[Backsim] JP: Cmdr. Serala, Captains Delano, MacKenzie, Rahman, Cmdre. Taybrim, & President Chekov - We Prevailed
Addison MacKenzie
(( Champ de Mars Park, Paris, Earth ))
The aftermath of Frontier Day felt as involved as the build up to that fateful day, with massive coordination across Starfleet and other Federation agencies to handle the cleanup and salvage operations of the decimated fleet in Earth’s orbit. Starfleet Medical had called upon as many reserve and retired officers to come back to duty to handle the collective trauma a new generation of Starfleet officers were experiencing. And with the death of so many veteran officers and flag personnel, it was clear that while the cities of Earth may have been spared from destruction, Starfleet itself as an organization would never be the same again. In effect, the Borg and changelings had succeeded in destroying their nemesis – or at least very much what Starfleet had been.
With the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, the survivors of Frontier Day had assembled for a memorial service and address by Federation President Chekov.
Mei’konda had never been to Paris before. He’d flown over it a few times during shuttle training, many years ago when he was still a Cadet attending the Academy in San Francisco. The Eiffel Tower was an interesting structure, one that had a lot of history behind it. Many European cities and towns seemed to be that way, and the Caitian found the retention of history to be appealing.
It reminded him of a few places on Ferasa Prime, otherwise known as Cait, where sentient-made structures were more easily preserved. The planet’s many massive, humid jungles made preservation of anything of the sort difficult, at least without unacceptable levels of interference in their ecosystem.
Mei had arrived wearing his dress uniform. It seemed only appropriate, given that he wasn’t sure if he was going to be in trouble for the part he played in both ordering and enabling his First Officer, Serala, to steal the Chin’toka during the Frontier Day battle. He still wasn’t sleeping particularly well, but the slightly off-the-books activities he’d ordered in the Sol system on that day were the least of his worries.
Addison MacKenzie wasn’t used to finding herself in such distinguished company, let alone considering herself among their ranks. Still, she found comfort in their all being there. In the days and weeks after Frontier Day, she’d spent more than her fair share of time autopsying and identifying the dead… and notifying their next of kin. That this group of officers had gathered here on this day to listen to President Chekov speak meant that they might finally have reached a point where Starfleet considered itself capable of moving forward.
Serala had arrived ahead of schedule. No one had yet relieved her of command of the Chin’toka, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Several people, including Captain Delano, had assured her she should have nothing to worry about, but she was still worried. And not only that, but apparently the Caitian’s career was now on the line as well since he’d ordered her to take the ship.
But that all aside, there was a massive assembly being held here in the famous park and Serala was determined to ensure that she was present and that her crew was as well. She’d donned the dress uniform, and had asked Maria to watch the boys and T’Saara, who she had finally been able to reunite with a few hours ago. President Chekov was also set to speak and she had been quite impressed with the man for the brief time he’d been aboard, so she was eager to hear him speak again. She glanced around after checking her uniform’s grooming, and spotted Commodore Taybrom, Captain MacKenzie, Captain Rahman, and Captain Delano. Several other commanding officers were present as well, and other officers were starting to arrive and gather into their respective crews.
Sal Taybrim was fashionably late. While so many others had been working on the ground, he had been tasked with high level reports and coordinations, finding that the vast majority of the superior officers he used to report to were dead. There was a pang of sadness for that, the heavy weight of loss and the delay of the incomprehensible change that Starfleet was about to undertake.
And yet, within it, the slender Betazoid saw rays of hope. Starfleet had grown bloated and bureaucratic, there was dissent in the outer worlds of the Federation that had gone increasingly unaddressed over the past years leading to the rise in unrest, the predation of pirates and the formation of terrorist groups like Terra Prime. Taybrim was not the sort of man to dwell too long in the past. Once the grief was processed he would look towards the future, helping fresh young leaders shine, steadfast in the belief that they would build something better for the future.
Rahman: Commodore Taybrim!
The short Kriosian raised her arm to signal to StarBase 118’s CO where the other captains had gathered.
Taybrim: Captain Rahman! ::He grinned warmly:: It’s been an age.
If only this were a more joyous occasion. Beneath the smile there was sobriety, but that didn;t stop the Betazoid Commodore from enjoying some reunions.
Serala noticed Captain Rahman signal them over and began to make her way over, wondering if there had been any word on her status. She’d heard about the loss of the Kitty Hawk and wondered how the Captain was taking it. She smiled and nodded at each of them.
Mei had been sticking close to Serala. Perhaps it was something of a paternal, protective instinct over her. It wasn’t like she needed him to defend her, of course - really, it was the other way around, seeing as Serala could wipe the floor with him in a sparring session any day, anywhere.
But that didn’t mean he’d been any less irritated when, during some of the initial hearings directly after the attacks, a Rear Admiral or two had expressed misgivings about Serala’s actions, and Mei’konda’s words to them had cost him more than a little goodwill. He followed along with the half-Romulan, and inclined his head amicably toward them. Some, he knew by name. Others, just by reputation.
Addison offered a half-smirk.
MacKenzie: Who knew all it would take to get us in the same place would be a galactic disaster.
Serala: Captains, it’s good to see all of you on this momentous occasion.
Mei chuckled, wryly.
Mei’konda: I suppose that’s one word for it, isn’t it? But, yes. A pleasure to see you all.
Roshanara took a moment to look around the faces gathered of her fellow commanding officers.
Rahman: I must admit that I was worried I wouldn’t see some of you here… after the losses sustained in the higher ranks.
Addison nodded somberly.
MacKenzie: Something for which we should all be thankful.
Serala: It has been a big blow to all of Starfleet. But we’ll recover. We always do.
The Caitian drew in a deep breath, then exhaled it slowly.
Mei’konda: No matter how diifficult things get, it is indeed a dreaam worth fightiing for.
Taybrim: I will hold on hope. That despite the losses we have a bright future ahead and we can learn from what happened and turn our eyes to rebuilding forward.
Roshanara looked back over at Taybrim. There was at least one interesting note from the battle in terms of a strange sort of accolade.
Rahman: Commodore, not many can say they defeated the USS Enterprise.
Serala nodded in agreement with that sentiment. She’d just been about to square off against the much larger ship when Commodore Taybrim showed up to take it on. Eager, but grateful, Serala had diverted the Chin’toka to deal with other concerns, not envying the Commodore one bit.
By the time the Enterprise-F, thankfully already damaged and slated for decommissioning, had begun to approach from the space station, he was convinced the state of the Odyssey class starship hardly mattered. Astraeus was formidable, and under normal circumstances, perhaps even up to the task of holding her own. But they’d already separated the ship, were taking on refugees, and had sustained serious damage. Mei’konda recalled just how much of a welcome sight Taybrim’s Narendra had been.
Mei’konda: And let me saay once again, Commodore, how grateful we all were for the saave.
Sal Taybrim offered a slight, soft smile at the praise. The Narnedra was a tactical warship, lacking in the raw power of many of the other ships, but filled with options. Sal was proud of his crew and how well they adapted to everything the Enterprise threw at them, and in the end here they were, still standing.
Taybrim: I am grateful to be alive and reconnect with all of you. Thank you for your kind words.
MacKenzie: ::nodding slightly:: And for your service.
Rahman: Hmmph… I suppose I’m a bit jealous that all of you kept your commands intact. Kitty Hawk was not so fortunate… do you think losing only half a ship can avert the mandatory court martial?
Serala: You probably have better chances of that, Captain, than of avoiding one for stealing a starship.
Mei’konda cleared his throat, aiming a slight smile at the Kriosian woman.
Mei’konda: Who’s to saay she’s lost, Roshanara? The Enterprise D’s saucer crashed and her engineering section exploded, and yet…
Taybrim: I find that Starfleet has a way of rewarding those who do heroic things, even if it comes in… interesting ways.
MacKenzie: Must be payback for exiling me and Teller to Duronis II…
It was a bit of morbid humor, but it was very much needed on a day like this.
Finally, it was time for the official proceedings to begin, and the assembled officers took their places, while Taybrim went over to the stage to introduce the Federation President.
Standing there, at the edge of the stage, Commodore Sal Taybrim knew his role and he was prepared for it. He was a diplomat, and an experienced ranking officer, and a man who legitimately loved making speeches. The opposite of stage fright, and one of his crew had called it. And yet the scene was surreal. He was startled to find that he was the ranking officer. And the proud Captains he stood beside would now become some of the highest ranking members of the fleet. He looked around to cast glances at MacKenzie, Mei’Konda and Serala, realizing that they would be the people to pave the way forward. They would create the Starfleet of the future.
A sobering realization. But there was a job to do. He stepped towards the stand as calmly as ever and in his sonorous tones he swept a gesture across the crowd.
Taybrim: My friends. Honored Starfleet officers and every strong and abiding citizen of the Federation. I am glad you could all be here with us today.
There were layers of meaning in that statement, glad that those who survived could be there, be present, hear these words.
Taybrim: Please join me in welcoming Anton Chekov, President of the United Federation of Planets.
Anton Chekov took the stage after his introduction and made his way to the podium. This would be one of - with any luck the most - important speeches of his life. He took a moment to compose himself, gazing solemnly out on the assembled crowd. It was a massive crowd. With a glance down at his notes he began his speech.
Mei’konda watched, hands folded behind his back and expression sober as the Federation President took the stage. Chekov was the very reason why his fears about repercussions toward Serala - and himself - were not as serious as they could be. He wouldn’t be here if not for the Chin’toka, after all.
Chekov: Citizens of the Federation… and people of Earth, today we gather in sadness and grief to honor and mourn those we lost on Frontier Day. We also gather in hope and celebration and gratitude that we still have a Federation. That we survived the most serious existential threat to our freedom and our way of life in a generation. That the planet Earth, the cradle of humankind, was not destroyed, like so many other planets and peoples the Borg have destroyed. We prevailed!
He paused here for a cheer raised up from the crowd.
Chekov: But it was not without loss. And it was done in a most heinous way: our young, assimilated and used against us, against their will. A whole generation of young Starfleet officers scarred. I urge you to find forgiveness in your hearts for they knew not what they did. They are not the Borg, and it is only through unity that we can heal the wounds the Borg made upon us.
He glanced out over the crowd as he paused again. That last sentiment was not always popular with those who were looking for a target for their rage and couldn’t understand how thoroughly the Borg could subsume a drone’s will.
Mei’konda was sure that forgiveness would happen. If nothing else, on his ship, where things were under his direct control (more or less), he would make it happen. He would make those of them who didn’t experience the Borg’s control understand as much as was possible. Those young men, women, and others were, in his mind, the victims of this tragedy who had it the worst. Those who died, after all, were not here to feel the sorrow.
Chekov: In the coming weeks, months, and years we will investigate how this happened so that we can put in place policies to prevent it happening again. For now let us mourn the dead and honor the brave defenders of the Federation!
There was a light applause after the President had finished speaking before Fleet Admiral Joseph Washington took the stage next. The seasoned veteran of the Dominion War looked out into the audience before signalling for Commander Serala to come forward.
Serala wondered what this was about. Certainly the Admiral wasn’t going to demote her and sentence her in front of the assembly, so it had to be something else. Whatever the reason, she stepped forward and stood next to him as he began to speak.
Mei’s eyes briefly rested on Washington. He hadn’t spoken with the man in some time, but for a short while, Washington had been his commanding officer on Invicta. As a Lieutenant Commander and Chief of Operations, Mei’konda had spent a good amount of time with the man going over day to day operations of the ship. He was someone that Mei’konda was pleased to see wearing the pips of a Fleet Admiral, given what had just happened to the Federation.
His attention returned to Serala moments later, though. He exhaled a slow breath of relief that he didn’t realize he’d been holding. If the Caitian knew one thing, it’s that a Court Martial wouldn’t be handled this way. This was a good sign.
Washington: During the tragic events of that day, there was also moments of unparalleled bravery and leadership on display–leadership that Starfleet will need if it is to survive and move forward from all of this. One such leader we saw is the officer I’ve called to the stage now: Commander Serala.
Serala: :: coming to attention :: Yes, Admiral.
Washington: Commander, you took command of a Starfleet vessel without prior authorization from Starfleet Command. You misled other officers to crew that vessel.
Serala: Sir, that is correct, but the situation was urgent and we had no way of knowing who in Starfleet Command was compromised.
Mei’konda spoke up when Washington and Serala paused, voice loud and clear.
Mei’konda: Under my orders, Admiral. I told her to go to thaat ship. I told my officers to hack Chin’toka and her drydock’s security so that no tiime would be waasted, and I suggested to other Captains that I trusted to send a skeleton crew to worrk under my Fiirst Officer. Commander Serala and her crew have done nothing but follow the chain of command, and uphold Starfleet’s finest traditions in a criitical situation.
Washington: Your former commanding officer’s words notwithstanding, the truth is if you *had* waited for Command, more lives would have been lost. During the fleet’s most desperate hour, you did what you needed to do to ensure that we had a chance to–as President Chekov noted–prevail. As such, it is my pleasure on behalf of the admiralty to give you that formal commission as commanding officer of USS Chin’toka.
For one of only a very few times in her life, Serala was struck speechless. Incredulous and dumbfounded, she tried desperately to process what the Admiral had just said. When her words finally returned, she nodded and gave him a salute.
Serala: Yes, Admiral, and thank you. This means so much to me.
Mei’konda’s leanly muscled shoulders slumped in relief, and he lifted his hands up to enthusiastically applaud his First… no, his former First Officer.
Serala tried to avoid bouncing on her toes like a giddy schoolgirl who had just been asked to the prom, but it was taking every ounce of self restraint to do that. What she wasn’t able to do was keep the broad grin off her face.
Taybrim: Fantastic news, congratulations, Commander!
MacKenzie: ::nodding her head:: Congratulations, and well-deserved.
Roshanara smiled as she applauded in Serala’s direction.
Rahman: Congratulations, Commander.
The fleet admiral then looked back out towards the crowd of officers.
Washington: Each of your commanding officers have highlighted the bravery of your actions that day and will be proceeding with their own formal ceremonies. Thank you all, and may we always remember those who were lost and carry out our duties in honor of their sacrifice.
Mei’konda bowed his head slightly, then stepped through the crowd, closer to Serala. Meeting her eyes with his own blue ones, the Caitian reached up to offer her a hand. There was an old Earth military tradition that dictated that the commanding officer of a ship, no matter their actual military rank, was referred to in a specific way.
Mei’konda: Yes, congraatulations… Captain.
Sal Taybrim looked towards Serala warmly.
Taybrim: As I said, Starfleet has a way of rewarding exceptional heroics. Congratulations, Captain. You have earned it!
Serala: I just can't believe it! Me, a starship Captain. And the Chin'toka no less!
END
Captain Mei’konda Delano
CO, USS Astraeus
M239002M10
Captain Addison MacKenzie
USS Artemis
V239601AM0
Commander Serala
USS Chin’toka
A239412S10
Captain Roshanara Rahman
CO, USS Kitty Hawk
I238705TZ0
Commodore Sal Taybrim
CO, StarBase 118 Ops
E239010ST0
&
Special Guest President Anton Chekov
As written by T’AmaC240004T11