Captain Blueheart - Promotions In The Garden
Raj Blueheart
((The Arboretum – Level 11, DS26))
((Atlantis Promotions Ceremony))
::As he strode towards the podium, he caught sight of an approaching Varaan and for a moment wished he could stay for a brief chat. But there was a more important task ahead. When he reached the spot and stood behind the gleaming metallic structure, the ambient fusion music faded to a whisper and all eyes were focused on him. He looked up momentarily, at an imaginary breeze that ruffled the deep purple leaves of the tall tree under which he stood, before engaging the crowd.::
BLUEHEART: Ladies and gentlemen, fellow officers and guests. Thank you for attending this event.
::He paused intentionally as he rested his arms on the podium ad swung one foot in front of the other.::
BLUEHEART: Our last mission was a tough one. It had started out as a routine surveillance of an outpost that had gone silent. But it turned out to be a rescue mission instead. I can safely say that we as a team, did very well in rescuing the trapped scientists on Piktar 1 and getting away from the crumbling planet in the nick of time. So, ::he lifted his wine glass:: here’s to us – a formidable and efficient crew!
::Applause broke out amongst the crowd. When it died down, he continued, his tone a little somber this time.::
BLUEHEART: Alas, every great victory comes with a price. And we paid dearly. We lost so many dear friends and colleagues. ::He paused again, a little longer than the first time.:: Let us take a moment to remember their valor and their great sacrifice so we may continue to serve on their behalf.
::Only the nocturnal insects chirped in the ensuing silence. He resumed again after a full minute.::
BLUEHEART: While we remember those who are no longer with us, we will also not forget the achievements and contributions of those who are. So without further ado, allow me, on behalf of Starfleet, to bestow gratitude and appreciation upon those who were exemplary in their duty. ::turning:: Commander Townson, if you will join me?
TOWNSON: response
::When she reached his side, he had already fished out a slim rosewood box from his breast-pocket and had opened it to reveal its contents to his First Officer, who accepted it. Then he turned back to the crowd.::
BLUEHEART: I’d like to call upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade T’Var Helling to the front.
HELLING: response
BLUEHEART: You kept us safe throughout our extremely dangerous mission. Being Security chief isn’t an easy job, especially given the nature of our missions in the vastly unexplored Expanse. We face security threats every day. It doesn’t matter if we’re traveling through a wormhole at warp speed or stuck in an evil holoprogram, you have exhibited great tact and calm in handling every single volatile situation. I can vouch for everyone present that we all sleep a little better at night knowing you’re always there to keep us from harm and danger. So for that, it gives me great pleasure to promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant.
::He removed the half pip from her uniform collar and replaced it with a full, shiny one he obtained from the rosewood box.::
BLUEHEART: Congratulations, Lieutenant Helling! A few words, if you will?
HELLING: response
TOWNSON/ANYONE: response
::After the Chief of Security and Tactical had returned to her seat, Raj addressed the crowd once again.::
BLUEHEART: I’d now like to call Counselor Zinna to the front.
ZINNA: response
BLUEHEART: Needless to say, you are the glue that holds us all together. We couldn’t have dealt with the loss of loved ones without your guidance and counseling. We couldn’t have survived post-traumatic stress without your interventions. Quite frankly, you are one of the most important people on board, seeing to every crew member’s emotional state on a constant basis. As a former Counselor myself, I can tell you that it’s no easy task, especially in trying to empathize with a myriad personalities on board while trying not to purge yourself out the nearest airlock! But you do well in your job, Counselor. Very well indeed! So to that effect, it gives me great honor to promote you to the rank of full lieutenant.
::He removed the half pip from her collar and replaced it with a full one.::
BLUEHEART: Congratulations, Lieutenant Zinna! A few words, Counselor?
ZINNA: response
TOWNSON/ANYONE: response
::After the Counselor had returned to her seat, he looked to the crowd again.::
BLUEHEART: I’d like to invite Lieutenant, Junior Grade Daro Conti to join me and Commander Townson in the front.
CONTI: response
BLUEHEART: Mr Conti, you have been instrumental in all of our scientific endeavors right from the day you came aboard. You always manage to come up with a practical solution no matter how difficult the problem. Your cataloguing of the experiments carried out at Outpost Bravo is detailed like no other I have seen before. You have a gift in seeing a different side to things and as a scientist, I believe that is a precious gift to have. I am proud to have you on board and as part of our family, and in recognition of your efforts, I’d like to promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant.
::He removed the half pip from his collar and replaced it with a full one.::
BLUEHEART: Congratulations, Lieutenant Conti! A few words, if you don’t mind?
CONTI: response
TOWNSON/ANYONE: response
::After the Science officer had returned to his seat, he looked to the crowd.::
BLUEHEART: I’d like to invite Ensign Varaan to come to the front.
VARAAN: response
BLUEHEART: Ensign, you are now a part of this family, as you once were in another time and place. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, so it was no coincidence that we met like we did. I acknowledge that I have much to learn and much to learn from you, given your rich past and vast experience. Given the years of commitment and dedication you have given Starfleet, and after a meeting with the top brass, I am promoting you to the rank of full lieutenant effective immediately.
::He removed the single pip from the Vulcan’s collar and replaced it with two full ones.::
BLUEHEART: Congratulations, Lieutenant Varaan! A few words, if you will?
VARAAN: response
TOWNSON/ANYONE: response
::After the acting chief engineer had returned to his seat, Raj turned to the crowd.::
BLUEHEART: Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests. This concludes tonight’s promotions ceremony. ::turning to the side:: Commander Townson, would you like to say a few words?
TOWNSON: response
ANYONE: response
BLUEHEART: Once again, congratulations to all who were promoted and a job well done to every single crew member. May the promotions tonight serve as examples for everyone to emulate and a goal we can all strive for. With that, I thank you for your attendance. Enjoy your shore leave, everyone. ::quickly adding, that all-important clause:: And please, no bar brawls!
ANYONE: response
TBC/TAG
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Captain Raj Blueheart
Commanding Officer
USS Atlantis
NCC-74682