OOC: For those uncertain, if you see these tags:
Any: Response
This means that the scene is completely open and anyone is welcome to jump in. So please don’t be afraid to insert your character into the scene! You are also welcome to start your own scene in this location. If you have any questions, just ask. 😃
IC:
((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna))
Oddas had left and by that point was probably getting settled on Bajor. Leaving Starfleet surely hadn’t been an easy choice, and rumours abounded that it wasn’t just the offer, since she had evidently received similar offers for years. Rather, it was the arrival of the alternate universe equivalent of her deceased beloved that had spurred the change, and Alora couldn’t help but wonder how Stelek was taking that arrival along with the sudden change. Regardless of how they would work things out, Alora wished them all the best in their future.
With her departure, changes were in full effect. Although Oddas was gone, Denali had to keep moving forward. With the most recent mission at a conclusion and shore leave in full swing, it was time to acknowledge the officers who had been involved. Alora had to admit the latest crop of ensigns had proven very capable and she was impressed with their performance, especially since they had been thrust in the middle of things right off the back. Of course, the other officers had proven again that they, too, were to be commended. During the transition, Tomas had taken the lead, and once again, they were on top of a building. She really did wish the First Officer would find a place closer to the ground, and as soon as she arrived, Alora made sure to stay away from the edges. Beautiful as the view might be, the chills that ran up and down her spine weren’t worth long, lingering looks.
She had arrived before most, only a couple of officers behind her who swept off to the side, chattering with each other. Tugging at her jacket, Alora had donned her dress whites as was requested by the invitation, and noted the arrival of even more crew members. Stepping aside so as not to block the entrance, she let her gaze wander about. Normally, she might have approached Tomas, but somehow, she got the sense he wasn’t quite ready to engage just yet. As people greeted her - easy to do since she was still close to the entrance - she smiled and engaged in brief conversation.
Movement caught her eye and she noted how the bartender slid something across to Tomas that was green in hue. Not really a big drinker, Alora knew very little about what was what. Her idea of a drink was fruit juice with a kick, and she suspected that his was the opposite. The First Officer’s attention returned to those who had arrived for the party. Stepping forward, Alora approached, offering a small smile to the man, and to the others as they also approached the bar, likely to procure drinks for themselves.
DeVeau: Virgin rooh afza mojito please. That was to the bartender, but to the first officer, she spoke more familiarly.
DeVeau: Hey Tomas. Are you doing all right?
Any: Response.
Falt: It's been an interesting couple of days, that's for sure.
She could imagine. Unlike her, Tomas had been under the same commanding officer for the entirety of his career, while she had hopped around from one ship to another. Although one might think she was used to change, she understood how hard it was to say goodbye, especially when serving with and under a friend. She’d had to say that multiple times to multiple people. Now, she’d had to say it again. However, with every departure, there was an opportunity - an opportunity to embrace the change and to make a new friend. Still, she sympathised with the man.
DeVeau: Yes it has. I hope everyone is doing all right.
Her eyes flicked to others who had gathered nearby, her smile brightening a little, silently inviting them to join in the conversation.
Any/Falt: Response.
DeVeau: Change can be hard, but it can also be exciting.
In that particular case, she used ‘exciting’ in a positive context. A new commanding officer would certainly be an adjustment, but she was going into it with an optimistic viewpoint.
Any/Falt: Response.
DeVeau: I would say it’s an appropriate time for change. The new year opens to a universe full of possibilities.
The tender passed her the drink she’d ordered and she accepted it with a soft thanks before sipping at the sweet drink and focusing her attention on those who had also come to the bar.
Any/Falt: Response.
-- Commander Alora DeVeau Chief Science Officer & Second Officer Denali Station & Matriarch of the 15th House Betazed M239008AD0