[sb118-denali]Lieutenant Drex - Let the show begin
Drex Drex
((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna))
Drex had joined Commander Falt and Commander DeVeau near the bar and the three were soon joined by Commander Williams.
Naturally, the conversation immediately turned to Commodore Oddas and his new life, and his wild speculations about his new commanding officer.
But there seemed to be little to say on either subject. The Commodore had left too recently and no one had received any news or had been able to contact her, the new officer was still a mystery and the aura of mystery fed the fantasies of the most hardened bettors.
From what he had seen and perceived, the crew was mostly curious and not very worried about the future. After all, transfers often happened in the fleet, the ship remained and so did the crew. Drex, however, had never had a change of commander and his curiosity was accompanied by a slight anxiety.
Drex: I understand. I imagine it will take time for everyone to find balance and a stable routine.
DeVeau: It will, but it will happen.
Falt: Commander Williams, join us.
Drex: Has the Fleet Command communicated the name of the new CO?
Williams: You didn’t get the memo?
Drex turned on his feet to greet the Lieutenant Commander. He bowed his head slightly and stared at the man, expecting his curiosity to be satisfied.
DeVeau: Why? Did you receive one?
The Denobulan looked at Alora with a little surprise. How could it possibly be that she did not know if Williams did?
Williams: Hmm… Guess having a few courses in Starfleet Intelligence finally pays off.
Falt: I doubt that Starfleet Intelligence have much interest in who our new CO will be. Not unless they're having a very slow day.
Falt was grinning and Drex realized that maybe Williams was joking. But he could not be totally sure the security officer did not have any underground channel to get unofficial information in advance.
DeVeau: Actually, it would be nice to have that slow of a day.
Alora chuckled softly to herself.
Drex: So… :: He dared to ask :: do you have a name or not? :: with a doubtful tone ::
Williams: Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I knew as much as you do. Officially that is. Off the record have an idea. The sudden arrival of the Excalibur made me do some checking.
Yes, rumors had spread a few hours before about a Vesta Class entering the orbit of Denali. Maybe it was true that the new commanding officer was on board that ship or one of the few others arrived recently.
Falt: Ships arrive here all the time, and we don't require Starfleet vessels to inform us ahead of time. I'd caution against reading too much into it.
DeVeau: It’s possible the Excalibur did bring someone, but it’s impossible to say that for certain, or even who at this point. We’ll have to wait.
Drex: There have been a lot of rumors and lower decks have been making bets for days. What is your opinion, Commander Williams?
Drex was curious to hear what the head of the tactical and security department had to say.
Williams: It's been 10 years ago, but I did serve on that ship. I happen to know its captain and it's not unlikely that after 10 years she might be looking for a career change. If you want to make a bet, I'd put my money on Captain Nicholotti.
Drex shrugged slightly and took a sip of whiskey. The name didn't sound familiar to him. He said nothing, but he hoped Williams was wrong. He had bet on a human male and a female Captain would have ruined his plans.
Falt: Interesting, although it is obviously only a hunch at this stage. At the risk of being a party pooper please don't share any theories with the crew at this stage. Bar talk amongst the senior staff is fine, but we must be mindful of the need for rumour control too. Unless our new CO turns up of course. In which case..
DeVeau: We’ll take it as it comes. Whoever they are, they will be given a proper welcome upon their arrival.
Drex: Do we have fireworks left from Commander Falt’s promotion and ready just in case?
Drex smiled as he remembered the beautiful light show from a few months ago.
Williams: Response.
With a nod, Tomas drained the last of his drink.
Falt: Now, if you'll excuse me. With Oddas gone the awards presentation falls to me and I think it's time I get started.
DeVeau: Of course.
Setting down his glass, the executive officer left them and took center stage. Groups of officers and crewmen created a certain background buzz, but Drex knew from experience that it would take no more than a few seconds to Falt to gain everyone's attention.
DeVeau: Another awards ceremony.
Drex: Would you prefer to be somewhere else? :: in a gentle tone ::
Williams: Response.
DeVeau: Oh no, I’m quite glad for it. When missions go awry, which I know is often, I’m happy to see us at a place where we can award the good work by those who helped us return safely.
Drex: I’m glad we got out of that basement. :: He sighed. ::
With one last sip the science officer emptied the glass, then placed it on the table nearby. He needed his hand free to clap the good officers Falt’s was going to reward.
Williams: Response.
DeVeau: It would be nice to have one mission go as planned, wouldn’t it?
She smiled a little ruefully.
Drex: Are you telling me that we had plans? :: He joked :: I grew up believing that only bad guys had plans.
Williams: Response.
Drex: Oh well, you surely know better than me. :: He smiled ::
Williams/DeVeau: Response
The side lights dimmed and brightened three times, then remained low, while a brighter beam of light first illuminated the back of the stage and then ran along the floor toward the center and the speaker's platform.
Drex: New special effects :: He commented amusedly ::
Williams/DeVeau: Response
The Denobulan nodded and with a smile plastered on his lips he stopped speaking, preparing himself to listen to Falt's speech.
Falt: Response
The ceremony was officially starting. The brighter light illuminated Falt and the background noise diminished almost to nothing.
Everyone was waiting for the Commander's speech, everyone was hoping that his words would reveal the name of the new officer they would serve.
Drex joined others in the first of many rounds of applause that would surely dot the evening. Looking at the crowd that filled the terrace was glad that he had spent the last mission stuck in a dungeon and that he had not directly contributed to the success of the mission. Surely his name would not be spoken and all eyes would not be on him. He took a deep breath and began to relax.
Falt: Response