[sb118-khitomer] Lieutenant (JG) Ezra Zerva - New CO. Who Dis?
BC Cooper
((Docking Ports, Deep Space 33))
Ezra had been in the Indulgence’s infirmary on the last leg of the cruise line with Lera while she recovered from her injuries. He got a message on his PADD while he was there. It was signed from the XO and gave out the location as to where the awards ceremony would be at the end of shore leave. The fact it was signed by Commander Dewitt as the ships XO gave Ezra a pause. He showed Lera the message. They both had questions. What was happening within the Command structure? Was Hobart now the Captain a second time? Was he gone? Did Captain Shayne disappear for a little while again? Or something else? They weren’t sure. Whatever change was coming, he figured they would all find out together at the awards ceremony.
They entered the room. It wasn’t the bright and colorful Arboretum like he was used to on the station. He had at least two awards ceremonies there. No for reasons he didn’t know it was being held here in the cold metallic docking port.
Ezra was dressed in his Starfleet dress uniform with Lera on one side and Foxy on her leash following along on the other side. He did a quick glance around the room and saw some of the crew.
Zerva: ::to Lera:: I’m happy you’re doing better. I couldn’t imagine coming to the awards ceremony without you.
Michaels: Response
Zerva: Agreed. It just wouldn’t be the same. Shall we take a seat next to some friends?
Michaels: Response
Ezra nodded as they took a seat next to their friends and crew mates with Foxy sitting between Lera and Ezra.
Zerva: ::takes a seat:: Good to see you. Looks like we’re just in time, which means plenty of lemon squares for those of us that want some. Did anyone else see the award ceremony message with Commander Dewitt listed as the XO?
Michaels/Any: Response
Zerva: ::points:: I think I see Commander Dewitt hiding over there under the shadow of the stage in the back. Looks like he’s about ready to start. I guess we’ll find out soon enough if he’s the new XO for certain.
Michaels/Any: Response
Commander Dewitt stepped forward into the light, walking up the short set of steps and rested one hand on the podium. For a moment they just stood there and looking out at them. They had a small bit of a smile upon their face.
C. Dewitt: As a friend of mine used to say on occasions like this… Here we are again.
Not just any friend. Captain Shayne. And what did he mean by used to? Why was the Commander starting things off and not the Captain? Or Commander Hobart? What was going on?
Commander Dewitt was wearing command red. So it is confirmed then. This time it’s not just temporary while Captain Shayne is away. What does that mean, he wondered, did we lose someone then?
Commander Dewitt gave a quick pause before continuing.
C. Dewitt: Before we get to why we’re all here tonight, there’s something I want to address first. ::beat:: Some of you may already have heard… Others may have guessed, and a few of you probably saw the uniform and figured it out immedieately. Standing here as the First Officer of the USS Khitomer is not something I expected to happen this soon.
Zevra: ::whispering:: I guess that confirms that then.
Michaels/Any: Response
C. Dewitt: Captain Shayne and Commander Hobart have led this crew through some of the hardest months most of us have ever seen. Through battles we didn’t choose. Through losses none of us wanted. And through the long shadow of the Lattice Alliance.
You got that right, Ezra noted as he squeezed Lera’s hand. They had gotten them through a lot. The way the newly minted XO was talking, it sounded like both of them were gone.
C. Dewitt: And through all of that they reminded us what Starfleet is supposed to be. They reminded us of why we are out here with a family of four hundred.
Wait. What?
oO Oh no. They are both gone aren’t they? No. Oo
He squeezed Lera’s hand a second time as he let out a quite gasp. Foxy looked up at them both as if to say, where are they? She added in a soft whimper to add a point. Ezra’s free hand gave Foxy a soft pat of her head.
C. Dewitt: Many of us have carried scars from the last year. Some visible. Some not. ::pause:: Tonight is not just about recognition. It is also about turning a page. A new chapter begins for Khitomer today. One where, hopefully, we begin to heal from what countless fights have left behind.
It would be good if they could do that. Many members of the crew had experienced their share of injuries both physical and emotional. Hid turned to sone they had lost. Vanta, Brom and others too. If only they were here to see this day.
The XO stepped slightly aside from the podium.
C. Dewitt: And every new chapter needs someone to lead it. I haven’t known him for very long. But in the short time, his advice has already had a significant impact on my life. ::pause with a smile:: And you can ask my wife, that’s something I don’t say lightly.
The XO smiled and briefly looked towards whomever it was that stood next to the stage, then back at the Khitomer crew. Ezra didn’t know this stranger. A new Captain?
The XO kept their voice calm.
C. Dewitt: I look forward to a new chapter and to seeing where he will lead this crew next. It’s my honor to introduce the new commanding officer of the USS Khitomer… ::a small gesture of invitation:: Commander Naxell.
Ezra clapped with the rest of the crew. While he was excited to meet their new CO, a small part of him was worried. And scared. Where did Captain Shayne and Commander Hobart go? Would they get any answers?
Ezra leaned over whispering as the clapping subsided. This time loud enough, that Ensign Morda who was sitting in front of him could hear.
Zerva: ::loud whisper:: Did any of you know?
Micheals/Morda/Any: Response.
Zerva: ::loud whispers:: I didn’t. This is all news to me.
Naxell/Michaels/Morda/Any: Response
Tags/TBC
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Lieutenant (JG) Ezra Zerva
Security Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
A240101EZ2