Cmdr. Alora DeVeau - "It's Never What You Expect"
Amanda Nordstrom
((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna))
The awards ceremony hadn’t quite begun, but people had started to arrive on the rooftop garden where it was to be held. Alora avoided the edges at all cost, for although the view was lovely, it wasn’t something that settled well with her stomach. Instead, she kept her sight set on the people around her, and after silently observing the first officer for a few minutes, she approached and ordered a virgin drink. The foremost subject on their mind was the departure of Commodore Oddas. It was hard, and likely harder for some than others. Alora had seen so much change over the last few years, this was at least something she could take in stride, though she felt for those negatively impacted by it. In her mind, she tried to stay positive.
DeVeau: I would say it’s an appropriate time for change. The new year opens to a universe full of possibilities.
Unsure of how Tomas was taking her more optimistic take, Alora elected not to press too hard. Taking another sip of his drink, he turned to the other science officer with him.
Falt: What about you, Lieutenant. You must have questions like the rest of us?
Drex: Have you heard anything from Commodore Oddas? Is the new place what she expected?
An eyebrow arched upward, as if he was surprised that Drex might ask such a question. She didn’t see why, surely most people were invested in the former Commodore’s well being.
Falt: I'm afraid I have not. I'm sure she'll be in touch when she's ready. ::To DeVeau:: What about you, Commander?
DeVeau: Not yet, but I was going to give her a month or so to get settled then reach out if I didn’t hear from her first.
Alora hadn’t been particularly close to Aria, a fact she regretted. After her transfer, she’d had to work on getting ready for the baby and healing from losing her husband a second time. That had consumed her life, at the cost of other relationships. Fortunately, Drex had been rather insistent, and now was like an uncle to her daughter. Still, Alora would reach out. She respected the former commanding officer, and wished her well.
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.
Her eyes shifted to others as the doors parted to allow another wave of officers arriving at the party. One individual approached as she studied the newcomers, drawing her attention away from them.
Falt: Commander Williams, join us.
Drex: Has the Fleet Command communicated the name of the new CO?
Williams: You didn’t get the memo?
That time, both Tomas’ and Alora’s eyebrows rose in sync. She glanced over at the first Officer, then at Williams.
DeVeau: Why? Did you receive one?
Drex: Response.
Williams: Hmm… Guess having a few courses in Starfleet Intelligence finally pays off.
A grin spread across Tomas’ face and Alora realised that Williams was probably just as much in the dark as they were. While everyone knew another Starship had come calling, who it was bringing to fill the role wasn’t yet clear.
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.
DeVeau: Actually, it would be nice to have that slow of a day.
Alora chuckled softly to herself. That would never happen - not in Starfleet.
Drex: Response.
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.
At that, Tom’s expression shifted again, that time to one of uncertainty.
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.
Oh sure, everyone was making bets - Alora had been asked to make some of her own. She had refused, but did enjoy seeing what people thought about it.
Drex / DeVeau: Response.
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.
That was a name Alora was familiar with, but only because of news reports. In the fleet, Nicholotti was rather infamous mainly because of the strange circumstances that surrounded her continued existence. It was an interesting theory.
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.
Though, like everyone, Alora was quite curious and eager to know who was going to take the position in the wake of Oddas departure.
Drex / Williams: Response.
With a nod, Tomas drained the last of his drink and Alora’s eyes followed the glass as it was set to the table, then lifted back to the man himself.
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.
And with that, Tomas pushed himself away from the bar and aimed for center stage, so to speak. There wasn’t an actual state, but he would gain attention pretty quickly.
DeVeau: Another awards ceremony.
Drex / 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.
She cast a glance at both Drex and Williams. While she had been with either during the course of the mission, she knew they had both worked to get answers and protect others.
Drex / Williams: Response.
DeVeau: It would be nice to have one mission go as planned, wouldn’t it?
She smiled a little ruefully. Alora had experienced a few, but only a few, and they were rather far between as well. But that was part of living in a strange galaxy filled with people and phenomena. As much as they tried to plan, things just happened, and part of their training was how to deal with the unexpected.
Drex / Williams: Response.
-- Commander Alora DeVeau Chief Science Officer & Second Officer Denali Station & Matriarch of the 15th House Betazed M239008AD0