WALTAS: The Mantle of Command
Todd Walters
((Starlight Ballroom, DS-26))
::The Ba’ku, his hair restored to its brown color (from that annoying gray) and flowing over his shoulders, approached the podium to a mixture of shock and applause. The look on Raj’s face was priceless and he couldn’t help but chuckle as he made his way up the short stairs to the stage. He stood there, eye-to-eye with the man that had been his right hand for so long. Raj Blueheart had been his conscience-the angel on his shoulder to combat the devil on the other. They had clashed, bled together in battle, torn at the threads of their friendship until it almost gave, and shared the experiences of more than two lifetimes. There was no one in the world he trusted more than Raj, and no one deserved the recognition hiding in his jacket more.::
::Then he broke the tension and stepped forward, and, as was his custom, eschewed Starfleet protocol and embraced his old friend, clapping him on the back and closing his eyes as the memories rushed in, threatening to overwhelm him. So many journeys together, and it all came down to this moment. Where the shy, backward Counselor he’d met so long ago ascended to command. After a moment of quiet reflection, he backed up a step and looked Raj in the eye.::
WALTAS: Hello, old friend.
BLUEHEART: response
WALTAS: A little bird told me. ::He grinned at Dickens::
BLUEHEART/DICKENS: response
WALTAS::Absently touching the silver eagle on his collar:: I couldn’t stay retired. Fleet Captain Turner figured she’d better find me something to do before I destroyed my planet with my restlessness. And the Ba’ku Elders were ready to kill me. ::Innocently:: Do you know how much it takes to piss off a Ba’ku elder?!
BLUEHEART: response
WALTAS::Chuckling:: Well it was interesting and the Marines weren’t exactly welcoming at first. I’ll tell you about it but first.. ::he withdrew a PADD from his uniform:: I’ve got a bit of business direct from Starfleet Command.
BLUEHEART: response
::Tyr stepped up to the podium and rested the PADD on it, turning it on with a tap.::
WALTAS: Good evening. Most of you know me, but those of you who don’t, my name is Colonel Tyr Waltas. I am Raj’s former Commanding Officer and the person who, aside from Mr. Ravenscroft, probably knows Raj better than anyone. Having said that, you all have my heartfelt condolences…
::He grinned wickedly at the kind-hearted jab at Raj before continuing.::
WALTAS: In all seriousness though, through all the miles I’ve traveled with him, Raj Blueheart has been a steadfast friend, confidant, voice of reason, and most of all, a dear friend. When Commander Dickens informed me that you all would be gathering here and I received correspondence from Starfleet Command, I thought the time to make an appearance had come. But much more than that.. ::He paused, his voice cracking with emotion, he absently re-adjusted the PADD while he gathered himself:: I’ve missed this. Dearly. Those of you in this room whom I served with, we were something special when we were together, and although we have gone our separate ways either by choice or being buffeted by the winds of change, one thing has always remained constant-those years I served with you were the best and the brightest. So, at the risk of breaking protocol, which I NEVER do.. ::He heard guffaws from those of them who certainly knew better:: I raise my glass. ::He took the glass of water on the podium and raised it high:: To the Discovery.
ANYONE: response
WALTAS::Pausing:: But I didn’t come here tonight to dwell on the past. It’s something for old men to do, and I don’t consider myself one of them yet, no matter what Raj may tell you…. ::Smiling:: I came here tonight because Raj has accomplished something that opens the door to the future. He has achieved something that makes Atlantis what Discovery will not be again-a ship of the future. I look out upon you all tonight and I SEE the future. Whether you have one pip on your collar or three, are working on adding to it or telling yourself never again, YOU are the future of this fleet. And you couldn’t ask or even pray for a better leader than Raj Blueheart. He will take you into that future with a competence, strength and compassion that you will not find anywhere else in the fleet. But I’m sure, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.
::Tyr withdrew another object from his uniform pocket. A rosewood box, and rested it on the podium. He studied it for a moment, before turning to Raj.::
WALTAS: I always knew that I’d get to do this, and it’s a personal dream of mine to be able to be here. I’ve waited for this moment for a long time-ever since that timid Counselor stepped onto my bridge all those years ago. I saw the same strength then as I do now, but it’s been tempered by wisdom, and experience, and dealing with a Commanding Officer that I’m certain tried every shred of your patience. But I’ve never, EVER known anyone that deserves it more. Commander Blueheart, step forward.
::He waited for Raj to join him, and snapped open the rosewood box, revealing a full golden pip.::
WALTAS::Tapping the PADD:: By the authority vested in me by Starfleet Command and the Executive Council, it is my honor to promote you to the rank of Captain, with all the rights and privileges of that rank. Congratulations, Captain Blueheart.
::Tyr pulled the pip from the box and attached it next to the three already present on Raj’s collar, then embraced his old friend one more time. Over his shoulder, he joked quietly so no one could hear.::
WALTAS: Better you than me…
BLUEHEART: response
::Chuckling, he stepped back into the shadows, allowing Raj his moment in the spotlight. The Ba’ku felt a measure of pride as he watched the man he’d served with so long assume the mantle of leadership, taking his former rank and stepping into his shoes, which he could more than fill. The Ba’ku silently wiped away a stray tear as Captain Blueheart spoke.::
BLUEHEART: response
OOC: While Tyr is IC’ly honored to promote Raj to Captain, I have to say that I, Todd, am equally as proud to write about it. The journey to Captain is a long and difficult one, and not for the faint of heart. But I always knew he could do it and was overjoyed when the time finally came. Congratulations, Raj!
Colonel Tyr Waltas
Marine CO
Duronis II Embassy / USS Thunder