Lt.Cmdr. Alexander Williams: A new start

[Lt.Cmdr. Alexander Williams]

OOC: For those who still have to sim the award ceremony. This contains all the open tags that are out there so far. (Not including the private conversations just before the start.)

((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna))

With the ceremony officially starting Alex put his glass of wine on the bar so he had his hands free. For now he folded them over his chest, waiting for what was to come.
 
Falt: Good evening everyone.
 
Not everyone was quiet so the XO gave everyone a moment to round up, before he continued.
 
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.
 
oO Well said. Couldn’t have done that better myself. Oo

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.
 
Alex took the moment to applaud which was quickly, if not instantly, followed by the others. It was always good to be able to hand out commendations. To actually have two would be a nice boost for morale and a great way for the young officers to take an extra bit of pride in their accomplishments. Alex himself was particularly pleased with the Investigation Ribbon as it would be a new one on his already growing list of commendations.
 
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.

oO Wauw! That’s unexpected. Oo

Alex considered himself capable of many things, diplomacy however was not the thirst thing he would think about. But come to think of it he had somehow managed to keep things peacefully in all the chaos with Jem’Hadar, Cardassians, and the dragon creatures. It could have gone very different.

Williams: Honored sir, thank you very much.

Vahin / Any: Response.

He quickly took his glass and raised it to the commander, and then his shipmates. As he did clapping erupted once more and a few pairs of eyes moved in his direction. He handed out a few friendly nods to those that did. Then turning his attention back to Falt.
 
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.

Alex joined the applause and used to moment to look around to see who Tanner was, as so far the two had not met.

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 / 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.

Alex had only met him once, but that didn’t make him applaud any less. Overall it started to be a long list of commendations. Which told him he had found a great crew to work with.
 
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.

Standing next to DeVeau Alex again cheered and applauded. Then, as the speech continued he offered her a hand to congratulate her.

Williams: Well done, commander.

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.

Alex had a feeling what this was about. As the man moved forward Alex could see Falt picking up something. It was far too small to see from the distance. Which only feeded Alex idea what was about to happen.

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 second. Which wasn’t a surprise. Alex knew how long the two had served together. So it was only natural to have mixed feelings about the departure of the Commodore.

Falt: Now, if you’ll all direct your attention to the viewscreen near the bar, thank you.

Alex looked at the screen that suddenly activated a video. On it was Oddas, which reminded
Alex about their last encounter in her office. Not the best moment in his career but now that he knew it was probably right after she had decided to leave, he understood how that talk had gone somewhat sour.

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.

Another – probably the last – round of applause followed. And then there was something new that caught his attention. Falt was suddenly flanked by a familiar face. Captain Nicholotti

oO Well well… who do we have here. Oo

Nicholotti: Commander Falt. ::nodding in greeting and then gesturing towards the podium.:: May I?

Falt: Response?

The noise in the room from people already starting to congratulate each other dimmed almost instantly. Everyone was now looking at the new face next to their XO.

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.

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?

A new round of applause followed. But not for long, as the Commodore quickly resumed

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.

She took a step away, only to return again. She clearly forgot something.

Nicholotti: Enjoy this moment. It may be some time before we are able to return.

With that, the official part was over, but the mood in the garden had changed. Somehow the informal setting was gone. At least in Alex's mind. There was a crisis somewhere that needed their attention. With their new Commodore and Falt leaving the stage. Alex turned his attention to DeVeau and Drex.

DeVeau:  Congratulations both of you. Well deserved.

Williams: Thank you commander, and congratulations for you as well.

Drex:  response

DeVeau:  I know getting stuck in tight spaces isn't your idea of fun, but you have held yourself well.

Drex:  response

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.

After the Za, I was asked to join Captain Brell as his first Officer on the USS Atlantis. My best time so far I think. It lasted for 2 years.  After Captain Brell retired I headed back to Earth as a teacher at the academy.

Drex/Deveau:

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.

Drex/Deveau: Response?

Williams: From what the commodore just told us, it seems we are once more heading towards the unknown.

Drex/Deveau: Response?

TAGS / TBC

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With great pleasure written as:
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Williams
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Denali Station  
A239006AW0