CDR Naxell — Preamble (Part III)
Naxell
((Docking Ports, Deep Space 33, Alpha Isles))
Naxell returned to the podium as three of the five officers returned to their seats. The final set of accolades were a bit more important and consequential, he felt, and deserved a bit more fanfare. He stood stoically, as El’Heem and Semara stood side-by-side awaiting their fates, and then addressed the crowd, though his words seemed more aimed at Lt. El’Heem.
Naxell: Lieutenant El’Heem it is my understanding that you were called away for a substantial portion of Khitomer’s most recent mission, and that your absence was sorely felt. ::sharply pronounced:: The ship suffered without you. But Starfleet and the Federation were infinitely better served. I am not sure how much it is known here, but you were instrumental in saving perhaps billions of lives on Kressari Prime, not through any heroic act of violence or war, but through the application of the scientific method.
He looked towards the Kressarian officer on the stage. This was in the Captain’s notes, but he’d read about it in some of the Federation’s scientific journals he was still subscribed to.
Naxell: You left your ship because the Federation needed you more. This is what leadership in Starfleet looks like. ::looking back to the crowd:: And so, please join me in congratulating Khitomer’s new Chief Science Officer.
El’Heem: Response
He waited for the applause to die down before adding.
Naxell: As one who has held that title, I warn you not to celebrate too much, Lieutenant. You may yet find yourself wishing for another planetary blight to heal far, far away from here.
El’Heem: Response
The last box, and perhaps the most vexing award yet. He picked it up and examined it for a time at the podium. Lieutenant Junior Grade Semara had proved herself to be ingenious, devoted, clever, and perhaps the slightest bit devious in the Indulgence’s brig. She’d been serving, for official (and undisclosed) purposes as the ship’s intelligence officer for some time, and posing as a science officer. He tried not to take that personally as a scientist, and to remember that it hadn’t been her idea. He’d been read in on her assignment, and though he didn’t like it, he understood it.
Naxell: There are times when officers are required to do things in the service of Starfleet that are not… palatable. You have all gotten a taste of this, recently, but perhaps none of you have gotten as much a taste as Lieutenant Semara, who was tasked to investigate beyond the scientific realm, and into matters of Starfleet itself.
He glanced to Semara, limited in what he could reveal. Then he walked slowly towards her, the final ornate box in one hand, the fingers of his other working to pry the lid.
Naxell: For your service, I am reassigning you as Khitomer’s Intelligence Officer. ::a quirked eyebrow sent her way:: For your service above and beyond, I offer you the rank of full Lieutenant. Do you accept?
Semara: Response
Naxell: ::removing her half-pip:: Then, with the authority granted to me by Starfleet as commanding officer of the USS Khitomer, I hereby so promote you, and grant you all the responsibilities and privileges incumbent thereto. Congratulations, Lieutenant.
Semara: Response
As the crowd erupted behind him, he pinned her second full pip on Semara’s collar, and then shook each of the Lieutenants’ hands. Stepping back towards the podium, he pivoted on his heel and faced the jubilant crew. He gave them all a feigned look of bewilderment, and thrust his hands towards them in mock exasperation.
Naxell: Well, what are you all waiting for? Eat! Drink! Merry-make!
TBC
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Commander Nax-Ellarneii-Tellargo
Commanding Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
A240001NH3