"Promotions are us - Pt 2

Posted on Wed Dec 25th, 2019 @ 11:49am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant JG Nerinath zh'Rhilror [Lalor] & Cadet Junior Grade Triston Montgomery [Lalor] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Elisha Pryce-Randal [ADMIN NPC] Ms & Lieutenant JG Gallia Norris & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Ensign Kara Hoffman

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
4533 words - 9.1 OF Standard Post Measure

"Well, at least you're stretched out enough where you don't look like an umbrella." Tallia rolled her eyes, the Scot just did not understand.

"Stop!" Maddy cringed, " Listen to yourselves! You're all excoriating yourselves over the male dominated idea of beauty..."

"Moddy, darlin', t'ain't like that ot all." Gallia sighed, "Ah jus' hate this stiff collar's all."

"Though, speaking of beauty." Tallia said, pointing across the way to S'hib.

"Now tha's a harse ufa diff-ernt color altogether." Gallia smiled, "Ah got a gift far him, excuse me, ladies." With that, Gallia stepped over to S'hib, pulling a folded paper from inside her jacket, "Got onea them speshial deliveries far a Mishter S'hib."

S’hib looked up as Gallia approached, a small flower sticking out of his lips. “Deliveries?” He questioned, pulling the flower into his mouth with his tongue.

"Aye." Gallia replied, handing the picture to S'hib, " A boodin' young And-are-yen artist created this with ye in mind." Gallia had seen the picture, it was clearly of her and her beloved 'Sib' running through the halls together, adorable and made with such love, "Shay insisted 'pon mah bringin' it here ta ye."

S'hib looked upon the small drawing and his eyes lit up, he was a loss for words, simply looking up at Gallia with his mouth open unable to say anything. "Thank you." Was all he managed, looking back down at the drawing.

Rhodes walked in next, but not alone as expected. Instead he was pushing Cadet Robeson, the young man who nearly lost his life fighting the Romulans, into the hall in a wheelchair, stopping in front of Tallia and Maddy, "Doctor. Granola." The man who seemed made of rock nodded to them in turn, "Got a guy here wanted to see you both."

"Oh my God, Mark!" Maddy squealed with delight.

"He's been recovering nicely, yes." Tallia began, "But are you sure he's ready for all this, Gunny?"

"On your feet, Marine." Rhodes said to Robeson, who began to push himself out of his chair, "Wanna answer that question, devil dog, or are you going to leave these ladies hangin'?"

"Goo...goo..good to..ggg..go." Robeson managed, though not without some effort, "Gu...gunny, he said... time to gggg.gg.get off my ass."

"Oorah." Rhodes said approvingly.

Jessica entered wearing a pair of Jeans, a tank top, and her bomber jacket. She went to find a wall to lean against. She didn't know why she was there, as she had work to do. That and she hated parties that didn't involve airplanes or fighters

Kaylee walked into the ballroom and immediately felt out of place. she was unsure what the event was all about so she chose to wear the cleaner set of her uniform, though the grease stains on her sleeves were still obvious enough. looking around at the well dressed attendants, Kaylee decided to try and stay out of sight as to not make a scene.

Milla wasn't sure who the woman in the jeans and the bomber jacket was, but she was definitely interested in finding out, "Hi." She said, her voice light, yet seductive; she was much smoother than her sister.

"Hello there. Don't think I know you yet. I'm Lt. Jessica Vaii." She noted. "And I'm in charge when Commander Taylor isn't around in pilot country. Just ask the flight cadets."

"Milla Brett, my sister is the CDO here." Milla answered, extending her hand to Jessica, "Though, I am kind of confused here. How do pretty women like us end up at a party alone?"

Jess chuckled and shook her hand. "Maybe it's because I'd marry my fighter before I'd ever bring myself to putting on a dress. Now a fighter is a good partner. Never complains, carries plenty of ordinance, maneuverable, and aerodynamic." The pilot grinned.

"Well, I'm wearing a dress." Milla said, indicating the slinky red affair she had borrowed from Anje, leaving it more revealing than it would've been on her sister, "So, way I see it since you're in your jeans and your jacket and I'm in my dress, we go together nicely. So, my thought, we should be each other's date."

"You wanna date me?" Jess noted. "Sure, I guess. Gotta warn you though. What you see is what you get. I'll never try to be anything that I'm not." She smiled. "Care to do some maneuvers?"

"Well, since I really like what I see, that's what I was hoping for." Milla smiled, taking Jessica's arm, "Now, let's discuss these maneuvers, flygurl..."

Kara entered into the room, with Holt behind her. She had spent the last months trying her hardest to help Holt redeem himself, and he had improved alot. His attitude still needed work, but she was proud to see him making steps in the right direction. Her silver and gold trimmed dress complimented the bow holding her hair up, she looked around slowly. "Alright Holt, remember what I said, and remember you deserve to be here, you've done well." She said quietly to him.

Holt sighed, his black suit and red tie itched a little, but he nodded. "Fine, lieutenant." He parted ways with her, and comfortably found a spot in the back away from everyone else. He folded his arms and leaned lightly against the bulkhead behind him."

Kara sighed. ~Progress, is still progress...~ She thought, as she moved through her fellow officers, looking for Gallia.

There were so many people in here, but Gallia finally saw the one that mattered most, waving her hand in the air and saying, "Kara, over here, love!"

Kara rushed over to Gallia and embraced her tightly, kissing her cheek softly. "Hello my love. This is exciting isn't it?" She held Gallia tight. Everytime Kara was with her, she never wanted to leave her side.

Gallia looked over her beloved's shoulder, happy that Kara had tied her jackass to a different post, "Aye, i's exciting, but I dinnea know what's it all about." She stroked Kara's hair and laid her head on the engineer's shoulder, every time they were apart it felt like forever.

Kara smiled. "Don't judge me, but i'm about to party foul" She smiled, as she reached into her dress, and pulled a small box from her bra. Quickly tucking everything back in before anyone noticed. Kara giggled. "Here, this is for you. Apologies, this dress doesn't have bloody pockets so..." Kara knew, inside was the Ring that she had crafted for Gallia. It was time Gallia had it.

"Oh, ma God..." Gallia said through tears as Kara placed the ring on her finger, "Tallia, Maddy, bring yer bums an' look ot this!"

Tallia made it first, Maddy was apparently trying to figure out what a bum was or something, "Holy crap, that thing is gorgeous!"

"Isnae it?" Gallia grinned, wrapping herself around Kara as close as another skin, "Oh, wait until Tay getsa loada what her mum's done get me, huh?"

Maddy made her way over and looked at Gallia's hand, "Oh, wow, that is nice. Though the concept of the wedding ring is sort of insidious. You see, the wedding ring was meant to..."

"Maddy," Gallia began, "shut it."

"Right." Maddy nodded, "Shutting it. Congrats."

"Best noighta me life." Gallia said joyfully.

Kara smiled and held Gallia tight. "I'm so glad you like it. I'm sorry it took longer than it should of, to make it. The gem is tricky to work with, reminds me a little of you when your in a bad mood." Kara giggled. "I'm glad it fits too." She said, wiping a few tears from her eyes herself.

"Ah'll try no te be so can-tank-russ in future, love." Gallia said, "Nay guarantees, but Ah'll try." She was overwhelmed with joy, Kara and Tayalas were the real gems in her life.

"'mon then you lot." Kara smiled. "let's do that thing they do at gatherings, I believe it's called mingling." She said, laughing a little at her pretense to not understand social etiquette, except it wasn't really a joke at all.

"Right, time te mingle." Gallia agreed, still staring at the ring.

Tag Kara?

Alicia stepped into the Grand Ballroom feeling somewhat nervous about being amongst such a large gathering, but social gathings were a good place to meet as many people as possible and to integrate with her new crew. So far she'd settled in quite well and was starting to enjoy being part of a crew again, it was like being amongst a large extended family. She straightened her dress uniform and did her best to look comfortable.

===

Once everyone was in and most were seated, the room was alive with chatter. Phoenix had been loitering off to the side, keeping an eye on the people entering the room. Now she took a breath and strode to the dais before the rows of chairs. She looked around the room in silence and then said into the microphone "Commanders Taylor and Qwyyn please join me here."

Hearing his name called, Gary turned to Lia and the group. "That's my cue." He kissed her cheek and went to join Phoenix on the dais.

Qwyyn approached from the Captain's other side at nearly the same time. She shared a knowing smile with Gary. With all the trials and tribulations this crew -- this family -- had been through in the past year, moments of celebration like these always helped to make up for the harsh realities of day-to-day life aboard a modern Federation starship lately. She was happy to be here, in this moment. With these people.

Carter was nursing his drink. He hated wearing his dress uniform...damn thing never did fit right. Plus...the cowardice he showed recently....what the rest of the crew must think of him. He wasn't getting promoted...so why was he here? He looked for the nearest exit. He started moving towards it...no one would miss him.

A security officer stepped before the door. "Please sit down Lieutenant"

Naxea had spotted the slight commotion and briskly made her way to Carter and the Secruity Officer. "Causing trouble again, Carter?" she asked with a mischievous grin before turning to nod at the security officer. "I got it from here," she said before turning back to Carter and placing her hand gently on his arm. "Come on, let's go have a seat and see who are getting promoted shall we?"

Carter walked with her. "Must I? I know I'm not the one being promoted....probably even get demoted because of my recent show of cowardice." He had to admit, he liked having her on his arm.

"Nonsense," Naxea said lowly as they approached her seat. "You're not being demoted and it's always good to show support for whoever is getting promoted. Also, you are not a coward. You're an engineer, not a Marine or Security Officer. We train for and face those situations situations constantly--if you ever want some pointers, talk to Lieutenant Morris or myself."

"I might take you up on that, captain." Carter waited a few seconds, looking at her. "Can I get you a drink, captain?"

"No thank you," she said as she reached her seat and sat down. "We should have a seat as they are about to start."

Carter sat down on a vacant chair. He glanced at the captain and figured, "It's probably just as well.", and turned to look at the front of the room where the captain and first officer stood.

Naxea turned and smiled at Carter. "I will definitely need a drink after this ceremony however."

Once everyone was seated and Liselle and Gary had joined her, Phoenix nodded to her yeoman who brought out a large tray. It was covered in a velvet cloth of black and she placed it on the small table beside the lectern. Phoenix took a breath and stepped up to the microphone once more. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your patience and coming here this evening. It has long been my practice to make certain things an event. And tonight is one of those ‘event’ nights. I have before me a list of Awards and promotions. We will do things in stages, if you will hold applause until the end of each stage it would be appreciated.” She paused to let that take affect.

“I would like the following officers to please come stand to my left. Lieutenant Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar; Captain Azhul Naxea; Gunnery Sergeant Timothy Rhodes Sr; Lieutenant Jessica Vaii; Master Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters; Legate Anje Brett, Lieutenant Kara Hoffman, Lieutenant JG Turak, Lieutenant JG Carter Smith, Lieutenant JG River Waters, Lieutenant JG William Hol and Lieutenant Jason Morris.”

"Great," Naxea sighed as she stood and made her way to the stage.

Carter was taking a sip of his drink, scotch, and when he heard his name, he did a spit take. Then once he regained his composure, he stood up and walked to the stage and took his place.

Anje came up and took her place in the line, turning to her left to see Tim falling in down the way, ~Wish Auntie Anje could be here.~ She thought, though she figured somehow Anje the Elder knew everything that was going on, maybe even before any of them had found out.

Rhodes, for his part, came to rigid attention, this was one of the things he loved about being a Marine, ~Nothing beats this besides combat.~

Jason stood and walked over to where the others were.

Arrianna walked up calmly as well as Jess.

Kara looked over to where Holt was, and kept a close eye on him, as she walked into the line of her fellow colleagues.

Holt arrived and stood beside her, a clear puzzled expression. ~What now...~ He thought, as he placed his hands behind his back.

TAG Lieutenant Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar; Captain Azhul Naxea; Gunnery Sergeant Timothy Rhodes Sr; Lieutenant Jessica Vaii; Master Chief Petty Officer Ken Waters; Legate Anje Brett & Lieutenant Kara Hoffman & Lieutenant JG Turak & Lieutenant JG Carter Smith & Lieutenant JG River Waters & Lieutenant JG William Holt& Lieutenant Jason Morris

“It is with great pleasure that I present to these officers, the Gold Lifesaving Medal. This medal is awarded to any person who rescues, or endeavours to rescue, any other person from harm. The rescue must have been at the risk of the rescuer's own life, with evidence of extreme and heroic daring. And their actions in the recent rescue of senior crew of this vessel have earned them this award.” She walked down the line presenting them all with the medal.

When the captain reached him, as she handed him the medal, he whispered to her, "I don't deserve this, ma'am."

Anje hadn't been expecting this, guessed it was for the prison raid, though she considered the reward for that mission returning with her life. She smiled and nodded politely, "Thank you, Captain." She didn't know what else to do...

Rhodes, unlike the young woman who he'd once been charged to protect, knew what to do, having been here before. He kept his stance rigid, his eyes straight ahead, rendering a crisp salute as he accepted his medal with a simple "Thank you, Ma'am."

Standing next to Rhodes, Naxea accepted the medal with a nod. "Thank you, ma'am."

River stood at full attention, failing to keep the pride from showing as the Captain affixed him with his medal. He shook her hand and gave in to his smile.

Jason couldn't believe he was being awarded for doing pretty much nothing, he shook his Captains hand and muttered a shocked thank you Captain.

“Thank you” she dismissed the group but held out a hand to stop Captain Azhul Naxea leaving.

“Would Commander Gary Taylor, Commander Liselle Qwyyn, Commander Aurelia Holmes and Captain Azhul Naxea please join me here.”

Gary glanced at Lia and Liselle, wondering just what Phoenix had up her sleeve.

Upon hearing her name, Lia looked upwards. Phoenix had done it again, one day Lia would have to repay all this.

Liselle caught the look exchanged between Gary and Lia and found herself smiling happily. Seeing the two of them together -- it felt right. She resisted the urge to swallow the lump in her throat, afraid that if she did she might begin to cry.

“The Starfleet Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United Federation of Planets to any member of the United Federation of Planets Starfleet, who while serving under competent authority in any capacity, has been wounded or killed in the line of duty. And it is my honour to present these officers with this award.” She moved to the line and began to pin the medals on.

Gary winced inwardly has Phoenix awarded them the Purple Heart. Guilt once again forced it's way into his mind as he once again was forced to think of the pain and humiliation his friends had endured because of him.

Naxea accepted the award as she looked at the medal that was jokingly known among Marines as the 'Enemy Marksmanship' medal. However, she contained her humor at the thought of what the others had to endure for the medal.

As she received her medal, Lia thought of a young Vulcan girl she once met.#Sandulvar, I failed to save you. Sorry#, was the thought in Lia's mind.

Qwyyn could not keep herself from tossing a glance at Gary. While she appreciated the sentiment of the medal, the memories of what this award represented were still ever-present. She knew Taylor well enough by now to know that he was wrestling with his own inner demons as he bore his own purple heart.

After getting his medal, Carter returned to the bar and started drinking whiskey shots as fast as the bartender could pour them.

Jason had returned to his seat and clapped when the others were giving there awards.

Once everyone had returned to their seats or places, Phoenix took up several boxes and placed them on the lectern. "Now, to the good part. I have several names so please hold your applause to the end." She stepped clear and announced "It is my pleasure to promote the following people. Please come forward when your name is called."

"Lieutenant Nevada McKay"

Nevada McKay Flinched and tensed up as her Name was called, Years of Mistrust Reemerging as a Tidal wave of emotions flickered across her Young face. She Reluctantly stood a sheepish look falling into place as she slowly shuffled her way forward her shoulders slumped down as she tried to think of a way out of this public recognition. With a Sharp inhale of air through her teeth she forced herself to stand straight and move with a purpose.

She shortly Stood at attention and offered a crisp salute, her eyes staring seemingly into nothingness as She tried to make herself as forgettable to the crowd as possible.

"We are please to promote you to the position of Assistant Chief of Science"

Nevada blinked in confusion at the captains words, her thoughts boiling through the short time she'd been on the Elysium. "T...thank you captain," was all she managed before she dropped the Salute and Nodded slowly waiting for a cue to either stand by Or return to her seat.

"Thank you Lieutenant" Phoenix dismissed her with a warm smile.

"Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaywin-Li Fray."

Kaylee looked up in surprise. She hadn’t expected to be called up and with most of the crew present dressed in fine clothes, she felt even more awkward than she normally did in social gatherings. Swallowing her nerves, Kaylee made her way forward.

When the Petty Officer joined her, Phoenix smiled. "You are hereby promoted to Petty Officer first Class" She held out the box. "Congratulations"

“Thank you Captain” Kaylee said, taking the box from her.

"Petty Officer 1st Class Fernando De La Rosa" Phoenix called out.

Fernando stood ramrod straight his eyes staring straight ahead as the Captain addressed him

Phoenix held out the box to the man. "You are here by promoted to Chief Petty officer."

It was all Fernando could do not to break out in a smile and do a happy dance. *Mona would be so proud* He thought, maybe he could get a subspace message to her and let her know. He would have to look into it. "Thank you Captain ma'am er Captain sir." He stammered before settling on "Captain."

"Ensign S’hib of Security" She announced.

S'hib heard his name being called out, and for a brief moment, he sat there, staring ahead before finally realizing that he was indeed being called up by the Captain.

Standing up seemed to take tremendous effort, his whole body going slightly numb as he moved across the room and stopped in front of the Captain.

"Ensign, you are wearing incorrect pips." the Captain smiled. "You are hereby promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade" the box was presented to him with a smile.

"Thank you Captain." He said with a deep bow of his head, clasping the box gently and moving to one side.

"Ensign Lunara Hol" Was the next name called.

'Me?', she thought to herself, 'already?' Lunara certainly hadn't expected to be promoted so soon. She stood up and made her way to the stage, standing at attention when she arrived.

"Counselor." Phoenix nodded. "You are hereby promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade effective Immediately." Phoenix handed over the box.

"Thank you, ma'am." Lunara smiled and saluted before taking the box with her other hand.

"Lieutenant JG Carter Smith" Phoenix called out the man's name a second time that evening.

The bartender had to tell Carter that the captain wanted him back on the stage. Almost falling off the bar stool, Carter made his way back to the stage and stood in front of the captain...again.

"Lieutenant, you have earned your promotion to full Lieutenant." Phoenix stated calmly, the box she placed in his hand.

Carter saluted the captain and took the box. "Thank you, ma'am." He left the stage, walked back to the bar that was behind the audience and started drinking again.

Then Phoenix paused and her eyes searched the room. "Could Cadet Senior Grade Madelaine Masters please come forth"

Maddy got up and was about to skip to the stage, a quick look to the Gunny told her that was a bad idea, turning the skip into a dignified walk, ending with her at attention in front of the Captain.

"Cadet, after discussions with your instructors and officers of good standing, the Crew of the USS Elysium congratulate you on your graduation from the academy and thus you are hereby promoted to the rank of Ensign." Phoenix held out two boxes. One was the graduate diploma and the other the new rank pip.

Maddy, overwhelmed with emotion, gave serious thought to hugging the Captain, another look to the Gunny cancelled the hug. Instead she accepted her boxes and smiled, simply saying, "Thank you, Ma'am."

Phoenix smiled and moved on to the next name. "Lieutenant JG William Holt" She called out

William was extremely uncomfortable in this full room, however he did his best to maintain his composure. He moved forwards to stand infront of the captain. "Yes, ma'am?" He said, placing his hands behind his back, hoping he wouldn't have to shake her hand, he was sweating a little. ~How utterly undignified...~ He thought

"Lieutenant Holt, You are a long standing crew member of the USS Elysium, and it is my great pleasure to inform you that you have earned your promotion to full Lieutenant."

He nodded slowly. "Thank you, Captain. I'm grateful." He did his best to hide his discomfort.

"Now before I continue, I have an announcement to make. With the departure of Lieutenant Wynter to his new post, Commander Aurelia Holmes has moved from Chief of Security to Chief of Intelligence, which, has now been renamed into the Combined Defense and Intelligence Department. She will be taking up the post effective immediately and this means we will require a new chief of Security and Tactical. Lieutenant Jason Morris, please join me."

Jason once again stood and walked towards the Captain this time when he stopped in front of her he snapped to and reported. "Lieutenant Morris reporting as ordered."

"Lieutenant, You are hereby promoted to Chief of Security and Tactical on the USS Elysium and with that shiny office, comes these." She held out a box. "Congratulations Lieutenant Commander Morris."

Jason took the box with his left hand and shook the Captain with his right. "Thank you Captain." He said aloud.

"Lieutenant JG Turak" She then called.

"Lieutenant, we are assigning you the post of Assistant Chief of Security/Tactical and promoting you to Full Lieutenant." Phoenix held out the box to the Vulcan.

"Lieutenant Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen" Was the next name called.

Savar took a step forward as the Captain called his name

"Lieutenant, you are here by promoted to Lieutenant commander. Well done." Phoenix smiled and handed out his box.

"Thank you Captain." Savar answered evenly. To show emotion would be improper. So he would until he was in his quarters to smile and admire his new pips.

"Lieutenant Jessica Vaii" Phoenix called out.

"Yeah, Skipper?" Jess noted.

"Lieutenant, you are here by promoted to Lieutenant commander. Congratulations." Phoenix smiled at the pilot.

"Hold on a sec. I'm now one rank away from hanging up my wings?" Jessica noted. "Thank you ma'am, however I'd like to reassure you that I am a pilot." She smiled. "I've lived by the sword, and I certainly will die by the sword."

Phoenix smiled and dismissed her with a nod.

"Captain Azhul Naxea" Was the next person summoned by the CO.

Naxea took a moment before she stood, surprised at her name being called. She soon recomposed herself and stepped back onto the stage.

"Captain Azhul Naxea, it is with honor that we inform you of your promotion to the rank of Major." She held out the box that held the next rank.

"Thank you, ma'am," Naxea replied as she accepted box with the bronze oak leafs.

"Legate Anje Brett!" Phoenix called the next name.

Anje stepped back onto the stage, she had not been expecting to hear her name called.

"Legate, it is a pleasure to inform you that, you have been promoted to the next rank of Envoy." Phoenix said and held out the rank pip box.

Anje beamed, "Thank you." She said, wishing Quinn was there to see it, but not entirely certain she wasn't.

"Lieutenant Gallia Norris!"

Gallia was almost as surprised to hear her name called as she was dismayed to hear Holt's called. After a second of being stunned, she made her way to the Captain.

"Lieutenant. You have done a wonderful job in the role of chief of Operations since you took over. And with that in mind, we are pleased to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander."

"Ah nevah expected this sah soon." Gallia replied, getting slightly misty, "Thank ye, Captain."

TBC