Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen - Time to step down from the gallows (part 2)

[CPT Arianus]

(( Elysium – Deck 6, USS Artemis-A ))

MacKenzie: Lieutenant Commander Jovenan.

The chief scientist's name pierced through the darkness in Oli's mind like a comet's light. The ensign lifted his gaze and looked around to locate the captain. She was once more at the bar, holding a glass... and the ceremony - as it looked - continued.

MacKenzie: Commander, I don’t think anyone was more surprised to find out that I’d named you our Chief Science Officer than you were. I believed then, and still believe now, that you were the right person for the job. Your dedication to and passion for science are admirable, and the way you advocate for those in your department and their projects is respectable. I continue to be impressed by your work, and the seriousness with which you take the position. Therefore, it is my privilege to award you the Department Chief Ribbon.

Bergmen instantly adopted a joyful expression and started clapping. From everything Ollie had learned about her, Commander Jovenan truly earned this award for her relentless efforts.

Jovenan: Response

Ollie continued to gaze at the commander as the captain called out to another.

MacKenzie: Lieutenant Commander Dakora.

Bergmen quickly glanced at the first officer and intensified his applause. FO was a good fella; he liked him.

MacKenzie: Commander, a Federation starship can’t function well without a stable leadership team. That involves a series of department chiefs who are not only passionate about their fields of expertise, but a first officer whose job it is to corral them all, coordinate their needs, earn their trust… ::nodding to prove the point:: And mine. It is safe to say you have done all of that, and then some. For your length of dedicated service as this vessel’s first officer, I hereby award you the First Officer Ribbon.

Dakora: Thank you, Captain. This– this means a lot to me.

With another name, this ceremony segment began to resemble a captain gathering all her commanders to check if they were still present.

MacKenzie: Lieutenant Commander Salkath.

Olli found his thoughts amusing for reasons he couldn't pinpoint, and he nearly chuckled aloud as Salkath approached their Goddess with a serious face.

MacKenzie: Commander, it has been formally brought to my attention that which I have already known – that you have been doing good work and have earned the respect of your colleagues, especially in offering guidance and leadership after the abrupt departure of Lieutenant Yellir. Since she left, Engineering has been without a formal leader… Based on the reports of your colleagues and what I have been able to observe in our time together, I would like to formally offer you the job… Chief.

Salkath: I am honored by the assignment, Captain. Thank you.

Everyone clapped, including Ollie. However, the captain still had more to say. Bergmen saw her eyes locked onto him, and at that moment, his earlier joy and laughter vanished into an internal hush, where fear and worries liked to nestle.

MacKenzie: ::flatly:: Ensign Bergmen.

Although horror engulfed his mind, years of Starfleet drill took over the young ensign's body, prompting him to move closer to the captain.

MacKenzie: ::flatly:: Ensign Bergmen.  ::watching the junior officer approach::  Mr. Bergmen, your contributions to the crew have not gone unnoticed. Your work has earned the attention of your superior officers, so much so that they recommended you be considered for advancement. Despite your short service on board, I’m inclined to agree. ::removing the hollow pip from the box on the bar:: Therefore, it is my privilege to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Congratulations!

Bergmen: It’s an honor, ma’am. I will strive to meet your expectations.

Though he heard his own words, they felt distant, as if spoken by another. She let him slip away, and he joined the throng. Hearing the applause ring in his ears still felt surreal.

MacKenzie: Please, stay a while and socialize before we head out on our next mission. One more hand for our all our honorees!

As Ensign Bergmen took a seat at a nearby table, the music resumed. Time appeared to accelerate, and the once-muted voices and music became loud and vivid.

At that moment, a wave of realization washed over him. He had done it. He was... Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen burst into joyous laughter, only to be interrupted by a gasp as fresh air rushed into his lungs, having forgotten to breathe for what felt like a minute...or two…


TAG/TBC

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Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1