Captain Lia Rouiancet: The Recognition You Deserve, Part 1

[Tony Colella]

OOC As with previous awards ceremonies, I've assumed that this takes place after all other shore leave scenes, unless anyone wants to sim a current scene up through this one. For me, that obviously means that this is after Rouiancet's been promoted!

(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))

Lia felt very, very lucky that she'd been able to reserve this room for the OEB's awards ceremony. From chatter she'd heard from other ships, this was the prime spot on the station, since its domed ceiling not only looked out over New Bajor -- the planet formed a kind of sky overhead -- but the wide windows around its walls were full of the station's solar sails, in all their golden, diaphanous glory. Beautiful, sublime, and -- for the next few hours -- dedicated to the crew of the Butler.

She didn't know, but she did suspect, that Commodore V'Airu and her fellow captains might have had something to do with her lack of any trouble booking the venue. Already it was in high demand, but when both she and Lohkina had spoken with the ombudsstaff and quartermasters of the station, there had been no trouble whatsoever. It was theirs for the taking, no questions asked.

Well. No need to look a gift hall in the mouth. Lia grinned at Avander.

Rouiancet: Feeling ready? It's your first time, isn't it, actually giving out the awards and promotions yourself?

Promontory: Response

Rouiancet: Right, right. And thank you. (beat) Shall we?

Promontory: Response

They walked from the antechamber where they'd collected the ceremonial boxes of pips, stars, and ribbons and entered the hall itself. As more and more of the crew noted that the pair were present and headed for the dais, the volume fell until all conversations had fallen silent.

She and Avander stood together on the dais for a long moment before Lia stepped up to the podium and opened one of the wooden boxes they'd brought onstage. She showcased this to the room, so that the light could catch the two full pips inside.

Rouiancet: Thank you all very much for spending your last night of shore leave with your friends and crewmates aboard Deep Space 14. Before we begin our next mission, I want to focus on you and celebrating your achievements. I'd like to begin by awarding each of these pips to a different officer. I'll ask them both to join me up here now: Lieutenants, Junior Grade Karen Stendhal and Lhandon Nilsen.

Lia paused for the two officers to join her, and for a light murmur to sweep through the hall, as well as the first bit of tentative applause. However, she spoke into that quickly.

Rouiancet: Please hold your applause until after my remarks.

By this time, both Lhandon and Karen had joined her and Avander on the dais. Lia indicated the space beside her, opposite Avander.

Rouiancet: Counselor Karen Stendhal. The care and professionalism you've shown to the crew of the Octavia E. Butler is a credit to your duty post. You are a wonderful example of an officer, not only in the skill and knowledge you demonstrate in the course of your duties, including as a member of the away teams and shuttle crews you participated in during this mission. You likewise do your people proud, as your courage and willingness to dive headfirst into mindscapes and mental back alleys puts you in dangers I don't think anyone else can fully appreciate. Finally, I understand your dedication to your calling extends even to your leave time, when you used some of your downtime to help your crewmates. You have more than earned this promotion. Congratulations, Lieutenant Stendhal.

Lia removed the black pip from Karen's uniform and, in its place, she clipped the full pip, bringing Karen's total of the golds to two.

Promontory: Response

Stendhal / Nilsen: Responses

Rouiancet: Now, then, Lhandon. I'm particularly proud of you, since I've watched you grow from an uncertain ensign aboard the 'Oumuamua to the assistant chief of one of the most important departments on the Butler, and now as a full lieutenant. I hear, too, that not only did you demonstrate time and again your knowledge and growing experience of and with operations systems, you're also turning out to have a real flair for diplomatic matters. (beat, slightly dry) Not that there was much to liaise with in this mission -- (normal) but even so, you have likewise put in the work, the time, and the energy to have more than earned this promotion. Congratulations, Lieutenant Nilsen.

Again, Lia replaced one of Lhandon's hollow pips with a full, gold pip.

Promontory: Response

Stendhal / Nilsen: Responses

Rouiancet: Now, before Commander Promontory calls up our next two promotees, please join me in a round of applause for these two fine officers!

Promontory: Response

Stendhal / Nilsen: Responses

Tags! and TBC!

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Captain Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

V238208LV0

she/her/hers (this character)