job. Go ask him."

Anish crowded into Jason's space, radiating rage. "Gregory can suck my dick. We all do our jobs, and we've got nothing to show for it, except you, you stuck up superior piece of-"

"woah," Eric got between them, giving Anish a look to keep it together. He needed to keep things calm, given how much brass was floating around. "Look Danvers, I appreciate you're feeling a bit smug right now, but use that superior brain to do some maths, huh? There's two hundred people in flight control, Jason. All of them - all of them with enough time in post to be up for consideration, and you are the only one who got promoted today? And the only one of two who's had a promotion in the last twelve months? Are you seriously going to sit there with your shiny new pip and say you're the only person in the department that does any work? Are you?"

Jason gave Anish a murderous glare. "Anytime you want to continue this, you let me know Anish." Before turning his attention to Eric. "Not at all. I know how many people are in our department Eric. However, I resent you and Anish coming over to me and suggesting I did something sneaky and or underhand. I did not. To be honest, I'm as surprised as you are. If you feel you have a legitimate complaint, go up the chain of command." He pointed at the stage where Commodore Lalor and Captain Taylor still stood. "Go talk to the commodore or better yet Captain Taylor or are you going to say he won't listen to you, are you?" Jason fired back, putting the onus on his two accusers.

Anish snorted, "Resent it all you like, but we won't be the only ones thinking about it. Being 1 in 200 makes for scuttlebut. You know this. Jason, think about this."

"I don't give a shit what you think Anish. All you've done is accuse me of doing something wrong or better yet not deserving the promotion." Jason countered. "Is that what you want me to think about?" Jason put to him. knowing full well it wasn't.

"Nish, back off!" Eric gave Anish a warning glare. So much for Denobulan patience. "Jason. You and I both know that if anyone goes telling tales to Taylor or Lalor, we're just going to get accused of sour grapes, and bucking the chain of command never looks good in your record. So we can't go to Taylor. But you've just had a promotion, you've got no axe to grind. You're the only one who can stick up for us and go to Taylor to express your concern over Derani's ability to lead."

Jason gave a short derisive laugh, "Oh, that is rich. You want me to talk to Taylor because you're afraid of how it will look or don't have the balls to. In addition, you want me to express concern over Derani's leadership. That about it?"

"I want you to talk to Taylor because right now, you're the golden boy with a shiny pip who can afford to show his enthusiastic concern for deserving colleagues lack of progression." He held up a hand to forestall the inevitable argument. "And you've made your feelings for me and Nish quite clear. But can you really say that's true of everyone you work with? Are you really not prepared to go to bat for Sarah? Or Lanessa? Or Geren? Or the cadets who want to stay on board, but take one look at the useless idiot we have in charge and decide they'd rather get posted to the USS Crotchrot doing endless solar flare observations in the arse end of nowhere because then at least they get a chance of promotion after their first year is up? You really going to leave your whole department hung out to dry?"

"Look Eric, I don't have a problem with you but your buddy? Yeah, have issues with him. You want me to go and talk to Taylor about the lack of promotions in Flight Control I will, just don't go blowing smoke up my ass. However, I won't talk to him about Derani's leadership. If he asks, I'll give my opinion." Jason countered.

"Which is?" the Denobulan prompted.

Jason smiled cryptically, "Now, that would be telling and I'm not willing to tell you at least not right now."

Eric put his hand out to stop Anish doing something that they'd all regret.

"Just make sure you do," Eric said. "Or chances are you'll end up like the rest of us, and thats the last pip any of us will ever see. Come on Anish."

"Is there a problem?" S'hib said loudly as another two security officers arrived nearby, his face radiating an expression that screamed for their answer to be no. "Or are we going to have to take this to the brig." He snorted, towering over the young officers.

Jason glanced at Eric and Anish before he turned to S'hib, "No sir, no problem as the ensigns and I were just talking over Flight Control Operations." Jason answered.

"If you were just talking I wouldn't be here." S'hib snapped back, his flat Sequus nose wrinkling back and boarding on a snarl.

"So I suggest the lot of disperse... because if i get anymore complaints about any of you, you'll be in my office tomorrow morning, is that understood."

"Yes sir! It is understood. You won't have any problems from us sir." Jason replied not wishing to rile the Commander any further.

OFF

U.S.S. Elysium

"Surprise Visit"