Lieutenant Divya Tam: Cheers to the Astraeus
Kara Clark
(( Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus ))
(( Time skip - toward the end of celebrations ))
Most people had gone for the nacelles. They were not load-bearing, so they could be disassembled without toppling the entire structure. Divya, however, had been true to her word and calculated where the security complex on deck five would be located.
At first, the awards ceremony had been somber. While the crew was proud of each other's accomplishments, they were sad and reluctant to talk about being separated. The captain's announcement that their beloved home would not be decommissioned after all immediately lifted the spirits of many. Some left after that to mourn in private, but many stayed to celebrate. It was as if one piece of good news was enough to allow people to put aside their anxiety about the future for an hour or so and have fun.
Knowing the ship had a future allowed them to slice into the Astraeus shaped cake and enjoy the moment. The second announcement about the captain's future plans slipped a small bit of their sense of security back in place. Their anchor would still be somewhere out there within reach.
Divya's piece of coconut security office had been delicious. The passion fruit and mango compote that filled the climbing wall had been a delightful surprise, but her mouth was full of sweetness that needed to be washed away. The fancy coffee machine provided her a steaming mug of espresso that did the trick and gave her the opportunity to challenge Rosek-Skyfire to a game of Fizzbin. She didn't get her answer because the captain's booming voice cut through the crowd's chatter.
Mei’konda: Everyone, I haave just one final piece of business. I know, I saaid that before, but… this time, it’s for real. Lael, Divya, would you joiin me for a moment up by the dais?
She gave Lael a confused look.
Tam: Do you know what this is about?
Rosek-Skyfire: Responses
Divya, hopped up on sugar and caffeine, hopped up on the dais and gave Mei'konda a nervous grin.
Mei’konda: Divya, you proved yourself in your fiirst days on Astraeus in quite a few waays, not the least of which is the fact that you saaved my life. I want to tell you how graateful I am for your service aboard the Astraeus, and I’m very confident you’ll serve your next Captain just as well. I’ve been communicaating with Starfleet Command…
Divya's grin turned into a shy smile, and she blushed at his attention and kind words. Her heart jerked when he said next captain. The cake couldn't fend off reality forever.
Mei’konda: …Well, it’s not official yet, but expect it to catch up with you on your next assignment. I’d like to informally promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. There are some logistics hurdles still beiing worked out, but your next Captain will have the official pip for you, Divya.
Her mouth fell open, and her eyes almost popped out of her head. She had not expected this. For him to go to the effort of putting her in for a promotion with all that was going on was more than her brain could comprehend. Her body, however, had no problem understanding the meaning, and her vision blurred as her eyes watered.
Tam: Tha….Thank you, Sir. I ….
A tear fell down her cheek. The warmth reminded her to control herself.
Tam: It has been an honor, Sir. I will make you proud.
He bowed his head slightly, and she did the same.
Mei’konda: I’m graateful for this to be one of my last official acts as Captain, such as it were. And Lael. We must haave a little talk as well.
He turned his attention to his first officer, and Divya took the opportunity to compose herself..
Mei’konda: Congraatulations again on your growing faamily, Lael. I don’t know that I could contiinue in deep space serviice with one child, nevermind three. But, there is a far overdue task we both must attend to.
The box he opened held a single gold pip.
Mei’konda: For consistent dedicaation to your crew and ship in the line of duty. For honoraable behavior in the fiinest traditions of Starfleet and the Federation. For valor and a willingness to sacrifiice for those around you, I am honored to help you finally reach this milestone in your career. Lael Rosek-Skyfire, it is finally official. I am promoting you to the rank of full Commander, effectiive immediately.
Mei’konda grasped Lael’s hand and smiled as he give her the pip. Divya could not stop another tear from escaping.
Mei’konda: Congraatulations, Commander. And everyone… thank you for all you’ve done.
Rosek-Skyfire: Responses
Divya stepped up the dais and pulled a box out of the bottom cabinet. She walked up the Mei'konda.
Tam: Sir, if I may. This is from the crew.
She opened the box and pulled out a miniature replica of The Astraeus. The phaser strip ring on the top of the saucer section has been replaced with several rings comprised of the signatures of his crew. Every member of his crew from the time he first stepped onto the bridge until today had contributed. The base of the stand was covered in the names of the missions he had commanded here.
Mission of Mercy
To Seek Out New Life
Over the Rainbow
Diplomatic Incident
Frontier Day
Strange New Worlds
Whispers In the Green
Tam: Thank you for showing us the way.
Divya was not one for big speeches, so she handed him the tribute and started a round of clapping.
Any: Responses
Lieutenant Divya Tam
Security Tactical
USS Astraeus
A240104DT4
She/Her (character and player)