Commander Tomas Falt: Celebrations and Change

[Tomas Falt]

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

 

As Tomas headed over to the pedestal he noticed the lights in the room dim, leaving only a bright spotlight on the pedestal itself. As he finished his short journey and stepped into the light he realised that, whilst it was slightly too dramatic for his tastes, it did have the double benefit of making him visible to everyone in the room, whilst masking them from view.

 

He took a couple of deep deliberate breaths to steady himself.

 

Falt: Good evening everyone.

 

Despite the light trick there was still a small hubbub of conversation in the room. He paused to allow everyone to quieten down before continuing. 

 

Any: Response

 

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. 

 

He paused briefly to open up the PADD he'd rested on the pedestal. A prompt in case he overlooked anything.

 

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 behaviour 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.

 

He looked up and enthusiastically led the crew in a round of applause.

 

Any: Response

 

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.

 

Williams / Vahin / Any: Response.

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

Kettick / Any: Response.

He joined in the applause for Kettick. The Remmilian was a fine officer, and he'd earned the Ribbon.

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 / Any: Response.

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!

Tomas kept his face impassive as the young man hurried over to stand before him.

Falt: I’ll have you at attention please, Ensign.

He picked up a small item from the pedestal in front him before stepping down to stand in front of the man, careful to keep the object hidden in his hand.

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.

He stepped forward and revealed the object in his hand, a hollow pip, which he pinned to the Ensign’s collar. Stepping back, he finally allowed himself to smile as he extended a hand towards the man.

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.

He paused for a brief moment to compose himself before continuing.

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

Tomas nodded at his assistant, Tersus, who had been waiting near the viewscreen. The Benzite returned his nod and a second later the screen flickers into life, the familiar features of the now retired Commodore large on the screen.

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.

Tomas smiled to himself. The Commodore’s aversion to parties had been well known.

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.

The screen darkened and from the centre of the room Tomas began to clap. It seemed the right thing to do, even if he knew his friend wasn’t there to hear it.

 

TAG / TBC

Commander Tomas Falt                          

Executive Officer                   

Denali Station   

J239807TF2