((Conference Room, Deck 02, USS Darwin))
::Christopher was surprisingly happy for having a new but half pip at his collar. His efforts, especially after the previous mission to the Raikenoff Nebula, must have been reported by Doctor Valdivia. It gave him great pleasure to know that the high ranking officers were watching his achievements, even if he was not the most social and top scientist aboard.::
::But it seemed that it was just the beginning. Captain Renos had other boxes, and he could sense that ne had other intangible gifts to deliver as well.::
Renos: Icavoc and Emery, please join me.
::While two more ranking officers were summoned Christopher returned his gaze to the PADD over the table. Some results are to be delivered soon and the physicist was eager to acknowledge them.::
Renos: Both of you have taken on important, difficult and time consuming extra projects lately to ensure the Darwin’s security systems were where they needed to be. You uncovered and took care of security breaches and have shown the utmost dedication to me, to Starfleet and the Federation. I could not ask for a pair of finer officers. I hereby promote you both to the rank of Commander. Congratulations!
::Those were some of the moments that people never forgot. The final step into commander rank was one of them. He joined his comrades in an effusive round of applause. What let him sad was that he never had the opportunity to interact with those officers yet,
Varaan: Congratulations, commanders. Starfleet, and our crew, will certainly benefit from this.
Icavoc: I am thankful for the praise.
Rhyn: Thank you, captain. Commander.
Lambert: oO WOW!!! Two new Commanders. Oo
::Christopher was shocked for not having an opportunity to interact with such senior officers yet. He was aboard more than seven months and never talked with both of them. This was something that he will have to change for the near future. And things continued.::
Renos: Mister R’Ven, please join me at the front. You have endured difficulties no other officer has had to face, with dignity and grace. You have been loyal, and robust even in the face of distrust. You have been unwavering and applied your intellect to often substantial problems and established yourself as a dependable leader and consequently I am honoured to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander! Congratulations!
Lambert: oO Oh boy! You did black eyed peas! Oo ::broadly smiling::
::The always stoic Rodulan did not seem to be happy nor sad, but he was grateful for sure. He had received a great recognition for his job and Christopher was wondering how he did not make for the spot of Assistant Chief Science Officer yet.::
R’Ven: Thank you Captain.
Varaan: Congratulations, commander. The promotion is well deserved.
::This was the first award ceremony that the French science officer was taking part of. People are receiving their promotions and he just could speculate that after this part, it would come some commendation stuff and then the new orders. The briefing was proving very interesting and relaxing at the same time. Sipping from his tea, and after check the results at the PADD, he returned his gaze to the leader of all Darwinians.::
Renos: The last mission should have been as simple as repairing some communications relays but unfortunately we soon found ourselves lured into a trap. Several of our crew were kidnapped and others injured in the line of duty. That’s why the prisoner of war ribbon has been awarded to Thomas, Shayne and Brell, while the purple heart has been awarded to Brell, Valdivia and… myself. You have not suffered for naught, your sacrifice helped us put a stop to Consortium criminals who have been terrorising Federation worlds and this region for some time.
Lambert: oO As predicted. Very well-done but this prisoner of war is a commendation I expected never to receive. Oo ::leaned his gaze back to the table::
::It looked like a parade. Several officers walking in line toward the commanding officers and receiving their ribbons. It looked awkward sometimes to be recognized for an injury or ‘flaws’, but anyway it was nice to see everybody back home into one piece.::
Varaan: To all the recipients, your dedication and valour are more than appreciated. The word "congratulations" does not seem appropriate, so I will simply say, Thank You.
Renos: Thank you Commander.
Thomas: Thank you.
Shayne: Thank you, sir.
Brell: Thank you, ner.
Valdivia: Uh... yes... thanks.
::When everybody had already sat down again, the Captain continued with his speech. It seemed that some one of them will have to stand up again. Lambert was barely holding his smile. It was evident the embarrassment of the chief of science.::
Renos: The boarding party sent to the Vanquish risked their lives to save rescue our captured officers. We are all deeply appreciative of the risks they took to bring our people home safe, so I’m proud to present Icavoc, Logan and Valdivia with Gold lifesaving Ribbons. For going above and beyond the call of duty to save injured Talaxians Shayne is awarded a Lifesaving Ribbon.
Lambert: oO Ohh!! Shayne the savior! Oo ::a smirk threatening to break out on his lips:: oO I guess Pond will enjoy this new ribbon. Oo
Varaan: Congratulations, all.
Icavoc: Delighted to be of service. I am just relieved that we were successful.
Logan: Thank you Captain, Commander ::softly, nodding to each::
Valdivia: Thank you.
Shayne: ::clearing his throat:: Thank you, sir.
::The commended officers returned to their seats talking at low voice with it other. Whatever they were talking about, it seemed that the Captain’s time had arrived.::
Varaan: Fleet Captain Renos, for your marked heroism in your confrontation with the criminal Tor'kath, and leading your crew to the successful rescue of the Talaxians, and overcoming the Vanquish, Starfleet has awarded you the Distinguished Service Ribbon. Congratulations.
Lambert: oO I heard that story. Very impressive indeed. Oo
Renos: Thank you.
::After that, a dilacerated silence could be felt, while Captain seemed to be pondering about nir next words. Definitely ne got the attention of everybody.::
Renos: I’ve heard some of the speculation going around lately and it’s right - well some of it anyway. The Darwin is being reassigned and so is its crew. We are headed for the Par’tha Expanse where the Darwin and its crew will join the newly formed Andaris Task Force, which will be led by me.
::Christopher did not hear any rumors about that, and he was completely caught under guard. Captain sat down and the executive officer continued the briefing.::
Varaan: Almost twelve years ago I was given command of the newly commissioned USS Atlantis and was tasked with the apprehension of an ex-Maquis terrorist. With my crew in pursuit, he fled into the Jenatris Cloud. We followed. What we discovered on the other side was extraordinary. The Par'tha Expanse, as it is called, is a conglomeration of various species and worlds far older than the Federation. Atlantis was forced to leave after less than a year for political reasons, but four years later I returned on my own, and lived in the Expanse for the next six years. It was during this time that an aggressive, expansionist species known as the Valcarians began to invade the Expanse. The two powers are currently in a state of war, and the peoples of the Expanse have requested aid. Due to political restrictions, the most Starfleet is able to provide at this time is the Andaris Task Force, a small fleet whose primary goal is relief and peacekeeping.
Lambert: oO Wait a minute! Varaan was already a Captain? Oo ::moving at his seat::
::That was a complete change of venue. There was so many information to be disclosure that Christopher did not know where to begin from. But as soon as the exec officer sat down, Renos stood at nir feet once again.::
Renos: Andaris Task Force will be comprised of four vessels - the newly launched Olympic Class USS Blackwell, the Intrepid Class USS Atlantis, the Horizon Class USS Darwin and the Defiant Class El Corazón. The Darwin’s senior staff is predominantly being reassigned to the Blackwell and Atlantis with a few individuals moving to the home station - Deep Space 26.
::That was a complete turn of the events. A new task force comprised of mainly science vessels and one heavy escort. Starfleet seemed to have a great sense of humor. However, the last words of Captain came as a shock. Why would they be transferred to another vessels since Darwin would continue to be acting at this new venue. Nothing seemed to make sense for Christopher at that time. And Captain continued with the roster.::
Renos: Rennyn, Kell, E’riQ, Thomas, Kalis, R’Ven and Stennes - you will be going to the Blackwell. Rhyn, Brell, Shayne, Logan, Pond, Lambert - you will be joining the Atlantis. For now though, you remain Darwinians so let’s get underway.
Lambert: Atlantis!! ::he spoke again the ship’s name as if trying to confirm::
::The science team was completely split and the whereabouts of Doctor Valdivia was not disclosed. Why? Probably Christopher was mission others names, as Commander Varaan, but he was now more concerned about the future ship.::
Varaan: The Darwin should arrive at the Jenatris Corridor in approximately 18 days, 11 hours and 42 minutes at current speed. It will then take 23.78 hours to traverse the Corridor to the Expanse. In that time, if there is anyone who would like more details regarding the Par'tha Expanse, I will be available to answer any questions. Otherwise, we still have a ship to run. Dismissed.
::Christopher grabbed his PADD, stood at his feet, and was preparing to address some question to the Vulcan Exec when the recently promoted Lieutenant Sindrana anticipated him.::
Varaan: Can I help you?
Sindrana: Yes Commander. I noticed that there were some names that were missing from the roster. Am I to assume that everyone not mentioned will be sent to Deep Space 26?
::The science officer overheard the question and it seemed that some people are concerned as well about their names. He waited a little more for the opportunity to speak with Varaan, he was very curious about the new operations Theater.::
Varaan: Not necessarily, lieutenant. While some of the Darwin staff are moving to the Atlantis, the Blackwell and, indeed, to DS26, some crew will need to remain behind on the Darwin as well.
Sindrana: I am curious sir, where will I be assigned?
Varaan: The captain still has some interviews to perform, and some crew placements are dependent upon others. There are also transfers in and out to be taken into consideration. As we have a great deal of time before we arrive at our destination, I am sure that an answer will be forthcoming. I apologize if it is not as timely as you would have liked.
::After some time Christopher was allowed to make his questions. It seemed that the adventures were just beginning.::
(( OOC: This was my last. Excuse-me for taking so long to add here. See you on ATF. ))
TBC
Lieutenant JG Christopher Lambert
Science Officer | Physicist
USS Darwin | NCC 99312-A
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“When you have eliminated all
that is impossible, whatever
remains must be the truth,
no matter how improbable.”
– Sherlock Holmes
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