Cmdr. Avander Promontory: Party of Three
Avander Promontory
(( Captain’s Ready Room, Deck 1, USS Octavia E Butler ))
The awards had gone well. It was good to see all the crew. It was particularly good to see them in the good spirits that the celebratory ceremonies had brought (and not, for example, being shot at). No doubt the various departments had, by now, migrated to Seytoxal for one last night of leave—“after parties” he had heard someone call them. The command team wasn’t quite done with their day however.
While the Captain and XO waited for Josh to arrive, Avander considered making small talk about their shore leave location.
He had been able to try sky surfing and was eager to share the experience with someone. It had been pretty fun, but it wasn't his original intention. Avander had thought he’d treat his pet to a swim in an actual ocean, but Meander hadn’t wanted to leave the room or even the caves (or, more accurately, the little guy hadn’t wanted to leave Echo and egg).
But that Captain had another topic in mind.
Rouiancet: There's something I want to talk to you about. (beat) I've been thinking about my future, and what that might look like. If I should remain as the commanding officer of the Butler, or in Starfleet at all.
Avander opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again. Finally, he made a gambit for more information.
Promontory: Why do you say that?
Rouiancet: (with a sigh) There's a lot to it, but the gist is that I feel responsible for a lot of what happened at Koreli IV, especially giving the Zet a potential superweapon, and I don't know that I'm the sort of person who should remain in charge. (holding up a hand) I'm not going to make up my mind immediately, thanks in part to a fortuitous run-in with Lhandon Nilsen and Jania Nis in the arboretum, but (beat) I am thinking about it.
Promontory: Well. (beat) Good for them, I’m glad you ran into them. But I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think you made the right call. The brass would have said something if it were otherwise…
She sank to the seating area next to him.
Rouiancet: V'Airu denied my request for a court martial, so Nilsen and Nis are going to stage a mock trial. The senior staff will know shortly, but I wanted to tell you myself, and -- see what you think. If you still might trust me.
The Captain wasn’t making eye-contact. This was evidently no light or passing concern. But the premise was still unfathomable to Avander.
Maybe it was something good commanders should fathom. Did all CO’s have these conversations with themselves, even if they didn’t display it to their crews?
Promontory: I mean, of course I trust you. But—
Before he could say more, the door chimed, heralding the arrival of their second officer.
Herrick: Captain, Commander!
Rouiancet: Josh.
Promontory: A raincheck on this conversation then?
Rouiancet:(plastering on a smile) Just for now. Let's see this done, at least. (calling) Come in!
The 2O came in and immediately shifted the energy in the room.
Promontory: Josh! Glad you made it. (beat) The black and gray suits you!
They had finished a series of intel briefings in the SCIF and Avander had no worries about the state of his old department.
Herrick: A lot of good movement around these parts; there’s certainly an overwhelming amount of talent that this crew brings to the Gamma Quadrant.
Rouiancet : They certainly do, but (a real smile; waving him down) sit down, sit down. We don't need to stand on ceremony here. Even if it is a ceremony, of a sort.
Promontory: I think V’Airu continues to pull a few strings to get us the best crew. (in a mock conspiratorial whisper) I think we’re her favorites!
Herrick: Response
Promontory: Oh right, the business of the hour.
He eyed the few additional award boxes.
Rouiancet: Well, you two deserve your accolades, too. More than just that reassignment, I mean, Josh.
Herrick: Responses
Promontory: Actually Captain, I think we should start with you.
They would have a longer conversation. Later. But for now, Avander wanted to use their exchange to reenforce the crew’s positive affect for their leader..
Rouiancet / Herrick: Response
Promontory: Captain, we are awarding ribbons to anyone who got an all-expenses-paid stay at the King’s Palace.
He pulled out a POW ribbon and passed it along. Hopefully keeping it light would help break out of a pattern of negative and downwardly spiraling thinking.
Rouiancet / Herrick: Response
Promontory: You also are award the Peacekeeping Ribbon. Preserving the ultimate peace for the people of Korelli IV was no mean feat and very easily could have ended very, very poorly. Because of your intercession, the Danni were saved.
He studied her features and tried to modulate his own in response to present a safe and encouraging space. Well, as much as a face could communicate that sort of support.
Rouiancet / Herrick: Response
[[OOC: I literally was about to send a different version of this when Tony's sim came through. Glad I caught it in time]]
Tags/TBC
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