Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell: The Gathering - Part 2
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Chris M
Aug 5, 2025, 4:21:08 PM8/5/25
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((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus))
((Mini timejump))
Caldwell had spent the intervening time in his natural state at a party, well his natural state at a party when he wasn't look for... companionship. He stood near the bar, nursing his Saurian brandy, and observing the social currents of the room. Small talk was not his forte.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
S’Rorr: Response
Caldwell: I'm not sure, what do you think, Captain?
Mei’konda: Response
Munshi: Response
Before they could continue the conversation they were interrupted by the clinking of a glass against glass, the universal signal that they all understood perfectly. Someone had something to say.
Tam: Yes, tell us already.
Shortrith: ::mainly to self:: I wonder what the news is…
He turned with the rest of the room, his expression neutral but attentive, his gaze settling on Lael Rosek-Skyfire. The vague promise of an announcement had hung over the party since it began, now it was clear that the moment had arrived.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::clears her throat:: As you all know, Chythar and I have an announcement. But first–I wanted you all to hear from me. After some long, hard conversations, Chythar and I have decided it would be best for me to step back as first officer. ::smiles:: It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for being the best crew a first officer could ask for. It has been an honor serving with each of you.
He was shocked, he knew the Astraeus was likely to be in the yard for a little while, if Lael was moving on to bigger and better things he could understand it but stepping back? He stood there, motionless, the brandy in his hand forgotten as his mind raced through the immediate, chaotic implications for the ship's chain of command until a successor was found.
oO I'm going to have so much paperwork, Lael... how could you do this to me? Oo
He hated his own paperwork, the thought of having to pick up the slack for a senior officer was not something that appealed to him.
Rosek-Skyfire: With that said, Chythar and I received word a few days ago that our family of four will be expanding to be a family of six.
The second announcement came as a surprise, albeit one that helped go some of the way to explaining the first. It wasn't a transfer, neither a promotion nor a reprimand. It was a choice. He hoped it was a well considered choice. Starfleet might not always be the ideal environment when it came to having and raising children, there was no need for her to stand down. With that being said he did accept that the job was likely hard enough without having to deal with twins. He quickly joined the applause, a smile forming on his lips.
Ral: Congratulations, both of you!
Shortrith: Congrats, you two. I wish you all the best.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
S'Rorr: Congratulations!
He saw the mix of joy and surprise on the faces around him. It was not only a big moment for Lael and Chythar but also a moment of profound change for the entire crew. He waited for a lull in the initial wave of congratulations before offering his own.
Caldwell: Congratulations, Lael. Chythar. That's wonderful news... twins though? You really do love a challenge don't you?
Mei’konda: Response
Munshi: Response
As the initial wave of congratulations spread through the room, Caldwell’s gaze drifted across the crowd. He caught a flicker of movement, spotting Ensign Shortrith slipping away from the main group and making their way to the back of the lounge to join Lieutenant Tovaan
Tam: Twins!
Veylek: Congratulations. I am sure you will be missed by many, though.
C. Skyfire: Goes with the territory of Starfleet, I think. Friendships are forever.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Veylek: I haven’t been with the crew for very long compared to some of the others, but you have been a pleasure to work alongside and I have been proud to serve under you. I wish you a long and prosperous future.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
S'Rorr: Thank you for inviting me to the party. It's really, really lovely. You both look very handsome. Are you excited?
C. Skyfire: Beyond words. A bit shocked at having twins though.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
S'Rorr: A toast! To new family, new friends, and new frontiers.
Tam: Hear, hear. Congratulations on your new family members and the new path your life will take.
C. Skyfire: Thank you. We’ll need all the luck we can get.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Ral: Sorry but I need to leave. I’ll catch up with you all later.
Caldwell watched as the lounge door slide shut behind Ral, the cheerful buzz of the party suddenly feeling hollow to him, replaced by a feeling of concern for the Chief Engineer. He wasn't entirely sure what it was that had led to his reaction but it looked like something wasn't right.
Caldwell: Is he ok?
He wasn't sure whether any of the others had picked up on the abruptness of Ral's departure.
Munshi / Mei’konda: Response
S’Rorr / Shortrith / Wright / Tovaan: Response
He gave the others space to offer their personal congratulations and ask questions, his mind focused on Wyatt Ral, trying to figure out what it could have been that might have upset him. He knew that the two of them had served together for a period of time but he wasn't aware that Wyatt was that close to Lael.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Alentonis: It's been fun, commanders. We'll be in touch, regardless where you wind up.
C. Skyfire: Thanks, Tim. Always a pleasure.
Munshi: Response
Someone had to go and check on their Chief Engineer but, for obvious reasons, neither Mei'konda nor Lael could leave. Following a quick process of elimination that left only one logical candidate. He placed his empty brandy glass on the bar. He would catch up with Lael and Chythar properly later, once this was handled.
Caldwell: Sorry all, I just have to go check on something.
He gave the Captain a single, discreet nod, silently signalling his intent and hoping that the Captain would 'cover' for him should anyone question his own exit.
Mei’konda: Response
Happy that the Captain took his meaning he proceeded with purpose towards the exit, leaving the party behind.
((End scene for Caldwell))
((Mini timejump))
Caldwell had spent the intervening time in his natural state at a party, well his natural state at a party when he wasn't look for... companionship. He stood near the bar, nursing his Saurian brandy, and observing the social currents of the room. Small talk was not his forte.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
S’Rorr: Response
Caldwell: I'm not sure, what do you think, Captain?
Mei’konda: Response
Munshi: Response
Before they could continue the conversation they were interrupted by the clinking of a glass against glass, the universal signal that they all understood perfectly. Someone had something to say.
Tam: Yes, tell us already.
Shortrith: ::mainly to self:: I wonder what the news is…
He turned with the rest of the room, his expression neutral but attentive, his gaze settling on Lael Rosek-Skyfire. The vague promise of an announcement had hung over the party since it began, now it was clear that the moment had arrived.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::clears her throat:: As you all know, Chythar and I have an announcement. But first–I wanted you all to hear from me. After some long, hard conversations, Chythar and I have decided it would be best for me to step back as first officer. ::smiles:: It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for being the best crew a first officer could ask for. It has been an honor serving with each of you.
He was shocked, he knew the Astraeus was likely to be in the yard for a little while, if Lael was moving on to bigger and better things he could understand it but stepping back? He stood there, motionless, the brandy in his hand forgotten as his mind raced through the immediate, chaotic implications for the ship's chain of command until a successor was found.
oO I'm going to have so much paperwork, Lael... how could you do this to me? Oo
He hated his own paperwork, the thought of having to pick up the slack for a senior officer was not something that appealed to him.
Rosek-Skyfire: With that said, Chythar and I received word a few days ago that our family of four will be expanding to be a family of six.
The second announcement came as a surprise, albeit one that helped go some of the way to explaining the first. It wasn't a transfer, neither a promotion nor a reprimand. It was a choice. He hoped it was a well considered choice. Starfleet might not always be the ideal environment when it came to having and raising children, there was no need for her to stand down. With that being said he did accept that the job was likely hard enough without having to deal with twins. He quickly joined the applause, a smile forming on his lips.
Ral: Congratulations, both of you!
Shortrith: Congrats, you two. I wish you all the best.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
S'Rorr: Congratulations!
He saw the mix of joy and surprise on the faces around him. It was not only a big moment for Lael and Chythar but also a moment of profound change for the entire crew. He waited for a lull in the initial wave of congratulations before offering his own.
Caldwell: Congratulations, Lael. Chythar. That's wonderful news... twins though? You really do love a challenge don't you?
Mei’konda: Response
Munshi: Response
As the initial wave of congratulations spread through the room, Caldwell’s gaze drifted across the crowd. He caught a flicker of movement, spotting Ensign Shortrith slipping away from the main group and making their way to the back of the lounge to join Lieutenant Tovaan
Tam: Twins!
Veylek: Congratulations. I am sure you will be missed by many, though.
C. Skyfire: Goes with the territory of Starfleet, I think. Friendships are forever.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Veylek: I haven’t been with the crew for very long compared to some of the others, but you have been a pleasure to work alongside and I have been proud to serve under you. I wish you a long and prosperous future.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
S'Rorr: Thank you for inviting me to the party. It's really, really lovely. You both look very handsome. Are you excited?
C. Skyfire: Beyond words. A bit shocked at having twins though.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
S'Rorr: A toast! To new family, new friends, and new frontiers.
Tam: Hear, hear. Congratulations on your new family members and the new path your life will take.
C. Skyfire: Thank you. We’ll need all the luck we can get.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Ral: Sorry but I need to leave. I’ll catch up with you all later.
Caldwell watched as the lounge door slide shut behind Ral, the cheerful buzz of the party suddenly feeling hollow to him, replaced by a feeling of concern for the Chief Engineer. He wasn't entirely sure what it was that had led to his reaction but it looked like something wasn't right.
Caldwell: Is he ok?
He wasn't sure whether any of the others had picked up on the abruptness of Ral's departure.
Munshi / Mei’konda: Response
S’Rorr / Shortrith / Wright / Tovaan: Response
He gave the others space to offer their personal congratulations and ask questions, his mind focused on Wyatt Ral, trying to figure out what it could have been that might have upset him. He knew that the two of them had served together for a period of time but he wasn't aware that Wyatt was that close to Lael.
Rosek-Skyfire: Response
Alentonis: It's been fun, commanders. We'll be in touch, regardless where you wind up.
C. Skyfire: Thanks, Tim. Always a pleasure.
Munshi: Response
Someone had to go and check on their Chief Engineer but, for obvious reasons, neither Mei'konda nor Lael could leave. Following a quick process of elimination that left only one logical candidate. He placed his empty brandy glass on the bar. He would catch up with Lael and Chythar properly later, once this was handled.
Caldwell: Sorry all, I just have to go check on something.
He gave the Captain a single, discreet nod, silently signalling his intent and hoping that the Captain would 'cover' for him should anyone question his own exit.
Mei’konda: Response
Happy that the Captain took his meaning he proceeded with purpose towards the exit, leaving the party behind.
((End scene for Caldwell))
==========/\==========
Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell
Mission Specialist & 2nd Officer
USS Astraeus, NCC-70652
A240101CC1
Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell
Mission Specialist & 2nd Officer
USS Astraeus, NCC-70652
A240101CC1
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