[sb118-denali]Lieutenant Drex - Good news, bad news, so and so news
Drex Drex
((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna))
The little trick with the lights caught the attention of the crowd and the chatter gradually died down. A single bright light pointed to Commander Falt, who had reached the stage and was preparing to make his speech.
Just like everyone else, Drex turned his attention to the Commander looking forwards for the awards, but above that, for any other news the First Officer might have about the future of the Station.
Falt: Good evening everyone.
The Commander stopped immediately, waiting patiently for the last murmurs to finally die down.
Falt: Thank you everyone, and again good evening. As many of you might have guessed I am to be your host for this evening in light of the recent changes. I will take some time at the end to talk about them, but before that I'd like to take some time to celebrate you all, and everything you achieved on our last mission. It was a challenging mission, and particularly noteworthy since we were coming to the aid of a group that not too long ago would have been our enemies. Further proof that change is our constant companion out here amongst the stars.
Another small pause but the terrace was totally silent now.
Falt: It was not lost on me that each and everyone one of you worked tirelessly to help this small group of Jem'Hadar, sometimes despite personnel risk. This stands in contrast to the hostility displayed by representatives from other groups, and is behavior both myself and the prime felt worthy of recognition. To that end the entire crew is awarded then Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon, as well as the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. You all acted in the finest traditions of Starfleet and the Federation and did yourselves proud.
Drex clapped along with the others, more in recognition of what the others had done on the mission than in thanks for the award. To be honest, he was not proud of his work at all. Because of his distraction, the team he was in had been trapped in the underground and he did not help a lot to get out, but even got hurt and had to rely on the others to get out of that hole.
Falt: I'd add that despite everyone's efforts it wasn't always easy to keep all the residual feelings in check. Diplomacy was required on a couple of occasions, and when it was Lieutenant Commander Williams and Lieutenant Vahin produced it in spades. To that end both officers are awarded the Diplomacy Ribbon.
Drex: Congratulations, Sir :: He whispered to Williams ::
Then the Denobulan looked around while clapping and looked around for Araxxu's bald blue head, but the dim light made it difficult to identify anyone present.
Williams: Honored sir, thank you very much.
Vahin / Any: Response.
Falt: Now whilst the rest of us were dealing with cranky Cardassian’s and mysterious goings on one team headed off to check on the colony's generators, a seemingly mundane task that proved to be anything but. Finding themselves trapped underground in a maze of shifting walls the team had to adapt quickly to find a solution to escape. For the innovative use of a tricorder to provide the needed pulse for the hidden door mechanism Ensign Tanner is awarded the Innovation Ribbon.
Drex: Definitely well deserved :: He murmured ::
The young Ensign had the brilliant idea of using the tricorder to control the doors and, from what he had understood from the reports, with the same intuition he had also freed the Commodore who had remained trapped in the alien object. He was a brilliant man and Drex wished he could have the chance to work with him again.
Tanner / Any: Response.
Falt: Of course, he wasn't alone. For his considerable contributions to the team’s ultimate escape, Commodore Oddas saw fit to award Lieutenant Drex her final ever Captain's Commendation. Well done.
Another applause followed. For this one Alex gave it his all and even added a quick whistle to it while patting the man on the shoulder. Knowing the man a bit he felt happy for him.
Drex froze with his hands in mid-air when he heard his name. The pat on his shoulder jolted him out of his surprise and he instinctively took a half step back. He frowned uncertainty as time returned to normal. Uncomfortably, he bowed his head slightly in thanks.
Drex: Thank you, Sir :: He managed not too loudly ::
Any: Response.
Falt: I also can't finish discussing this team without talking about one other individual. Despite the situation they led with a calm confidence that kept the officers with them performing at their best. It will not come as a surprise to anyone here that Lieutenant Commander Kettick is therefore awarded the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Congratulations.
With his attention diverted to other officers, Drex resumed applauding as he heard the others cheering, but his mind was still reeling from the event that had just occurred.
oO Kettick, yeah, Kettick deserved it for sure. Oo
Kettick / Any: Response.
Falt: Finally, in recognition of many months of outstanding service as Denali’s Chief Science Officer Commander DeVeau is awarded the Department Chief Ribbon. Thank you, Commander.
DeVeau: Thank you, sir.
Drex smiled hearing the name of Alora and turned towards her, who was standing next to him and Williams. The man offered her a hand to congratulate her, but Drex simply bowed his head.
Williams: Well done, commander.
Drex: Congratulation, Alora. :: His smile growing larger ::
Falt: Before I conclude this presentation I do have a couple of items I’d like to address with you all. ::he paused to adopt his poker face before continuing:: Firstly, I’ve received reports about the behaviour of a particular officer that I feel need to be addressed publicly. Ensign Tanner, front and centre!
Falt: I’ll have you at attention please, Ensign.
During the year Drex had spent on Denali, he had learned what the meaning of that call was. He nodded twice, in agreement with what would have happened next.
Falt: Mister Tanner, myself and the senior staff have all received information about your work ethic, attention to detail, and overall attitude, information that is unbecoming of an Ensign in Starfleet. Indeed, even now I find you improperly dressed. Ensign Tanner, I am afraid I am left with no choice but to promote you to Lieutenant JG, with all the rights and privileges associated with the rank.
Falt: Congratulations, Lieutenant.
Tanner / Any: Response
Falt: At the start of this ceremony, I said I’d take some time to talk about the recent changes. As you all know Commodore Oddas has retired from Starfleet, leaving us temporarily without a CO. I know the fleet has already taken steps to address this, and when our new CO arrives I know I can trust each and every one of you to perform your duties with the same outstanding levels of professionalism and skill as you did under Commodore Oddas. If any of you have any questions my door is always open. I may not have all the answers but I’ll do my best, and whatever the future might bring I want you all to know that serving as your XO has been the privilege of my career.
Falt paused for a moment. Drex had only served under Oddas for a year and had not met very often, so he had not formed a particular bond with the Commodore, but that did not prevent him from understanding the feelings that Commander Falt might be experiencing now.
Falt: Now, if you’ll all direct your attention to the viewscreen near the bar, thank you.
The Denobulan turned and watched the display as it turned on. Commodore Oddas appeared and a moment later she began to talk.
Oddas: By now the news of my retirement and move to Bajor will have spread and will be official - and I wanted to take a few moments to address you, safely distant from the possibility of a party and other social obligations.
Oddas: In the coming days, weeks, and beyond know that this decision was not made in haste, and was not an easy one. While there was no single reason it was made, it was also not made because of anyone stationed at Denali - indeed you are all, in many real respects, my family. You provide me with a sense of pride, reinforcing the best senses in myself of who I am, what it means to be a good person, a good Officer, and a good Bajoran. I leave you in good hands - and I leave the city in your good hands. I trust in each one of you to do your best, and to do your duties in an exemplary manner - you are going to do me proud. If you are ever on Bajor, first round is on me.
Fresh applause marked the end of the Commodore's speech. Drex joined the others, but with less emphasis. He understood Oddas' impatience with the crowd, but was still puzzled by the way she had chosen to bid them farewell.
His disappointment lasted only a few seconds, because an unknown officer pushed Falt away from the stage and spoke.
Nicholotti: Commander Falt. ::nodding in greeting and then gesturing towards the podium.:: May I?
Falt: Response?
The unexpected change called those present to order, who stopped applauding and gave their full attention to the woman next to the commander.
Nicholotti: I hate to break up the party before it really gets out of hand, but I believe there is a need to offer some direction on what comes next.
oO Next for us? Prick up your ears, this is important.Oo
Nicholotti: First, let me introduce myself. I am Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti, commanding officer of the newly reassigned USS Eagle, and in the absence of Commodore Oddas Aria, I would like to take a moment to present the First Officer's ribbon to your very own Commander Falt.
Turning, Kali produced a small wooden box from who knew where and handed it to the officer next to her. She nodded as he took it, holding his eyes for a moment as if to say 'hold on, it's about to get crazy'.
Falt: Response?
The applause broke out spontaneously, but the Commodore soon spoke again, restoring silence.
Nicholotti: Some of you will need to leave immediately. We have a situation to attend to. Those with transfer orders will need to report to the USS Eagle within the next 10 hours to prepare for imminent departure. Department heads will report to the conference room for a briefing on our mission just after we depart. Commander Falt will be your point of contact for questions.
Then, when she seemed to step away, she added some other information.
Nicholotti: Enjoy this moment. It may be some time before we are able to return.
And that was it. The ceremony was over. Indistinct murmurs arose from several groups of officers who had gathered together to comment on Nicholotti's announcement.
DeVeau: Congratulations both of you. Well deserved.
Williams: Thank you commander, and congratulations for you as well.
Drex: Thanks… :: He answered distracted, his eyes still on the Commodore who was leaving with Falt ::
DeVeau: I know getting stuck in tight spaces isn't your idea of fun, but you have held yourself well.
Drex: W-what? :: He realized Alora was talking to him and his brain took a few seconds to understand her command :: Yeah, I guess so.
DeVeau: Williams, I understand you arrived rather recently. Where did you serve before here?
Williams: That is quite a list. I started on the Apollo, that was about 12 years ago. From there to the Apollo-A, the Constitution, and a short stay on the Excalibur and Za. So me and our new CO have a short shared history.
Drex remained in silence pondering the implication of Nicholotti’s speech and Williams’ comments about her being the new CO.
oO She is the CO of the Eagle not of Denali Oo
Deveau: Response
Williams: Well… as much fun as teaching can be. I wanted to be back out here. Make a real difference, and be at the place where it all happens.
oO So she cannot be your next CO. She got here because she is taking the ship and needs to discuss this with Falt. Oo
Deveau: Response
Williams: From what the commodore just told us, it seems we are once more heading towards the unknown.
Drex: Why do you keep saying we? :: He suddenly blurted out, then realized who he was talking to :: I apologize, Sir.
Deveau: Response
Drex: The Commodore is taking the Eagle, but she did not say we’ll all transfer there. The ship is almost fully staffed, needing only a few officers to complete it.
oO And you may be one of the missing ones… Oo
The thought made him go pale, but with great effort he managed not to let his voice tremble.
Deveau / Williams: Response
Drex: No Sir, I'm not at all excited about the idea of a transfer. Ships can be useful and interesting, but this place still has a million secrets that interest me much more.
Deveau / Williams: Response
Drex shook his head. His face was still pale and did not gain any color from the movement. The possibility of being one of the transferees was unfortunately real: he realized that he actually had no plan that would force him to stay on Denali and Alora had not said anything that could deny the hypothesis. He was the second officer and the head of the science section. Was it possible that he knew but had not told him? Was it possible that he did not know?
He felt anxiety grip his chest but forced a small smile
Drex: Congratulations to both of you on your awards :: Said sincerely to cover up the next lie :: I have a project going on in the lab that needs to be checked out. With your permission, I wish you a nice evening.
Deveau / Williams: Response
TAGS / TBC (maybe END for Drex if you don’t stop him)