ENS Chevalier - Human or Monster in the sheep's clothing?
CPT Arianus
(( Starfleet Academy Campus, Delaria, Betazed ))
Dreadful days are always rainy. Today was rainy. Like the rain would whisper to us the ghost stories, hidden behind our insecurities, our pain, our... guilt. Behind the countless names of people we didn't know, written on walls honoring their sacrifice in the war already so distant, so forgotten, so personal to many, that the fact of there is already a generation of those, who was born, grew up and now serve in the fleet, could not be comprehended.
Jaseb let rain fall from the sky, let his uniform get soaked, as his fingers slowly read the names carved into the stone. Endless manifestation of endless lost, carved to remember meaningless war. Those names, ment people who one lived. Who laughed, who served, who loved, who dreamed, who fought. And died fighting. For something greater than them. For ideals, for their colleagues and friends. For unknown people, who relied on their protection. Not just here, on Betazed, but throughout the Federation.
His fingers went to another name, another life, which ended too soon. M'Cal'Tei; Lieutenant, thirty three years old. McBride, William; Cadet, nineteen. McBride, Thomas; Ensign, twenty three. McCarter, Jack; Commander, thirty nine. Names were going on and on and the wall just didn't end. It just didn't...
Someone reached up and squeezed his shoulder. Woke him up from his daydream. Dream which turned into a nightmare. Nightmare which was a reality. The people's everyday reality who had no idea what happened once, living in a world where this is a faded photo of a war that no longer interests anyone.
Black: Here you are. I was looking for you to pick you up for the ship party, and you were already gone.
Jaseb smiled and clamped a hand on his shoulder, kept silent as he continued to read the names.
Black wrapped his arms around Jaseb's waist, held Jaseb's hand and rested his chin on his shoulder in silence.
Black: Did you know someone?
Chevalier: No, not really. I am just myself, talking to myself, about myself. And her... ::let his finger rest on the name::
McMallard, Anna, Cadet, 2354-2374
Chevalier: I knew her brother. He was in my class. You know, at the Academy. Always talked about her a lot. How she always laughed, always was full of life, always talked about her vision of her life and her hopes and how she always helped others. How was she always here, when he needed help, always supportive and sacrificing for others. Saint Anna.
Black: ::grunts in agreement:: Yes, but we need to go, Jaseb. We can talk later about Anna. Let's go. ::whispers into Jaseb's ear::
(( The Fifth Chalice - Oxeania Commercial District, Tharazad Continent – Betazed ))
Jaseb was transported to the Fifth Chalice entrance. He almost never used the transporter if he had a chance - this a new experience firstly discovered at the Academy – as he was too old and too distrustful to this technology to actually and properly appreciate its value. Shuttle was a shuttle - reliant, and well known.
He stood there in his dress uniform, dry and tidy. Hair was combed and loose, shining. Face shaved, neutral in its superior and proud smile. Starfleet officer. Poster boy.
As he entered, most of the crew was already here. All senior officers, almost all junior ones, plus senior NCOs, even some enlisted. All well known faces engaged in the small talk and having fun.
Jaseb took a glass of something from the waitress offering the welcome drink. Hidden in the background, leaning against a pillar, he watched the latter. All that smiles, laughs and festivity. The carefreeness of being. Hope for tomorrow.
Noone saw the ghosts. Noone saw those who weren't here any more. Those killed by their facealikes. Those who sacrificed the most, for those standing and laughing here today. But Jaseb saw them. Saw their disfigured faces and bodies, smiling and laughing together with others. Walking in the crowd. Standing next to the tables. They were here, as if they never died...
Captain clinked the side of her glass with a fork and waited for the crew members to quiet down before she offered a smile.
MacKenzie: I’m glad to have you all here with us. Mr. Dakora introduced me to this bar a few days ago, and I’ve been thinking about it as a place to host a little awards celebration. As many of you know by now, Commander Yalu has needed to step away from his duties for the time being, and Commander Dakora has graciously accepted my offer to become our new First Officer. Would you please congratulate – and properly harass – him?
Crowd clamped to her firm and assured words. Jaseb too, as he approached the crowd.
Dakora: Thank you! Honored to serve. ::He smirked.:: And I look forward to the proper harassment.
MacKenzie: I hope you have all found time to rest, recharge, and take advantage of the hospitality offered by this beautiful world. There were a lot of traumas from our last mission – physical and emotional scars that no doubt run deep after being betrayed by, well, ourselves. But, I’m as proud now as I’ve ever been of how you continue to perform your duties in ways that no doubt make you among the best officers in Starfleet. (beat) Which is why we’re here tonight!
Jaseb stood already in the second line. Faceless with emotions, his palm face shone in the crowd. He even smiled as Commander Talos did a round handing them each one, he shaked hands with the commander and accepted his, ignoring the woman behind Commander in science uniform. He ignored her dead eyes, her head cracked open, her silent accusations and reproaches.
oO You killed her. You didn't even hesitate. For what? Answer me, for what?... No... No, not me, him... Oo
Commander returned to the Captain's side and she continued.
MacKenzie: I’d like to continue by calling Ensigns Z’Vahme, Kel, and Chevalier to the front, please.
Jaseb stepped forward. One step after another. He stood next to Z'Vahme and Kel in attention, hands behind his back, he faced the God and her right hand proudly and without hesitation.
MacKenzie: I haven’t had a formal opportunity to introduce the three newest officers to the rest of the senior staff. Ensign Z’Vahme will be joining us as our new helmsman, Ensign Chevalier in the operations department, and Ensign Kel as our newest security officer. Also, it is my great pleasure as your commanding officer to formally award you with the Starfleet Academy Graduate Ribbon. Would you please welcome our newest officers?
Commander made a new round, handed a new box with the ribbon to ensigns.
Kel: Thank you, sir. It’s a pleasure to join the crew.
Z’Vahme: Response
Chevalier: Thank you, sir. I'm honored to serve on Artemis.
Jaseb took his and shaked the Commander's hand, again. Smiled again. Firmly nodded. Again.
Ensigns turned on the spot to head back to the line. But Captain didn't end. There was more. More for Jaseb, at least.
MacKenzie: Mr. Chevalier, if you’d remain a moment… And if I could ask Commander Dakora, Lieutenant Yellir, and Ensign Savel to join him…
Commander stepped forward and placed himself on Jaseb's right. Lieutenant Yellir and Ensign Savel placed themselves next to Jaseb.
MacKenzie: You each faced particularly perilous circumstances on our last mission. ::looking at Savel:: The catastrophe in Sickbay… ::looking at Yellir:: Facing off with alt-Dakora in Engineering… ::looking at Chevalier and Dakora:: Trying to make sense of which me was the real me, and facing off against… whatever that cybernetic being of theirs was…
oO You see how she sees you? Monster. Killer. Someone worthy of contempt... Oo
Captain paused to look at each of them, taking a deep breath, before she continued.
MacKenzie: For the way each of you has handled your respective situations, I’m proud to award each of you the Good Conduct Ribbon.
Jaseb looked at others, as they stepped forward and took their medals.
Yellir: Response
Savel: Thank you, Captain.
Jaseb smiled at the captain, as he stepped and handed him the box.
Chevalier: Thank you, Captain. It's an honor. ::firmly nodded::
Dakora closed the rank and took his ribbon. Crowd was applauding them all. Like the horrors which happen would deserve a round of applause.
Dakora: Thank you, Captain. ::Beat.:: Here’s hoping you’re a little less murderous in other realities, if we ever encounter them.
With the award ceremony completed for all four, Commander returned next to the captain, with Jaseb, Yellir and Savel melted back into the crowd.
MacKenzie: Lieutenant Jovenan…
Medal ceremony may have ended for Jaseb, but not the ceremony itself. LTJG Jovenan stepped forward from the crowd, as now was her turn. Jaseb stepped back from the crowd to the nearby table.
MacKenzie: Lieutenant Jovenan…
Jaseb beamed to the ceremony. Jovenan was always nice and welcoming. If someone other than Dakora, she was the example he would follow.
MacKenzie: Lieutenant, without your scientific intuition and incredible work ethic, I’m not sure that we would have been able to figure out how the prismagons worked… and if we wouldn’t have been able to sort that out, I’m not sure we would have been able to send the Desdemona crew back to their universe. For your work, I hereby award you the Innovation Ribbon.
Jaseb started clapping, following the Captain's example, but the ribbon itself wasn't the only thing which Jovenan should be awarded, as it turned out.
MacKenzie: Not so fast…
Captain picked another box, circled the table and opened it facing Jovenan.
MacKenzie: Lieutenant JG Jovenan, you have continued to act in accordance with the best traditions of Starfleet. You have displayed good leadership qualities, mindfulness and empathy toward others, and you continue to serve as an example to be followed by everyone on this ship. It is both my duty and my privilege to promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant.
Captain removed the hollow pip from the scientist’s collar, and replaced it with the solid gold pip from inside the box.
MacKenzie: I also continue to be impressed with your creativity and your scientific ingenuity. On countless occasions, I think about how your contributions to our work have in some instances been singularly responsible for getting us out of tricky situations. And that’s why I can think of no better person to serve as our Chief Science Officer, effective immediately.
Jovenan: Th-thank you, sir!
Crowd was clapping the same as Jaseb and Captain. Jovenan made everyone proud. With the promotion, Captain released her back to the crowd, turned for the last box on the table and came with another, last name. Commander was beaming into the crowd, as he knew who was next. His interest couldn't be overlooked.
MacKenzie: There’s just one other matter. …Doctor Sadar?
Mizarian doctor made her way through the crowd, obviously anxious, as she approached the Captain and XO. But why?
MacKenzie: Doctor Sadar, you are… weird. When you came aboard the Artemis, you were timid, and skittish, and I’m pretty sure you were on the verge of wetting yourself every time I walked in the room.
Captain paused, leaving the space for her humorous pun to be appreciated. Jaseb didn't get it, but everyone else, who served with the Ensign Sadar longer, obviously did.
MacKenzie: But you are also an exceptional physician. I have watched the way you have interacted with your patients and the way you have started to form friendships with your colleagues. I have also seen the way you stand up for what you believe in, even if that means offering a dissenting opinion. Despite whatever insecurities you may have, I hope I no longer cause you any anxiety, as I believe you have the makings of an exceptional officer. One that has certainly earned my respect and the respect of everyone gathered here. It is my privilege as your commanding officer to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant JG.
Sadar: ::barely intelligible mumblings::
Jaseb watched the Ensign's ... no, the Lieutenant JG's barrels of intelligible mumblings as the Captain removed the hollow pip from the box, placed it on the Mizarian’s collar and patted her shoulders.
Jaseb joined the crowd with another lap of applause, still not understanding Sadar's hesitance as she got a promotion.
Sadar was released and she returned back, still obviously shaken by the event. Applause calmed, so the Captain could close the ceremony.
MacKenzie: Alright, that’s it! Food should be out shortly – congratulations to all of you!
Crowd began to disperse and created small groups of interest. Small talk started to resound in the room, carefree in all joy. Jaseb, lost in his thoughts, did not even notice Ensign Z'Vehme as he approached his table.
Z'Vehme: Response
Jaseb turned his eyes to the source of the voice, slightly woke up from his trance as he blinked.
Chevalier: Yes...of course, a nice event. What... ::looks from his half empty glass of welcome drink at the glass in Z'Vahme hands:: What are you drinking?
Z'Vahme: Response
Jaseb's possible answer was cut by Commander, who approached the two from behind and stood at the table.
Dakora: Congratulations on your first award, Mister Chevalier ::He shifted his gaze to the other man.:: And I hope you’re settling in Ensign Z’Vahme.
Jaseb looked at his glass, before he returned back to the Commander.
Chevalier: Thank you, sir. I hope there will be another to follow and I made Starfleet proud as Lieutenant Jovenan, sir.
Z’Vahme: Response
Commander took a sip of wine from his glass, just to finish it as both answered and he could continue with his questioning.
Dakora: Is this either of your first times on Betazed?
Jaseb nodded. For him, he saw a little. Elthari, Bayran, a couple planets around the sector when he was at Academy aboard the SB118. He never was in the heart of Federation, in the core worlds.
Chevalier: Yes, sir. First visit for me. I believe you are local, sir. Any places you would recommend to visit around? I saw just the leaflet recommendations, so for the next time we will visit this wonderful planet.
Dakora/Z’Vahme: Response
TAG/TBC