Captain Bridget Fletcher - "Declaration"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Conference Room 04-118, Deck 4, Deep Space 14 ))
Bridget absolutely loved this sort of meeting. Most of the time, they were boring, if necessary, but this? Nope, this was great, because this was more of a celebration than a meeting. At first, she was pretty sure that Rouiancet didn’t know that, but the woman kept herself together. There was no fooling her, alas. Had she been alone, Bridget probably could have pulled it off, but with all the others, nope. Too many didn’t really get how to play that game. Still, she tried. Bridget shook her head as she jabbed a thumb toward the Vulcan.
Fletcher: You really are a barrel of monkeys, aren’t you, T’Valek? (shaking her head at him) The point is, it’s time for a change. Commander Rouiancet, your time is up. This is it. I’m afraid you’re going to have to give up your rank.
Kruwii: Effective immediately.
Yep, she wasn’t going to fall for it, and that was mainly because no one kept up the pretence. Ah well, maybe she could scare another commander another day.
Rouiancet: I understand. Under these circumstances, I'm happy to do so. (beat; schooling her features) If it's truly required.
Kruwii: I believe Commodore V’Airu personally insisted.
And just like that, Ossa stepped through the door, like a ghost manifesting its presence during a seance. If Bridget had any accusations to make at the woman, it would be that she was probably listening in for just the right time to make a dramatic entrance.
V'Airu: Indeed. (taking a seat at the table) Please, continue. I am here to observe only.
Bridget didn’t buy that for one minute. Meanwhile, the ragging continued.
T’Valek: You’ve made a name for yourself in the Gamma quadrant Commander.
Rouiancet: (shaking her head slightly) Maybe so, but Captain Kruwii said the Butler's exploits were notable. Those (indicating the PADDs of mission reports) are records from the ship, not attributable just to me. Any success I've been a part of is shared with my officers and crew. (beat) This is a ceremony to honor our work, isn't it?
Kruwii: Well, not quite. There’s a bit more… (looking around at the others)
V'Airu: With which we can proceed.
Uh huh, Bridget knew it. The woman had a vested interest in Lia Rouiancet and was there to participate, not just watch. Observer her foot.
Fletcher: We really are beating around the bush.
Bridget sighed, intent on keeping up appearances. It was still kind of fun, even if Lia had already caught on.
Captains: Responses
T’Valek: Indeed
Rouiancet: I don't understand. Is there something more?
T’Valek: Well, Commander, can you tell us what your goals are for the future?
She didn’t answer right away, glancing around as if she awaited any further questions. Lacing her fingers together, Bridget leaned forward, her eyebrows jumping up.
Fletcher: Well?
Captains: Responses
With that, she nodded and finally began to speak.
Rouiancet: I've found command to be a rewarding and challenging experience thus far. Despite my unorthodox path to becoming the Butler's CO, I believe that I've done well in the post, and have assembled a strong and supportive staff. I would like to continue that work. I've found great personal purpose in the exploratory work of this task force, and I want to continue to seek out greater and greater questions. (a slight smile) I serve at the behest of curiosity.
Fletcher: Well that sounds like a goal well aligned with the Flotilla.
Which it was. The Federation’s borders were expanding, and they were the representation of their people, but it wasn’t just that. Although the Gamma Quadrant and the Dominion were synonymous in the minds of those who remembered the great war, the fact remained that there was a lot of the area that remained unexplored, even by the Changelings and other members of the now defunct organisation. What lay beyond the borders that the Dominion had once dominated? That was something they hoped to find out.
Captains: Responses
Fletcher: I think we’ve heard enough. She’s onto us, we might as well get started.
She motioned toward the other captains and Lia stood, realising what that meant. Commodore V’Airu got to her feet and inclined her head with a nod, at which point Bridget also finally rose. Together, all those gathered clustered around Lia, a box produced, its deep cherry and insignia of the federation etched upon it making it easily recognisable. Lifting the box so all could see, Bridget took point.
Fletcher: Commander Lia Rouiancet. You are hereby called to the position of Captain of the Starship Octavia E. Butler. As such, you are charged with exploration of the unknown and keeping to the standards and philosophies of the Federation. Do you swear to honour and abide by them?
Rouiancet: (solemn) I will, and I do.
Captains: Responses
Bridget nodded once, but the ceremony wasn’t over just yet. She lifted the box just a little higher, a visual representation that only one step had been taken.
Fletcher: As a captain, your duty is not only to the Federation, but also to your crew. Do you swear to lead by example, and take care of all who are under your jurisdiction, to encourage and exhort to the high standards as befitting a Starfleet officer, and to ensure discipline and respect are given to all.
Captains/Rouiancet: Response
Fletcher: And finally, do you swear to honour and respect all people with whom you come into contact with, to abide by the Prime Directive, and ensure peaceful relations throughout the galaxy.
Captains/Rouiancet: Response
With another nod, Bridget nodded, then stepped forward. Opening the box, she revealed the contents within, and taking it away, passed the now empty container to the person nearest her. Then, carefully manipulating the new pip, she ran her fingers along Lia’s collar and placed the pip in its proper position. That down, she stepped back.
Fletcher: I hereby declare that Commander Lia Rouiancet has been promoted to the rank of captain, and is hereby afforded all the rights and privileges of that position. Captain Lia Rouiancet, please recite your Captain’s Oath for the Octavia E. Butler.
Captains/Rouiancet: Response
Fletcher: Attention!
With that, Bridget clapped her heels and lifted her hand to place it against her brow, waiting until all the others joined her in saluting the newest Captain of Starfleet.
Captains/Rouiancet: Response
With a stroke of her arm, Bridget ended the salute, and once more her face broke out into a wide grin.
Fletcher: Now it’s time to party!
Captains/Rouiancet: Response
-- Bridget Fletcher Captain USS Carol Marcus M239008AD0