[Paradise-IV] SD961213.10 - Promotions and New Beginnings - Rear Admiral of the Lower Half Vilqa & Acting Captain Saladin

[Paradise-IV Logs]

=.\= Admiral's Office 09:30HRS =.\=

Slowly Vilqa drummed her fingers along the cool surface of her solid wood desk in the new office she was offered on Paradise IV. This office was no more better nor worse overall. The size was slightly bigger, hardly noticeable. She did have a private head which she supposed was nice but here nor there. What K`ylana was impressed about however was the temperate temperature. 

She was actually comfortable and had access to a control panel to actually raise or lower the heat to her liking. This was actually paradise. 

It was definitely about the 'small things' making a difference especially in her mood.

What didn't necessarily brighten her mood was the decision she had to make. The USS Tempest had completed a full retrofit and was ready to return to service of the Fourteenth. This was a positive; the fleet had limited vessels to her jurisdiction in the current structure and the longstanding servicing vessel was a sight to behold. She was however Captainless and the daunting task Vilqa had, one of her very first as an Admiral serving the fleet was to chose who would take the helm. 

With the loss of her Captain the whole command structure had dissolved. She did not take issue in offering a suggestion as to who would or could take the role as Number One. What she had a harder task in determining was who would, on her order, take the Captain's seat. Names crossed her mind, were written down to allow a list of pros and cons to be calculated and evaluated. 

It came down to two names in the end from an initial list of about 10 officers she had taken into consideration for various reasons. She knew who the opportunity would be given to, K`y had made that decision hours ago; even a day or two but she had to be certain.

Caution had to be taken to ensure that favourtism wasn't given in actuality or perceived.

The Admiral knew, the decision she had made on gut instinct was the decision that on 'paper' made logical sense.

=.\= 17:00HRS =.\=

"Marcus," K`ylana called out as she saw Saladin wandering the narrow street. "Do you have some time to spare? I have something I need to discuss with you." By her tone while she was being polite in asking the question he could tell it wasn't so much an option to opt out.

 

Marcus looked tired but healthier than the last time K’ylana had seen him. He turned as the admiral called his name and offered her a smile before listening to her ‘request’. He straightened his uniform subconsciously while wondering what in the world she would want to tell him. Had she lost her mind too? Had he done something stupid and brig worthy while under the influence of his ‘other self’?

 

“Certainly K’ylana.” His demeanor becoming more business-like as he adjusted to the situation, “Should we go somewhere away from the streets?”

 

"Yes please follow me." Vilqa motioned with her hand and lead him to one of the planetary stellar observation labs, "Are things easing up for you. You appear calmer than the last time we met face to face." She did show him genuine concern, she did honestly care for the man.

 

Marcus followed Vilqa to the observation lab, and nodded to her question. “Yes, it just caught me off guard entirely.” He sighed, “I lost control before I could go through any mental exercises, but it’s still tough, I feel like if I were to let my mind wander at all it might splinter and let my other self back in.” He knew this wasn’t what she had asked him here for but it meant a lot that she did ask him how he had been coping. “I think we have our hands full trying to solve this one. And you? You seemed to be coping okay.”

She nodded slowly, "I am coping. There's so many decisions to be made, no time for celebrations or personal time it seems." K`ylana leaned against a table in the room and let her fingers linger along the edge of her PADD. "I've had to make some very difficult decisions lately. One in particular I've been struggling with that has caused me a few sleepless nights." She pursed her lips a moment, "Decisions that are, in fact, life altering."

 

Saladin’s smile slowly changed to a frown as she continued the conversation. He had seen her like this perhaps once in all the time they had known each other. His brow furrowed as he listened closely, “That sounds rather ominous.” He wondered where it was heading and his body naturally tensed as if readying for a blow. “Life altering for whom?”

 

"In a way both of us but mostly yourself." Vilqa spoke in a calm manner, "Have you noticed the USS Tempest is in orbit?" Her fingers continued to trace the implement in her hand, "She recently completed an overhaul but as it now stands does not have body to fill the Captain's seat. It's been nagging at me as I have the responsibly of filling that vacancy."

 

Marcus listened, “Yes, they arrived last night I believe, though I haven’t been as up to speed with things as I usually am.” He listened as she continued, “There are plenty of able bodied people in the fleet, I’m sure you’ll be able to fill the vacancy soon.”

 

She sucked her lip a moment, "Marcus I have had to use great caution with this decision, I needed to ensure no matter what, I could without bias backup my decision."

 

He nodded, “It’s an important position and you have a lot of friends in the fleet.” He paused, seeing a look in her eye, then finally realizing where this might be leading.

 

"Marcus if you are willing and able I am offering you that seat." Her brow raised as her blue eyes focused to the taller male and his reaction.

 

He paused, taking a deep breath, a million thoughts racing through his mind; were there others more suited, the joy at being in space one more, the realizing they were asking him to be captain, and with that the great weight that comes with added responsibility…but knowing there was nothing he would like more than to take to the stars again, but that would mean leaving K’ylana.

 

He watched the admiral a moment longer, studying her as he began to think through all the repercussions, but she wouldn’t have made the offer if she hadn’t genuinely believed he was ready for it – of that he was sure. Finally, after what seemed an eternity he breathed out slowly, “I’ll take it Admiral Vilqa” His words were not hesitant, but firm and purposed, “If you think I’m able I will most definitely take it.”

 

"You are definitely able Marcus. And you also see my predicament as to not appear to do favours based on any relationship we may have." Vilqa explained.

 

“When are we scheduled to depart?” He queried, hoping it gave him time to at least talk it out a little more with K’ylana.

 

"As soon as possible. Specifically as soon as you determine your XO." Vilqa laid it on him, "I can help you make a short list if you need."

 

“That soon eh.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “Hopefully I don’t take this” He tapped his head, “With me when I leave the planet, I want to be whole, not two.”

She smiled toward him, "We all hope we can rid of that voice right now Marcus." The part klingon then stood straight, "It's unfortunate we have no time to arrange for formalities but time is of the essence and we need you in your new role sooner than we can arrange a shin-dig so please excuse the lack of fanfare."

 

Saladin nodded, “I understand…it’s happening quicker than I thought but I see the necessity. If you can send me a list of potential XO’s I’ll have one chosen by the end of the day.”

"Lieutenant Commander Marcus Saladin. With the power invested in me as Rear Admiral of the Lower Half of the Fourteenth Fleet I am officially promoting you to the rank of Acting Captain and bestow upon you all rights and privileges as the USS Tempest Commanding Officer." She pulled the appropriate solid pip from her pocket  that she had been carrying on the off chance she would act on her decision this night and placed it upon his collar. "Congratulations."

 

 

“Thank you Admiral.” He took a deep breath, looking at her squarely in the eye “Admiral, Captain…who would have thought it when we first arrived at Paradise.”

 

 

"Who would have known Marcus."

 

“I’ll be leaving without any goodbyes but I’ll be in touch soon. I promise.” He knew that she would know his promise was about more than just military official communication. “ And please send my regards to Cait, Toby and the others if I don’t see them.”

 

Vilqa nodded knowingly, "I am formally requesting a tour and inspection of your vessel before you depart Captain."

=.\=

Rear Admiral of the Lower Half K`ylana Vilqa, CO Fourteenth Fleet
aCaptain Marcus Saladin, CO USS Tempest