Capt. Shayne: T'will Do, T'will Suffice
Randal Shayne
((Arboretum, Deep Space 33))
Shayne: I have pips to inflict…
He scoured the collected crew like a farmer seeking just the right blossom to pluck. He was developing the sneaking suspicion that if the more misadjusted malcontents of Earth’s past had been told it was socially acceptable to be evil and mischievous while doing nice things, there would have been a fair reduction in crime, cruelty, and poor life choices.
Shayne: Doctor Ohnari! Step forward and suffer praise!
He couldn’t help the almost frightening grin that warped his features like the Cheshire Cat dropping acid. Clearly, she’d been ready to applaud and congratulate whoever had earned advancement- there was something so cathartically excellent about catching people off guard in the best possible way. After ten years, he was finally starting to understand where his own captains had been coming from when they’d teased him for everything from his (spotless) uniform to his (almost spotless) punctuality.
Ohnari moved forward swiftly- as swiftly as she could, that was. Shayne wasn’t sure if it was the lighting or the angle of the steps, but he observed a slight limp in her bearing, and it worried him. Now, though, was the worst time to show it.
Shayne: Doctor Ohnari. Your patience with your patients is practically patented. Okay, I’ll stop. In any case, you are a fine physician, the CMO this crew needs, and if you aren’t the glue that holds us together literally and figuratively, then you certainly apply it. I’m proud and delighted to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all commensurate privileges and expectations. Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Ohnari!
Ohnari: Response
Perhaps he should have told her to stay on the stage; if there was something hurting her, it was unkind to summon her twice. Regardless, there was applause to make Shayne’s sensitive hearing complain, which was fine by him.
Shayne: Chief Dewitt! Up you come.
There were murmurs at this; one needn’t be a Bynar to understand the math didn’t quite add up. Fortunately for Shayne, he could depend on their good grace for a while longer yet.
Shayne: Mr. Dewitt. That next pip is on its way, as I’m sure you know, but it’s not why I’ve brought you up here today. Today, instead, I say out loud what has been appreciated and depended upon quietly- through your commitment, capabilities and commanding presence, situations that posed a danger to ship and crew were defused, deflated and, in some cases, disarmed. For these reasons, and for your unwavering dedication in service of your fellows, I am pleased to formally appoint you the USS Khitomer’s second officer. Congratulations Chief, and thank you.
A long time coming to be sure, but earned nonetheless.
Dewitt: Response
A handshake, stern and firm, preceded Dewitt’s retreat, and with that, Shayne extended his arms as if praising a god.
Shayne: And with that, I cry havoc, and let you at the buffet properly. Thank you all! Be ready to launch at a moment’s notice. Keep the booze to a minimum. Don’t eat anything strange! Who knows what’s in those lemon bars?!
Tag/END
Captain Randal Shayne
Commanding Officer
USS Khitomer
NCC 62400
G239202RS0