Capt. Rouiancet, Cmdr. Promontory, & Lt. Cmdr. Herrick: All That You Touch You Change, Part 2
Avander Promontory
(( Chief Science Officer’s Office, Deck 10, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
The office was nearly as sparse as it had been last time Avander had visited Katsim. Maybe he should get her some artwork or something. Maybe a deluxe perch for Echo. Still, the smaller place was fitting; this would be a quieter, more personal recognition.
Promontory: Captain, do you want to handle this first bit?
He presented the pip and ribbon boxes to her.
Rouiancet: Yes, thank you. Peri?
Peri had been assigned years ago to the Thor, and Commodore Kells had promoted her up through lieutenant and to the position of chief science officer. Commodore V’Airu had retained her as chief of science and promoted her to lieutenant commander, in which rank she’d served for a few years now. It wasn’t unusual for officers to spend years at lieutenant commander, but Lia was particularly proud that she was able to be a part of Peri’s step beyond that rank. First, though…
Rouiancet: Through your extended presence on Koreli IV, you became one of the foremost experts on the Danni situation. Through your actions, the investigation you participated in to determine how the Deathless had subverted the water infrastructure, especially around the broken dam, and especially through what you did to lead relief efforts, you made a real difference to the Danni. I’m proud to recognize you with the Legion of Merit.
She pinned the ribbon to Peri’s growing cluster before she continued, because there was more.
Rouiancet: It’s also my distinct pleasure to recognize your many years of service, both on the Butler and elsewhere, including your recent years as chief science officer, with a promotion to the rank of commander. Your expertise and department leadership are second to none, Peri. Congratulations!
Lia whipped the single open pip off Peri’s collar and replaced it with a third gold pip.
Katsim: Response
Avander grinned widely.
Promontory: No escaping it now. You’re command material whether you want to be or not!
Katsim/Yinn: Response
Avander shifted the boxes in his hand.
Promontory: Not so fast, Lieutenant Yinn, we have something for you as well.
With a now practiced deft hand motion, Avander plucked her hollow second pip and replaced it with a full one.
Promontory: Despite weathering some of the most intense personal challenges this last year, you have performed at an exceptional level. Your actions on the ship and in our missions have brought honor to your position and department. Bolarus (and Qo'noS) should be proud!
Rouiancet: You absolutely should be. I can’t think of another officer who persevered – and not only persevered, but thrived – in circumstances at all similar to what you and Loq experienced over the past year.
Katsim/Yinn: Response
Rouiancet: That makes it especially difficult to say goodbye, at least for now. We approved your transfer to the Eagle, and (beat; a small smile) I’m confident we’re sending you off at the rank you deserve. Our loss is their gain.
Lia also couldn’t help but compare Yinn’s transfer request to her own desire to leave the ship. In Yinn’s case, it was a little more straightforward – she was leaving the Butler as a science officer and a newly-promoted lieutenant, and would be taking up a similar position on the Eagle – but Lia couldn’t help but wonder if the events of the previous mission hadn’t taken their toll on Yinn, too. If so, that wasn’t something Lia could pry out of her – and, moreover, it was an issue for Yinn and her counselor, if she chose to speak with one. Still, Lia wondered.
Promontory: You will be missed.
Katsim/Yinn: Response
Avander wished this wasn’t a ‘goodbye.’ If only there was something else he could reasonably do to make the moment last. Then his eyes noticed the additional ribbon boxes.
Promontory: Oh! And I almost forgot. (pulling out a pair of ribbons of blue with yellow-bars) It’s nothing compared to your well-deserved promotions, but we understand you both contributed to the discovery of a new species and helped save them from the fire while also assisting in a birth! (beat) In recognition of this, we’d like to present you with the Explorer's Ribbon!
Katsim/Yinn: Response
Promontory: And in conjunction with the rest of the crew, you’ll both be getting the Peacekeeper’s ribbon for your fine service on this mission.
Katsim/Yinn: Response
Rouiancet: All well-deserved for both of you, ribbons and rank promotions both. Peri, I can’t express enough how confident I feel in your promotion – and Yinn, truly, the Eagle is gaining one of the most talented science officers in the whole of Starfleet.
Katsim/Yinn: Response
Tags! and TBC!
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Captain Lia Rouiancet
Commanding Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
V238208LV0
she/her/hers (this character) & he/him/his (simmer)
&
Cmdr. Avander Promontory
Executive Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
O239910AP4