Lt Korras - Being in space

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(( Docking Ports, Deep Space 33 ))

 

Korras considered it good timing that he had managed to make it back to DS33 when he did, just before their departure, and just in time to make it to the ceremony. It was always good to celebrate his fellow officers being on the receiving end of any recognition.

 

For the occasion, he had replicated the standard dress uniform. Coincidentally, it was the first time he wore it in this color. For the most part of his career, he had been in Operations. And after visiting his family for a few months, it still felt slightly odd wearing red, but he knew it would become second nature before too long. As he reached the door to the docking ports, he paused briefly, realizing it would be the first time since he left that he would be face to face with his new crewmates again. He shook his head, realizing how foolish his trepidation was, and muttered something to himself: tIqDaq HoSna' tu'lu'. Time to stop overthinking, and face the situation.

 

Without further hesitation, he walked through the door, and stepped into the docking port. While far less immense than those at Starbase 118, the sight was far more impressive, as they had been opened with a forcefield in place, opening a large part of the wall to space, with the Khitomer being lit up outside. It almost felt like they were in space themselves. Chairs had been arranged around a main stage, and people were already making their way to sit down. He looked around briefly, and saw some familiar faces. He decided to join them.

 

Semara: I'm glad it's Connor.  But I hope he gave you a proper thank-you for bein' such an amazin' and endurin' wife.  :: A little smirk. :: Come on.  :: A sideways nod towards the seats. ::  Sit with me?  I wanna have a friend by my side tonight.

 

A. Dewitt: Response

 

One of them looked up at him, in surprise.

 

Semara: :: Half-unbelieving. :: Lieutenant Korras?

 

Korras: ::grinning:: Indeed.

 

A. Dewitt: Response

 

Semara promptly gave a little curtsy, and rose smiling. Korras returned her greeting with an inclination of his head.

 

Semara: Lovely to have you back with us.  Won't you join us for the ceremony?  :: Gesturing to Ayemet. ::  Then you can tell us what you've been up to after.

 

Korras: Thank you. I will, on both counts.

 

A. Dewitt: Response

 

She indicated an empty chair, and sat down next to them.  As the conversation died down, the light on the stage came on, illuminating commander Dewitt.

C. Dewitt: As a friend of mine used to say on occasions like this… Here we are again.

 

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.

 

Semara seemed to be exited about the announcement, and Korras briefly thought she was going to yell something. He chuckled at her enthusiasm.

 

Semara: :: Whispering :: Go Connor!

 

Korras / A. Dewitt: 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.

 

The mood shifted slightly. Korras was not yet fully aware of what all had happened, but he figured it was not all sunshine.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

He listened to the speech. For someone new to it, the commander handled it quite well. While it was not as polished as some of those from more experienced senior officers, that did make it feel very sincere.

 

Semara: :: Whispering again. :: Met the new cap'n yet?

 

Korras: ::shaking his head, answering in a whisper:: I have not.

 

A. Dewitt: Response

 

Semara: I think I might like him...  :: A little smile. ::

 

Korras: He will have some large footwear to fill.

 

A. Dewitt: Response ?

Naxell / Any: Response

 

Tag / TBC...

 

 

 

*****

Lieutenant Korras
Helm Officer
USS Khitomer
O240010K12