Capt. Rouiancet, Cmdr. Promontory, & Lt. Cmdr. Herrick: All That You Touch You Change, Part 6
Avander Promontory
(( Diplomatic Offices, Deck 4, USS Octavia E Butler ))
The diplomatic offices seemed quiet. Certainly a lot more peaceful than the last time Avander had been here with Lieutenant Nilsen. The attempted murder and death of an alien dignitary (no matter how loathsome) was not a fond memory. But Lhandon had made the space his own and it was a time for new beginnings.
There was a calmness and serenity in the offices. Peaceful and stately even. As diplomatic offices should be.
The dress uniforms probably added to the decorum.
Nilsen: Response
Especially after their recent conversation – or maybe it would be more accurate to call it an intervention? – in the arboretum with Nis, Lia was particularly grateful for Lhandon’s presence on the Butler, and it made this recognition one she was especially proud of.
Rouiancet: Lhandon, it’s my distinct honor to recognize your service on the Butler and ‘Oumuamua, both in operations and, now, as our first dedicated, senior diplomatic officer – and in that recognition, to present you with this.
She popped open the smallest and most ornate box she had.
Rouiancet: It’s time that your rank was commensurate with your responsibilities and experiences. Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Nilsen.
She pinned the single hollow pip to his violet uniform to join the two full gold pips already there.
Nilsen: Response
Promontory: We have our eye on you. Congrats.
Lhandon’s name was also on the list that Avander had submitted to command for additional leadership training. But he didn’t need to let him in on that just yet. No sense in overly inflating his head. Let him get his bearings at Lt Commander first!
Promontory: We know Commander Arlill is still on his leave, but we also wanted to note his contribution to the mission. Since you’re such good friends, we thought your first official act as a Lieutenant Commander could be to let him know, we’re presenting him with the Silver Star for his efforts with the petulant king and the Peacekeeper’s ribbon.
Nilsen: Response
Rouiancet: (dryly) I particularly appreciate those efforts.
Since she and Moy had spent an extended part of the mission as the unexpected guests (prisoners, by any other name) of the Deathless, Toxin’s Silver Star came with her heartiest endorsement.
Promontory: We have some ribbons for you as well, of course. It is the nature of diplomacy that it never goes to plan. Nevertheless, and despite your newness to the role, you were able to adapt to a constantly changing situation and ensure the Federation's interests were well represented among the Danni and the Zet. We award you your first Diplomacy Ribbon!
Nilsen: Response
Avander pulled out another more familiar ribbon from the box.
Promontory: I’ve been told to award this to you and extract a promise that it’ll be the last one you get!
Avander gave the newly minted Commander a mock stern look as he pinned on the Purple Heart.
Nilsen: Response
Rouiancet: You’ll receive the Peacekeeper Service Ribbon as well, for your efforts in ensuring that the many situations at Koreli IV didn’t escalate further.
Given that Lhandon knew how she felt personally about the success of her “peaceful” actions at Koreli, she hoped that he didn’t think the ribbon felt false. She didn’t hold him or any of the rest of the crew guilty for what they’d done, nor did she blame them for her feelings. If anything, she was grateful for the upcoming mock tribunal that Lhandon and Nis were putting together.
Rouiancet: Without your efforts, without the efforts of everyone at Koreli IV, things could have gone much, much worse.
Promontory: Often we cannot have our ideal outcomes–and rarely can we have them immediately. Nevertheless, as Captain said, things on Koreli could have gone much worse and your dodged determinism to see it though is a large reason why it didn’t. Again, Commander, well done!
Nilsen: Response
Tags! and TBC!
–
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