Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen - What is past is prologue

[CPT Arianus]

(( Elysium, Deck 6, USS Artemis ))

Shore leave usually was in nice places.
Risa.
Betazoid..
Gideon…
Even Bajor could be called a shore leave destination by some...
…or SB224 - at least there was leave if not shore… But this, here and now?

There was definitely no shore, and no one even tried to mention anything about leave. Sometimes there was a party in Elysium, but those started to feel more like a fun-is-mandatory type of thing. Or you might get an hour in the holodeck, if you were lucky enough to get on the ever-growing waiting list, where spots vanished as quickly as gold-pressed latinum in front of a Ferengi. A few lucky ones managed to steal some moments for themselves in the ship’s quieter corners, but even those spots were getting harder to find. There always seemed to be more people than privacy on spaceships.

And that was all. After that, the only thing left was work…

…so when the invitation for yet another “party” in Elysium arrived, one hosted by the captain no less, Ollie put on his best face mask for the event in the theme of “happiness is mandatory”, and went. In the end, attendance was mandatory, he heard.

But as soon as the “celebration” started, he realized how important it is to always read the fine print.

MacKenzie: I'm sure you're probably wondering why I've asked you all here... It's because I've got great news: we're getting the hell out of here! (beat) ::holding up her hands:: By the grace of the Judge Advocate General, the Federation Diplomatic Corps, and whatever gods you all believe in, the Nasciak have decided that no prosecution is necessary and we're free to go!

The applause after that announcement was more than loud and enthusiastic. Some took it to the next level, even.

Bancroft: Thank God.

Imril: About [expletive deleted] time! ::Realizing they said that outloud:: Uh, I mean, I am pleased that the diplomatic process has succeeded as I always know it would.

Ollie giggled and almost spit out his drink at those words from Imril. His eyes started to water as his lungs tried not to drown.

Any: Response

MacKenzie: Before we get while the getting's good, Starfleet felt it appropriate to offer several commendations for our work on the last mission. (beat) For everyone who participated in the last mission, Starfleet has awarded the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon for solving the mystery of the Afalqi and the Romulan Campaign Ribbon for discovering and thwarting Havun and the Romulans' involvement.

The applause was already a bit quieter than before as the Captain handed out the boxes with the ribbons. Ollie didn’t care much about the Investigation Ribbon, since it was his second. What caught his eye was the Romulan Campaign Ribbon, not just because there were almost no Romulans to lead a campaign against, but more because he liked its playful colors.

Bancroft: You’d think they’d weigh more, for all they represent.

Jaran: And be twice the size.

Bergmen melancholically smiled hearing those words from younger officers as he closed the case with ribbons.

Bergmen: Don’t worry, Ensign. Before you know it, you'll have twice as many ribbons.

oO Whatever you will want them then, is a totally different question… Oo

Gideon left it there and listened to the continuous ceremony.

Any: Response

MacKenzie: First, for their length of service in their respective duty posts, I'm pleased to present the Department Chief Ribbon to Commander K'Wara, and the First Officer Ribbon to Commander Munro.

Ollie started clapping as both officers stepped before the captain.

Munro: Thank you, Captain.

K'Wara: Thank you, Sir.

MacKenzie: Next, against my better judgment and in spite of the loss of my Captain's Skiff, I'm pleased to award the Starfleet Medal of Commendation to Commander Silveira, and Lieutenants Imril and Bergmen for choosing peace and avoiding conflict with the Nasciak at all costs.

K'Wara: ::inelegant snorting laugh::

When Bergmen heard his name, he set his glass down on the table and moved closer to the captain to meet his co-awardees, and twice as many ribbons, which he had not longed for.

Imril: Thank you, Captain.

Bergmen: It’s an honor, ma’am.

Silveira/Any: Response

Leaving the stage back in the applause of others didn’t feel rewarding. Ollie exchanged a few smiles with those who passed and returned to his glass.

MacKenzie: Likewise, the team who covertly infiltrated the Afalqi and were able to successfully help the Artemis, I'm pleased to award the Intelligence Star Ribbon to Commanders Munro and K'Wara, and Ensign Tarsan.

Munro: This is one I didn't think I'd ever get. Thank you, sir.

Tarsan: Thank you, Captain! I might need some advice on how to attach them…

K'Wara: ::amused smile:: Don't worry, you'll get plenty of practice.

Any: Response

Words from Ensign Tarsan brought a little joy to the audience, who rewarded them with applause that the ribbon and its recipient definitely deserved.

MacKenzie: And for the team who directly confronted Havun and did their best to stop the thalaron threat, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award goes to Commander Jovenan, Lieutenant Storm, Ensign Breys, and Lieutenant Cole, who has been transferred to serve on the USS Constitution.

Mention of Cole hurt. Her absence was tangible. Three stepped in front of the captain, where there should have been four.

Breys: Thank you, sir!

Storm: Thank you, Captain.

Jovenan: Thank you, Captain. ::smiles:: It took a lot of work to keep our joint team united.

Any: Response

Three returned to their tables, applause filled the room, and the ceremony still did go on.

MacKenzie: Lastly, to the group of medical officers who were responsible for combatting the thalaron radiation poisoning as well as their work to save Havun and Falon, Starfleet has awarded the Medical Science Ribbon to Doctors Bancroft, Ikaixar, Jaran, and myself.

Given how dangerous the thalaron radiation was, Ollie was glad yet engrossed by the fact that all who came to Sickbay that day had survived.

Breys: ::Quietly to Jaran:: You did a great job. Thank you.

Bancroft: Thank you, ma'am. ::nodding to Ikaixar and Jaran:: Well earned, both of you.

Jaran: Thanks, D'tin. And thank you, sir. Roy. Sir.

Ikaixar/Any: Response

It seemed the large, bulky boxes with most of their ribbons had run out, leaving only the small ones. Ollie was sure what that meant.

MacKenzie: Now, I have some more specialized ribbons to present... ::picking up two boxes and moving toward Tarsan:: Ensign Tarsan, you demonstrated incredible ingenuity when trying to adapt the Da'al thoughtwave technology, and so I hereby award you the Innovation Ribbon.

Tarsan: Oh! Thank you, sir! It was certainly interesting tech…

K'Wara: ::hand megaphone:: Next time, let's avoid the concussions, eh? ::joins the applause::

Imril: Well earned!

Storm: Congratulations, Ensign!

Gideon joined Imril in applause and encouragement.

Bergmen: This is how you make engineering! Congratulation!

Any: Response

But that wasn’t the last ribbon of the day… There was one more awaiting Ensign Breys.

MacKenzie: Ensign, you showed incredible skill and willingness to adapt to whatever the field had to offer you, including your ability to assist medical officers in the field. I'm pleased to award you the Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon. ::she handed the ribbon over during the applause, then her face grew serious:: And I also have to acknowledge the mortal danger you were in when exposed to the thalaron radiation while carrying out your duty - much more so than the rest of. The Purple Heart is not an award I give frequently, or for little bumps and bruises sustained on the job, but you most certainly have earned it.

Breys: I- Uh. Thank you. Sir.

Storm: Well deserved, Ensign.

MacKenzie: And, for your continued contributions and good work aboard the Artemis, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade with all the rights and privileges therein.

If ribbon brought applause, the promotion came with the storm.

Breys: ::quietly:: Thank you sir.

Tarsan: Wooo! GO BREYS!

K'Wara: ::eagerly joins in:: Woo Woo!

Bancroft: ::whistling:: Yes, D’tin! Way to go!

Once things quieted down, Dr Bancroft raised a glass.

Bancroft: Lieutenant Breys. ::a beat, smiling:: Nice sound to it. Congratulations.

Imril: Congrats!

Jaran: Running off and leaving me all alone. Again. But seriously, congrats! You earned it.

Jovenan: ::nods:: Well done, Lieutenant.

Bergmen: Ready for your new quarters, Lieutenant?

Any: Response

With LtJG Breys clearing the podium, the Captain turned towards Dr Bancroft.

MacKenzie: Lieutenant, it should come as no surprise that I hold the medical officers under my command to a higher standard than the rest of the crew, which is to say, they need to be damn near exceptional. In your time here, you've demonstrated that you are capable of rising to meet the moment, as you once again did when you saved the Da'al security member, thus further promoting positive relations with them. As a result I hereby award you the Lifesaving Ribbon.

Bancroft: ::after a beat:: Thank you, ma'am. Truly.

Jaran: The goal of any doctor. Congratulations, sir.

Any: Response

MacKenzie: It's also come to my attention by way of Doctor Morgan's incessant nagging that he is very disinterested in continuing to serve as this ship's Chief Medical Officer. Since I can't stand to listen to him any longer, I'm movin him into the role of ship's surgeon and you'll serve as the new CMO. (beat) And, in recognition of continued exemplary service, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Ollie let out a quiet "wow" before the sound was lost in the applause. Promoted to full grade lieutenant and elevated to division chief... if anyone deserves it, it was him.

Bancroft: I had a response ready for a ribbon, but this... ::a breath; his eyes moved briefly across the medical staff before returning to MacKenzie:: Thank you, ma'am. I don’t take your trust lightly.

K'Wara: Welcome to the top brass, Roy!

Imril: You earned it, pal!

Jaran: Finally. Now you can do the paperwork and leave the glory to me and Ikaixar.

Jovenan: Congratulations, Lieutenant!

Any: Response

The Captain let it seem like this was all, yet Munro stepped in.

Munro: One more? Since we're having so much fun?

The Captain let the XO go on.

Munro: Ensign Jaran, please step forward.

Jira stepped forward with noticeable reluctance, as she wouldn’t want to be called on.

Munro: You have served the crew of the Artemis diligently since the moment you arrived, and we hereby promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and privileges therein. :: Congratulations, Jira.

Now LtJG Jaran stayed silent, saying nothing to applause and cheer from behind.

Breys: Yay Jira!!!!!!!

Tarsan: Go Dr. Jaran!

Bancroft: Congratulations, Jira. Well earned.

Imril: Hear, hear! Again!

Storm: Well done, Jira!

Jovenan: Good job, Lieutenant!

It took a while, but then she finally spoke.

Jaran: Thank you, sir. Sirs. Thank you all.

Any: Response

With the last ribbon, with the last promotion, the table was empty, and the ceremony was coming to an end…

MacKenzie: Congratulations to all of you on a job well done! Feel free to linger and enjoy some time together before we get our next set of orders from Starfleet.

Więcek: ::Loudly:: Congratulations everyone!

Any: Response

Mengling could finally begin. Ollie lifted his glass and moved toward the bar, close to Imril, hoping for a few words before someone else will come to start a conversation. He didn’t get the chance. Commander K'Wara was right behind.

K'Wara: ::raises their glass in greeting:: Good evening, both of you.

Imril: Hi. Congratulations again.

Gideon sighed.

Bergmen: Commander, good evening to you too.

Tamio, playful as ever, kept the conversation going.

K'Wara: Thank you, and likewise. ::glances to Bergmen:: I've heard a little bird sing that there was a betting pool on whether I'd finally be the Chief to stick around long enough to get the thing. Hope you didn't lose any Holodeck slips there, Ollie. ::winks::

Those words drew a puzzled glance from Imril.

Bergmen: Yes, you stuck with us long enough to be honored and remembered, Commander Tamio K’Wara. ::winks back::

K'Wara: ::to Imril:: Did you hear about his latest experiment yet? It's a doozy! ::takes a swig::

Imril: You mean the aeroshuttle that he’s been building with Garvin? Yeah, I’m aware.

Yes, the aeroshuttle. It was only a few days away from being finished and ready for its real test. But it looked like they would have to leave this sector before it was done, and then they would need to dock somewhere long enough near a suitable planet for him and Tarsan to test how it handled in the atmosphere.

Bergmen: I believe the commander thinks the other one. (beat) I’m leaving Operations for Team Bancroft, in a sort of way.

The answer came as a visible surprise to Imril. The expression on their face made it obvious.

Imril: You’re… Doing what, now?

Bergmen: Once we receive our new orders, I will move under Commander Lux. Counseling.

K’Wara: Response

Imril: Well, I suppose that explains some of the books I’ve seen in your quarters.

Yeah, books. There were a lot of them he needed to study, and even more to come.

Bergmen: Guilty as charged… (beat) … guilty as charged. Some roads lead to an end, and some ends are a new beginning.

K’Wara: Response

Imril: As lateral career moves go, that’s… different. Not bad. Just different.

Ollie didn't know exactly how to answer that. He had a feeling at first, and that feeling led to effort, and that effort led to action. And now? Now he felt that things were just exactly as they should be.

K’Wara: Response

Imril clasped his hand, and Ollie glanced at them with a warm smile. They understood. He hoped they did.

Imril: Good luck with it. I’m sure K’Wara’s going to have their work cut out for them replacing you.

Gideon laughed. He was quite sure they would not have that much of the work. There was always someone else behind the door waiting for their opportunity.

Bergmen: As one man once said with deep wisdom - You never know what you have until you lose it… ::glance to Commander:: You have already like five candidates, are you?

K’Wara: Response

Ollie laughed, clinking glasses with Commander.

Bergmen: No one is irreplaceable in the big cogs of things. To others? Always. But never to the system.

K’Wara/Imril: Response

Bergmen glanced to Commander, to their eyes and soul.

Bergmen: So, Commander, tell me. What will be your first thought when you see this face in teal? And be honest.

K’Wara/Imril: Response


TAG/TBC

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