“Promotions are us? - Part 1”

Posted on Wed Dec 25th, 2019 @ 11:48am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant JG Nerinath zh'Rhilror [Lalor] & Cadet Junior Grade Triston Montgomery [Lalor] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Lieutenant JG Gallia Norris & Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Ensign Kara Hoffman & Lieutenant Carter Smith & Ensign Olivia (Carter) Voight & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Nevada McKay & Lieutenant Casper Thornhill & Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Ensign Lunara Hol & Petty Officer 1st Class Kaywin-Li Fray & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Lieutenant JG T'Kek [Naxea] & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor] & Private 1st Class Durak

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Deck 16 - Grand Ballroom
Timeline: MD7
4828 words - 9.7 OF Standard Post Measure

“Promotions are us- Part 1”

Location: Deck 16 - Grand Ballroom
Timeline: MD7

Despite what people said Phoenix hated grand occasions but she knew, as everyone did that sometimes, life in the fleet called for Grand Occasions. So, she had, dutifully dropped the organisation of the event in the lap of her yeoman with specific instructions.

The result was simply Grand. Thanks to holographic emitters, the ballroom was done in the style of the InterContinental Paris - Le Grand Ballroom. (https://ihg.scene7.com/is/image/ihg/intercontinental-paris-4161576423-2x1?fit=fit,1&wid=2400&hei=1200&qlt=85,0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=1.75,0.9,2,0)

A bit overdone perhaps but hey, she had given the woman free reign.

Phoenix looked around as she entered the room. “Gods, looks like my mother was here with her inexhaustible credit account.” She muttered. But she straightened her shoulders and moved to the podium. “Ok, everyone can be let in now.”

Gary stood alongside Lia. They had just recently returned to the ship after departing DS9 and Lia's successful treatment of a recent problem she had and now they were here outside the Ballroom for a grand occasion involving several members of the Elysium crew. As the Ballroom doors hissed open he looked over at her, "Well, here we go back into the fire again." A smile on his face, for he and Lia had grown closer from her struggle and eventual triumph.

Anje walked in behind the happy couple, "Well, if it isn't the hopefully soon to be Taylors." She said with a broad smiled, squeezing against Lia's side, "Place looks great."

Lia glanced at Gary and then Anje, She wore a bright red Kimono with a yellow Obi. She grabbed Anje's waist, "Who do ya think your marryin' off?" She planted a big soggy kiss on Anje and then turned to Gary, "Hey!! Are you just gonna stand there and be married off willy nilly?" Lia now started to giggle and hugged both Anje and Gary, "No alcohol, no food. And already we seem to be having fun, who knows this could be an interesting night".

"Yep." Gary agreed with a bright smile. "Sooner that is done, the sooner we can get around to having children. Two boys named Opie and Barney." He said with a wink as he hugged both Lia and Anje. "Interesting night? I think you might just be on to something there Lia."

Lia blushed as Gary mentioned having kids, "If I have kids, I want a little girl. Her name is going to be Ayuki, and she will be schooled in Japan. As for boy's, they'll be your responsibility". She pointed at Gary, then she looked at Anje. "Oh just for the record, you'll be Ayuki's godmother. Liselle, will be helping, because I want you both to be in Ayuki's life". She turned and entered the ballroom, a small voice echoed in her ears. Angel was reminding her, she was still here.

"Of course Lia and it goes without saying that Anje and Liselle will be involved with all our children." Gary answered with a smile.

"I'm totally there." Anje promised, thrilled to see them both there together and looking so happy, ~Love the name Ayuki, too.~

S'hib watched everyone entering the ballroom from afar, hands resting on the rim of an ornate kilt around his waist, It's vibrant yellows patterns juxtaposed against his white grey fur and bare chest. Wrapped around the entire length of his arms he wore yellow ribbon, the layers held in place by silver jewelry and tied up around his neck like a collar, the loose threads hanging down his back flapping gently as he walked to catch up with everyone else. "It's good to have you both back, you... didn't miss much." He said with a snort like laugh, stopping behind Gary and Lia.

The voice of her Ensign made Lia turn to face him, "S'hib, don't we look fine and dandy. Thanks for the welcome, but I somehow think you not being truthful". She pointed to a scar on his hip, "That, Ensign is new. Where did you pick it up?" She had read the reports, so she already knew S'hib had been wounded. But she wanted to see if he would tell her, did he finally trust her enough to be that honest?

"Ensign S'hib, thank you for the welcome. It's good to be back" Gary replied. His eyes drifted to the wound on S'hib's hip. "I believe there is a story behind that and I bet it goes along with us not missing much. Am I correct Ensign?"

"We had a little Dominion war reenactment, It was pretty boring really... but, as you can see," S'hib replied, tugging the kilt slightly to show off the still bald patch on his hip. "I was... shot." He added, feeling somewhat guilty about drawing the attention away from Gary and Lia.

Lia looked straight at S'hib, "You got shot, and from what I understand. You got put on report as well, or is that part incorrect?" A smile played around her mouth, "I haven't met this Ojnas Officer yet, but I'm thinking I just might like her if she can keep you in check".

Gary let Lia talk to S'hib. He however stood there with his arms crossed across his chest looking at S'hib with an expression of 'Well we're waiting' on his face.

S'hib fell silent for a moment, his tongue between his teeth as he smiled back nervously. "As I said, It was a pretty boring day..." He replied with an exaggerated grin, his tail flicking the back of his legs out of habit. "Was'only trying to make it more interesting." He added proudly, as much as he respected the Ojnas and her report he still felt like he had done the right thing, regulations be damned.

Olivia walked into the room where some promotions were to take place for some of the crew that she would be working with now. Looking around Olivia spotted a small group had already formed and were standing around chatting with one another. Olivia started walking towards the small group and the closer she got the more she noticed how much taller one of the crew members was compared to everyone else in the group, as well as herself for that matter. Olivia barely came up to the waist of this crew member the closer she got to the small group.

Gary saw a female he didn't recognize in medical teal approaching them. He took a step away from the group and addressed the newcomer. "Hello, Commander Gary Taylor, First Officer of the Elysium and who might you be?" He asked with a smile.

“Hello Commander,” Olivia replied. “I’m your new Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Lt Olivia Voight.” Olivia looked over at the small group and then back at the Commander. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

"Not at all," S'hib said excitedly, the prospect of steering the burning wreck of a conversation away from himself, being far too tempting to resist. "I'm Ensign S'hib, and this is... Commander Holmes." He added, giving Gary a somewhat teasing look as he introduced his wife to be for him.

Olivia looked up at the VERY tall Ensign in front of her. “Why do I get the feeling, Ensign, that you are trying to avoid the rest of a topic of discussion that was going on when I walked into the room,” Olivia asked.

"No, no..." S'hib laughed, clapping his hands together as he looked around at the group staring up at him. "I'm just getting all the attention and I'm not even the one getting promoted." He pleaded, trying to stop his hooves from nervously scratching the marble floor.

"A pleasure to meet you Commander Voight." Gary replied pleasantly, steering the conversation back to where it had been moments before. "I think you'll like it here. I hope you do at any rate. The Elysium has a good crew even if some of them avoid answering questions." He replied giving S'hib an innocent look.

Turning to look at the new arrival Lia smiled, "Commander Lia Holmes, hi there. And the Ensign here has a reputation of avoiding things, you'll get used to him. He's not a bad guy, just tries to hard at times. I've been trying to calm him down but I don't think I've succeeded, but I live in hope". She gave a polite laugh and returned her attention to S'hib, "My dear S'hib, even we don't know who's getting promoted, so have you been spying on the Captain?" She looked at Gary and winked, "Commander Taylor, what is the penalty for hacking into the Captains private correspondence?"

Olivia laughed a little. “Do I need to be prepared for a certain Ensign making frequent visits into Sickbay.,” Olivia asked looking up at the young and VERY tall Ensign S’hib.

"An excellent and relevant question Commander Holmes. Regulations state that hacking into a captain's correspondence shall result in the forfeiture of 6 months of pay, a reduction in rank along with time in the brig not to be less than 60 days." Gary answered with an absolutely straight face. "Commander Voight I think that would be most prudent planning on your part. " Gary replied giving S'hib a reproachful look.

Giving S'hib a reproachful look, Lia took the young Ensigns hand. "Ensign, come clean now. Did you hack the Captains correspondence?" Then unable to keep a straight face any longer she burst out laughing, "Olivia, S'hib may be a frequent visitor to your establishment. But only because he has the luck of getting hit because of his size, he's a good guy just handle him with kid gloves". Lia now turned and looked at S'hib again, "S'hib, enjoy the function. And once again, thanks for the welcome". She stood on tip toes and kissed the Ensign on the cheek, "I'll talk to you later I hope".

S'hib seemed to visibly shut down for a moment, his brain tripping over itself as he tried to process the plethora of conflicting emotions. "I'm going to get a drink..." He snorted, backing away slightly and heading for the refreshments, his thoughts overwhelming him.

The door to the room slid open again as the ships doctor stepped in. The big gorn looked out of place in his formal uniform and without his wrist-mounted computer on his right arm. " Apologisssesss for being late. A few problemsss in medbay needed dealing with."

"Dr Sthilg, have you met Lt. Commander Olivia Voight?" Gary asked the big gorn. " She is the Elysium's new assistant chief medical officer. " Gary turned to Olivia, "Commander Voight may I introduce Dr. Sthig, he is the Elysium's CMO."

Olivia looked up at her new immediate boss. “Hello Doctor Sthilg, it is nice to meet you,” Olivia said. “I’m actually a Lieutenant, but didn’t want to cause to much trouble by correcting the executive office right off, with it being my first day on board. I didn’t want to end up in the brig on my first day either.”

"A pleasure to meet you Olivia." The gorn said politely. "I'm sure we'll get on splendidly."

Gary looked decidedly sheepish. "I do apologize Lt. Voight however I'm sure you'll get promoted in no time." He answered in a vain attempt to cover his mistake

"Not even a day on board and you've already been promoted and then demoted... doing worse than me." S'hib snorted, walking bravely over to greet the Doctor and join back In on the conversations. "Doctor..." He added with a slight nod, trying his best to squash his fears of the giant Gorn.

"At least she hasn't been shot or put on report Ensign, so she still has a ways to go to catch you up", Lia called over. She smiled as she said it, she would miss the Ensign when she moved.

"Well, I have high hopes in her abilities..." S'hib shot back teasingly before sipping from his drink, slowly coming around to the idea of wearing his failures on his sleeve.

“It is true that I have yet to have those two things happen to me personally,” Olivia replied, “but the same can’t be said for Voight’s two previous hosts before me.”

"Aha, see!" S'hib snorted before he'd really processed what Voight's had said. "Wait..." He added, glancing down at the glass he'd been drinking from suspiciously. "Oh, you're Trill... right..." S'hib finished, wondering what it would be like to have someone else's memories inside his head, a concept that equally terrified and intrigued him.

“Yes, I am a Trill, Ensign,” Olivia replied. “I am the third host for the Voight symbiont. Voight is still considered young up against many of the other symbionts that are still around. Voight’s first host, Alvin, was a Security Officer and was shot multiple times over the course of his career within Starfleet. The second host, Maxwell, was a Linguist and he was put on report several times.”

"It must be so otherworldly to have... say, Deja vu of memories you... never had," S'hib replied, before noticing that Voight's previous hosts had both been male. "I... suppose it's also strange for Voight, what with you being his first female host." He added inquisitively, his ears firmly fixed on her as he ignored the noise behind him, something he rarely did.

“It can be a challenge at times having to sort out memories that are actually mine and that of a previous host,” Olivia replied. “The symbiont grows and learns over time as well from the experience of being joined with male and female hosts. There have been a few occasions where the hosts have been mainly one gender or the other for the most part, with only the rare change in gender of the host. A lot of it has to do with the availability of a host that has been selected and available for the joining when the time comes. Since there are more Trill that are capable of being joined with the limited amount of symbionts to be joined with, the potential hosts have to go through a lot of testing before being approved for joining. Then once approved there is a wait list.”

S’hib nodded along as Olivia replied, or was it Voight talking, both? he wasn’t sure... It all seemed far too alien for him to wrap his brain around. “This might sound a little bit odd... but, do you still get lonely?” He asked, his head tilted thoughtfully, watching her body language as much as her facial expressions. “I know you obviously have each other, but... at the same time you are the same person.” S’hib added, his mind slowly ordering his thoughts into their assigned boxes.

Olivia smiled a little as she thought for a moment and looked up at the tall Ensign. “Yes, there are times where I still get lonely,” Olivia replied. “Just because I am one of the rare few that gets selected to be joined with a symbiont doesn’t mean it takes the place of having that special someone to share my life with on a daily basis. One of these days that will happen for each of us, I am sure of it.”

“As long as you end up with someone that makes you happy, thats all that counts.” S’hib said matter of factly.

Miran slipped into the room, with Triston beside her. She hissed at him, "Why do I have to come? I am not fleet."

"You are my plus 1." he replied "And your sister insisted."

"Of course she did" she muttered. They moved to take seats at the back.

Entering the Grand Ballroom, Naxea was dressed in her formal Marine Dress uniform. Her eyes swept the room, recognizing several familiar faces as well as new and unfamiliar faces. She made her way towards the XO, S'hib, talking to someone new. "So who the hell is getting promoted?" she complained. "The food better at least be decent."

S’hib saw Naxea come in at once, his ears flicking over in her direction "Well, It has to be someone important..." S'hib replied, waving his glass around to point at the grandiose ballroom about them. "So it ain't me." He added, laughing through his nose as he put the glass to his lips.

Carter Smith entered the holosuite, alone and looked around the ballroom, then he headed towards the bar. He figured after his performances lately, he doubted that he was going to be promoted. On the contrary, he figured he was going to be demoted.

Casper Thornhill strolled into the Holosuit having heard about the gathering through various crew sources, he was curious to know who his Department Head was going to be having just recently been reassigned to the Elysium. Casper moved to one of the tables closest to the door, from what he could tell with the short time being on the vessel the ship was a tightly run vessel and the crew were friendly and yet open to newcomers which made switching all the more easier. Sitting down Thornhill took the glass of water of the table and sipped it gently watching people walk past.

Lunara hurried into the room, adjusting the collar on her dress uniform. She was relieved to see things hadn't started yet. "Oh, good, I'm not late." How much things had changed in the past 100 years... maybe she should replicate a 23rd century dress uniform in her size. She stood up on her tip toes, scanning the room for a friendly face.

Olivia was still chatting with Ensign S'hib, Commander Taylor, and a few others when she spotted several others walk into the room. One of the ones that she spotted had taken a seat at one of the tables near the door of the room. Olivia knew right away that it was someone she knew really well for they had met while at the Academy and then served their first duty station together at Bajor. Olivia took a small step to one side and called out, "Lieutenant Casper Thornhill, get your ass over this instant and report into the Executive Officer like your supposed to do once coming on board a new duty posting." She stood there tapping her foot slightly while waiting for Casper to come over and join the group.

Casper got up and moved over to the group, "I thought I heard a voice I knew, loud just as ever Olivia Carter," He smiled, "If you must know my orders were actually to report to the Captain which I already have done."

Olivia lightly slapped Casper on his chest. "You still have to learn to socialize some I see," Olivia replied. "It one of the best ways to get to know about those you will be working with now." Olivia smiled a bit as she thought for a moment. "Also, you have to get used to calling me Olivia Voight now, since I became joined with a symbiont a couple years ago."

"Watching them from afar can tell you something about the person too," He grinned with a bit of a twinkle in his eyes. They suddenly became serious again like as if they weren't there, "It happened?"

Olivia lightly slapped Casper again. "Yes it happened," Olivia replied. "I am Voight's third host."

"Well then. I knew we talked about this. But this shall be different," he replied.

Olivia smiled a bit as she looked up Casper. "What are you thinking now?," Olivia asked.

"Should I... go?" S'hib said quietly, looking at both Olivia and Casper.

Olivia looked up at Ensign S'hib and smiled. "You don't have to go anywhere," Olivia replied. "Casper and I go back to our Academy days. We met during our third year at the Academy and then we served together at our first duty station on Bajor. During that time, I kept Casper here on his toes every so often."

"Ahh, I see," S'hib said before burying his face in the quickly emptying glass he had, the last dregs going down before they'd even hit the sides. "Well." He said before placing the glass down and extending his hand in greeting. "It's nice to meet you, Lieutenant."

"Its nice to meet you too Ensign. I don't believe I have ever met a Sequus before," he replied taking the Ensign hand, "I have to warn you Ensign. Watch out for this one. She was very reserved and would hold back a lot but when you got a few drinks in her watch out... She has hurt many a Marine by knocking them in the head."

“My people only recently joined the federation,” S’hib explained as he firmly shook Caspers hand. “And hopefully Nobody will drink too much...” he added with a slight shake of his head.

Olivia slapped Casper in the chest again. "Like they didn't deserve it," Olivia replied. "Besides what do you expect. I grew up with three older brothers that made sure I knew how to handle myself in certain situations."

Mark didn't remember Olivia this physical while sober, usually, the hitting really came out after a few drinks, "Yes and handled you did," Turning back to the Ensign, "You enjoying Starfleet then Ensign."

"It's been... an experience, but I wouldn't give it up for the world." He replied, proud to be part of StarFleet.

"Good well welcome to the Fleet. I look forward to working with you," Mark replied before turning back to Olivia, "Catch up later?" he asked.

"You bet we will be doing some catching up later," Olivia replied. "I still have to get a bit of payback on you at some point."

"Right," looking at S'hib, "Ensign." Mark then turned ans returned to his seat amused that Olivia was on the Sam's vessel as he was.

Olivia smiled a bit as she watched Mark go back to the table he was seated at earlier. She would have to get a bit of payback on him later on as well as doing a bit more catching up. “Make sure you stay out of trouble Casper,” Olivia called out to him.

Mark turned and winked at Olivia before reaching his seat.

Imik now arrived at the door, she glanced nervously around. Nearly everyone before her was a stranger, how was she supposed to know what the protocol for this function was. She wore her Dress Uniform, the midnight blue contrasting with her service colour of bright green. She had pinned on her service medals and ensured her four mission stars had their gold stars inserted, a bright red backing and a sunburst stood out behind one star. Moving further into the ballroom, she halted and waited for someone to tell her what to do.

Lia spotted the out of place alien, and walked up to her. "Hi, I'm Commander Lia Holmes. You must be the Ojnas Officer people have been talking about, just grab a seat and join in".

Imik drew back, "Imik S'Niohun, Consul of the Ojnas Republic. I thank you for your welcome". She looked at Lia and noticed she wasn't wearing a uniform, "Is this attire of your people?"

Shaking her head Lia responded, "I'm afraid not, it is of the Japanese people of Earth. I wear it because I'm interested in their culture and history, it's called a Kimono". She now studied the Ojnas Officer, "Those stars on your arm, what are they?"

Unconsciously Imik's hand went to the stars, "They are mission stars, the star with the sunburst denotes a mission undertaken in our home system during our war with the Tholians". She stopped and then continued, "I served in a male unit, unlike my fellow sisters. That is why I have the mission stars, female units were not awarded them".

"Oh I see, you're a combat pilot. You and my boyfriend would get on together, he's a bit of a combat pilot himself". Lia felt if this Imik knew of other pilots she wouldn't feel out of place quite as much. "His name is Commander Gary Taylor, perhaps you've met him he's also the ships XO".

Imik thought for a few seconds, "Taylor, Commander. First Officer USS Elysium, yes I have interacted with this individual. Is he here, I would like to talk with him again?"

Arrianna entered the ballroom and immediately picked up a drink, she loved these parties. She showed up in a strapless, lace-up party dress. She began to survey the ballroom.

The ship's head MD had helped himself to a drink and a small snack which he'd been able to finish in a bit and a sip ( These events were never meant for lifeforms of his size. Not that he would complain.) Looking for some of his staff who he needed to have a word with the big Gorn froze as one of the music pieces filled his ears. It had been her favorite piece. The big doctor froze in place as the painful memories flooded his brain. Gorn lacked tear ducts, but anyone could tell something had unsettled him.

Varis stepped into Ballroom wearing a smart pinstripped suit with a lapel pin that bore the symbol of the DTI. He hated large parties, what was more was that he hated people. Yet he was told by his higher ups to attend. So here he was staring at the large swathe of people before him. He waded his way through the throng to the bar and ordered a scotch neat. There he sat brooding.

Fernando came poppin into the room as usual he was one of the very last to arrive. he was decked out in his dress uniform and wearing his favorite cologne 'Andorian Ice.' he smiled as he made his way into the room, heading for the bar. He missed Mona dearly and he was torn over whether to transfer to the Marines, Sgt. Rhodes seemed to think he would be good at it but he wasn't so sure. Maybe he would get a sign on what to do.

Fashionably late as always Dr. Nevada McKay Slowly walked in her dress uniform studded with medals Dating all the way back to the pre dominion war era of the fleet. She strode casually to a Rearmost row of chairs, her Dark blue eyes darting across the assembled crew before she settled herself in for what she assumed would be a Long Uneventful and to her mostly pointless ceremony. With her seat secured she leaned back on it to get comfortable. Normally she would have made the excuse of having to perform surgery on someone to get out of such an event, but today was not such a day where she could get away with that.

S'hib had managed to slip away from everyone else for just a moment, the questions and teasing slowly growing a deep set frown upon his face. "Carrot stick?" He offered Nevada, sitting down beside her as he grazed on a handful of floral arrangments, not realising they weren't intended to be eaten.

"Oh No I'll pass," She smiled softly waving her had at the offered vegetable. She did her best to stifle a chuckle before she asked. "Who's this shindig for?" She glanced at him Hoping he knew.

"Well... as everyone keeps pointing out." He grumbled, biting into the offered carrot with an audible crunch. "I'm on report... so, all I know is it's not me." He added, slinking back into his chair awkwardly, his long legs forced to rest at an awkward angle.

"On report?" she asked. "what did you do, boy scout the captain over a minor detail?" she chuckled softly. "I thought I was the trouble maker on this ship, not you." she teased.

S'hib fell silent for a moment, eating furiously as he glanced over at the Ojnas Consul. "Well, maybe I've been spending too much time around you..." S'hib smirked back, as grumpy as he was he still found it somewhat amusing, the twisted irony of it all not going unnoticed by the stubborn Sequus.

"Or not enough," Nevada laughed as she lightly nudged his ribs with an elbow. "Maybe I should open a turbolift therapy service on the ship eh?" she snickered.

Snorting loudly as he leaned her way slightly, lowering his voice as he spoke. "We both know that would just be a front so you could harvest organs..." S'hib replied only half joking, looking at Nevada with a sarcastic scowl before biting into another carrot stick.

"Why harvest them, I'd much rather Just clone the organs," she said without flinching as she stared ahead.

"Oh, so that's why you stroked me... to steal some hair for your labs." He quipped back teasingly, somewhat unsure if his joke had a modicum of truth to it.

Gallia came in next, Tallia and Maddy in tow, "Ah hate these bluudy dress unifams." She complained, tugging at the collar.