A Make-Shift Ceremony

Posted on Wed Jun 10th, 2009 @ 1:55pm by Captain Elsie Halliwell & Lieutenant Jack Parsons & Lieutenant JG Ador Shran & Lieutenant Cress Maven & Lieutenant JG Lucy Carter & Master Warrant Officer Sam Jackson

749 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Behind the Mask of Familiarity
Location: Deck 2, Officers' Lounge: The Golden Crown
Timeline: Current

ON:

- Deck One, Captain's Ready Room -

Lane sat in his ready room on the pale blue couch, a cup of coffee in one hand and the obligatory padd in the other. Mrs. Gray had just wafted through, replacing the shrivelling flowers from the previous week with the fresh and fragrant ones that stood proudly and confidently on the glass table before him. A tradition she had kept for as long as he had known her.

Commander Arkham was sat to his left, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling through a padd of her own.

"That about covers it," she said, nodding blankly.

"I think it does," Lane agreed. "With Lieutenants Larkin and Mabren investigating the gel-pack system, and being no closer to how the pack was injected, or by whom, I think that we need something to take our minds off this tin-can in space." He chuckled to himself and tossed the metal padd down onto the desk.

"They do deserve this, don't they?" he asked, a serious look falling over his features.

"No one deserves a promotion, Coltan," she replied with a steely demeanour. "But, this crew has worked hard, and as you said, the morale needs a boost more than ever with this mission."

"They came to us children, you know," Lane said rhetorically after a pause, pondering the sentiment, almost. "They do deserve to be recognised for the commitment and dedication they have shown not only the Archimedes, but us, as their commanding officers.

Arkham simply nodded.

"That's settled, then. Assemble the troops and we'll have a ceremony."

Arkham lightly flicked the combadge fastened to her chest and cleared her gravely throat. "All senior officers report to the Golden Crown immediately. And I mean 'immediately'. The Commander could never quite abandon an opportunity to instil fear throughout the crew, even when it wasn't necessary.


- Deck Two, Officers' Lounge: The Golden Crown -

By the time Captain Lane had arrived in the lounge himself, three silver trays with sparking flutes of sparking champagne had already been laid out on a vacant table, covered only by a crisp white cloth, and the gaggle of silent senior officers were, by Arkham's roar, straightened out and filed orderly to attention.

"At ease," the Trill said with a smile as they relaxed but kept their formation. "I have asked you here today to join me for a celebratory occasion. – Ensign Carter, you can stop looking at the champagne. This will only take a few moments."

The line broke out into a giggle but was quickly stifled.

"Ensign, you may step forward…"

Carter looked about her and sheepishly forced her legs to move, a look of concern spreading across her gentle face.

"Ensign Lucy Dunstan Carter," he began as she was stood before him, trembling, "you have served the Federation, the Archimedes and myself and Commander Arkham faithfully and with distinction during your posting. Your service records and career have served you in turn. It is with great pleasure, and honour, that I bestow upon you the elevated rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all rights, privileges… and responsibilities afforded to you. For your continuing efforts and dedication, allow the computer to record the time and date of your promotion."

---

Going down the line of officers, a similar but yet personal speech was given to each as he reached each time into the oak box to pluck out the appropriate pip an award it to the deserving officers.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Doctor Gustav Mabren… elevated to the rank of Full Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Kevin Larkin… elevated to the rank of Full Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Skanda Sheedy… elevated to the rank of Full Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Ador Shran… elevated to the rank of Full Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Parsons… elevated to the rank of Full Lieutenant.

"…Promotions have been awarded for time served and dedication," the Captain rounded off with. "That is not to say that there aren't more to come. It is simply a matter of time and service. Not a single one of you has gone unnoticed. And I thank you for that."

Once the make-shift ceremony was over, and the champagne flutes were tinkling, Lane stood at the side of the room, next to Commander Arkham and beamed. "They did deserve this," he said with a smile, like the proud parent at a graduation ceremony.

OFF:


Captain Coltan Lane
Commanding Officer

AND

Commander Rowena Arkham
Executive Officer

 

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