Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti - Killing the Rumor Mill

[Marissa Jeffrey]

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

There was something to be said for being able to blend in to almost any situation; to exist within the shadows of the mind where people around would see you without actually seeing you. This was where Kali sought to be in that moment. Dressed in the dress uniform that the first officer of Denali station had ordered his crew in for the ceremony, the raven-haired commodore's long locks were pulled back into a braid that ran the length of her back, secured by a simple black tie that made it seem like it wasn't even there.

Much like herself. 

Though her complexion wasn't pale by any means, it did stand in stark contrast to the void-like darkness of her hair, which did the same with the bright dress uniform with the maroon piping that signified her department - Command. One silent bootstep after another brought her thin but athletic frame into the masses where she made little moves so to not be acknowledged near the back of the event. It wasn't hard; at 5'8" Kalianna wasn't an imposing figure by any means, and that made it easier to slip into and out of places as necessary. At the same time, over the years she had developed a stance, if one could call it that, which spoke volumes more than her size ever could.

Her time as an ambassador had given her step grace that her time as a marine never allowed, and though this gave her the upper hand at slipping into and around a veritable crowd, there was one aspect of the new commanding officer of the Eagle that she could not hide. Subdued colors and duplicate outfits aside, her bright, crystalline blue eyes shone through most groups like a beacon looking out onto a stormy sea. Not close to her original eye color, the beings on the other side of the void where she had died must not have understood color when they rebuilt her. 

At least that was what she told herself.

With eyes cast down she listened to the ceremony, cheering where appropriate, smiling at those near her and putting a finger over her lips to those whose eyes shone recognition of her face or her pips. Somehow she made it to the end of things and as the sound of their former CO's voice filtered into the crowd, she found her way out of it.

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.

Darkness was soon cast over everyone as the message ended and the screen that everyone was attending to returned to its natural black blankness. Applause followed. By then she had already made her way to where the first officer stood near the podium he had once taken to offer the awards to a well-deserved crew. Clearing her throat as to not surprise anyone with her approach, Kali offered the man a soft, mischievous smile. 

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

Falt: Response?

Her smile remained, though it took on the slightest air of thanks as well and soft mystery. Kali stepped up and into the light as those pools of crystalline blue settled on the officers and crew now quieted and looking, likely with curiosity, in her direction. She waited but a moment and that was all it took for the silence to become deafening.

She never did like silence.

Nicholotti: I hate to break up the party before it really gets out of hand,  ::She grinned slightly.:: but I believe there is a need to offer some direction on what comes next.

Pausing, she let the silence break into the inevitable murmurs that moved like a wave through a group of people. As it seemed to settle a bit, she continued.

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 moment was granted for the crew to celebrate their first officer as it should be before things settled enough to continue.

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.

Turning, she almost stepped away, but for a moment thought of one more thing.

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

With fluid grace she picked up from somewhere along her lifelong journey, Kali stepped town and looked to the commander.

Nicholotti: Walk and talk?

She gestured towards the exit.

Falt: Response?

TBC

(OOC - We will be moving to the Eagle mailing lists following this. Be on the lookout for the change of address!)

--

Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti

Commanding Officer

USS Eagle

R238605KN0