[V-OM] Captain Roshanara Rahman: Diplomatic Tact (Final Backsim)

[richyulin]

((Officer’s Mess, USS Veritas))

::With the promotions now finished, Roshanara moved on to the final ribbons and commendations to be announced.::

Rahman: At this time, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to also take care of a little housekeeping.

::She looked over to Doctor Skyfire and Lt. Cmdr. Rosek.::

Rahman: Commander Rosek, Doctor Skyfire, I’ve received notice from Starfleet Command of Captain Rhani’s final decorations she wished to bestow upon you. If you will come join me…

::Once the two officers had assembled, she announced the ribbons while Mei’konda pinned them onto their uniforms.::

Rahman: Doctor Chythar Skyfire, for your efforts on your final mission with the Za, you are hereby awarded the Medical Science Ribbon and Explorer's Ribbon.

::After the doctor received his ribbons, Roshanara moved on to the engineer standing beside him.::

Rahman: Commander Lael Rosek, for your efforts on your final mission with the Za, you are hereby awarded the Captain's Commendation, Explorer's Ribbon, and Purple Heart.

::There was light applause as Rosek too received her ribbons. The captain turned to the rest of the crew assembled.::

Rahman: It is also noted that Commander Blair has likewise been awarded the Captain's Commendation and Explorer's Ribbon in absentia for his efforts on his final mission while aboard the Za.

::After another round of applause, the captain called for the remaining officers to assemble in a line.::

Rahman: Department Chief Ribbons are hereby awarded to Commander Kelrod, Lieutenant Hanar Tuk, and Commander Luna Walker for achieving the milestone of having led a department for at least six months. Likewise, it is noted that Starfleet Command bestows upon your captain the Starship Commander Ribbon for having completed no less than one year of continuous service as a commanding officer.

::She cleared her throat, looking at a few of the officers she’d award next with a slightly raised eyebrow.::

Rahman: We also had the opportunity recently to work with our Klingon allies this past mission. Diplomacy with the Klingons, especially during stressful situations, can be… challenging. Nonetheless, the following officers displayed professionalism in their work with our Klingon friends to investigate the felicium aboard Outpost 3.

::She took a few ribbons herself to help award them along with her Caitian first officer.::

Rahman: The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is thus awarded to Lt. Commander Sky Blake, Doctor Nikki Ryan in absentia, Lieutenant JG Sepek in absentia, Lieutenant Hanar Tuk, and Ensign Taryn Slater.

::Once the ribbons were handed out, Roshanara took a step out in front of her crew.::

Rahman: Congratulations, everyone. Now, I have an important announcement, as some of you I’m sure have already heard through the grapevine.

::Amazing how gossip could spread so quickly through the corridors and Jefferies tubes of a starship.::

Rahman: I will be taking a few more additional weeks of leave to assist Lt. Commander Core and his team on the reconstruction efforts on the outpost. As such, Lt. Commander Mei’konda is hereby named acting captain of the USS Veritas.

::She gazed upward instinctually towards a non-existent microphone.::

Rahman: Computer, transfer all command codes to Lt. Commander Mei’konda and note his appointment as acting CO in the ship’s log. Voice authorisation: Rahman zulu-zulu-88.

::The computer returned a few beeps of acknowledgment after it processed the request.::

Computer: Transfer complete. USS Veritas now under command of acting captain Lt. Commander Mei’konda.

::After the transfer, Roshanara looked over at her first officer.::

::It would just be a few weeks, and all that was on the ship’s itinerary was a return trip to Esperance to refuel and resupply in preparation for the next tour of duty. And Mei’konda had previously commanded a starship all the way back to his first mission as an ensign.::

::But that hadn’t been *her* ship.::

::She took a breath. She was overthinking it as usual. Captains always worried about their vessels, surely. She was no different.::

::She decided to offer Mei’konda one final piece of advice.::

Rahman: The ship is yours, commander. With a fine crew aboard her. They, more than anything else on this vessel, are your greatest asset. Use them.

::Her eyes narrowed slightly.::

Rahman: …and don’t break anything while I’m gone.

END

Captain Roshanara Rahman

Commanding Officer, USS Veritas

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