Commander Lia Rouiancet: Acceptance

[Tony Colella]

(( Hydroponics, Deck 10 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

Lia hesitated a moment, then decided to just plunge onward. Of course they would wonder why their CO had asked them to meet here, and not for the first time Lia reminded herself of the weight each of her decisions now held -- even and perhaps especially the mundane ones.

Rouiancet: Iljor has been offered a command of his own: the repaired and relaunched 'Oumuamua. However, unless anyone specifically requests a transfer, the crew will remain on the Butler. Congratulations are due to him, and he deserves the promotion -- but that also means that the Butler needs a first officer. (to Avander) Avander, I had hoped that you would accept that role. (to Aine) And that you, Aine, would agree to become second officer, in addition to continuing as chief of security.

These were no small asks, she knew, especially after all the change that had occurred recently: the transfers from the 'Oumuamua to the OEB in the first place, following on for Aine from a transfer from Starbase 118; the new roles they had both already taken on, the intelligence directorship for Avander and department leadership for Aine. Nevertheless, Lia was completely convinced that they were the right officers -- the right people -- for her new command team.

Promontory: I’m honored, sir. (beat) And I assume this wasn’t a light decision…

Lia didn't miss the glance that passed between them, and she had to laugh, though she managed to turn it instead into a smile. The ask had come out of nowhere, hadn't it?

Sherlock: Changes like this rarely are easy. But, (looking to Lia) I think we can handle it. (a nod)

Rouiancent: (letting out a breath) Very good. I'm glad to hear it. (beat; to Avander) It wasn't a light decision, that's true, but I know it's the right one. What do you say?

Promontory: Yes. Of course, yes!

Again Lia smiled. His enthusiasm was exactly what she'd hoped for, especially considering that she knew now herself how such promotions meant an increase in responsibility for the people you served with and to the ideals you represented.

Sherlock: (looking at Avander) I think that means he wants the job.

Rouiancet: (still smiling) I think so, too.

However, Avander was ever the man Lia had come to know during their service together -- the same man, in fact, who she'd sought out first to share the news about her assignment as CO of the Butler -- and he was gregarious and enthusiastic on the one hand, but responsible and serious on the other, and the latter appeared a moment later.

Promontory: What about the intelligence functions on the ship?

Sherlock: I assume they're going to send us an Ensign that knows nothing?

Rouiancet: That's a fair assumption, but (beat) not this time. Commander Margaret Walker shipped out with the reactivated 'Oumuamua. She has decades of experience from Dominion Affairs with Starfleet Intel.

Avandar would almost certainly have heard of her, even if he'd never interacted with her, and they'd all get to know her soon enough.

Rouiancet: She'll be stepping into your former position, Avander. She'll be assigned here as well, even though she'll handle intel for the whole task force.

Promontory: I see. Effective when?

Lia nearly called for the computer to tell her the time, then shook her head with a slighter smile. Commander Walker wasn't expected immediately, after all, and she was sure that the arrival of the 'Oumuamua wouldn't be kept quiet by whoever spotted it first.

Rouiancet: As soon as she arrives. We're to expect 'Oumuamua at DS14 within forty-eight hours.

Sherlock: That soon? I'll make sure we get an info pack together so she can get up to speed on the happenings here.

Rouiancet: Thank you, Aine. I'm sure she'll appreciate it as well.

Though, if what Lia had read about Walker's record was correct, she would've been surprised if the commander hadn't already ensured that she had a good sense of the minutiae of the task force's operations.

Promontory: Response

Sherlock: Are there any pressing matters we need to look into before we arrive at DS14?

Rouiancet: (shaking her head) I don't think so. I should prepare more official briefs for both of you, though, and update your clearances and so forth. Iljor might have some tips, too, if you'd like to ask him.

Aine looked from Lia to Avander and shrugged.

Promontory: Response

Sherlock: That should be easy enough.

Lia nodded, though truthfully the weight she felt lifted in light of their acceptance was borne back down slightly by her uncertainty regarding what she might have to ask of them. Starfleet command officers weren't generally known by the ease of their positions.

Rouiancet: I hope so. (beat) Thank you, both and truly, for agreeing to do this. You know I'm new to this (gesturing around vaguely at the entire ship) myself, but knowing I have you at my back makes it easier.

Not easy, never exactly easy -- but easier, and more importantly, Lia felt the certainty of confidence.

Sherlock/Promontory: Responses

Rouiancet: Well, that is a good question. (beat, then a laugh) There will certainly come a time in the near future where I punt all my questions to one of you two.

Sherlock/Promontory: Responses

Tags! and TBC!

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Commander Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

V238208LV0

she/her/hers (this character)