Ensign Arlo Zara - Part of the Crew
Arlo Zara
((The I’vish Gallery, Shi’Kahr District, Starbase 118))
Arlo hurried over to one of the tables equipped with seats around the stage as Commander Fairhug began his remarks. They hastily deposited one and a half handfuls of snacks on the plate set on the table as they sat.
Fairhug: Welcome, everyone, to the I'vish Gallery and to Ops’ latest awards ceremony. I'm sure you'll all agree that this is a very appropriate venue and if you haven't spent much time in the Shi'Kahr District before, I'm sure this evening will make a lasting impression.
The setting of the event was indeed a beautiful one. There was a somewhat understated quality to Vulcan art and aesthetics which brought out details that might otherwise be missed. Even the layout of the space was very intentional, and it naturally drew attention to the Commander on the stage.
Fairhug: First of all, I want to say thank you, once again, to you all.
Fairhug: Our last mission was a particularly stressful one. There were times when I thought, as I'm sure some of you must have, that we might not make it back to the base at all. But as always, this crew never gives up and *always* finds a way.
As the assembled company began raising the glasses to the coming toast, Arlo slowly gazed around the room. They had still not met everyone on the crew, but in this moment, they could sense the solidarity shared between them. A combination of admiration and a desire to prove themself stirred in Arlo as they raised their drink with the others.
Fairhug: So, cheers! To you all.
Marsh: Cheers!
Any: Response
Fairhug: As you all know, we have lost some of our colleagues recently. Fortunately, only to other postings, but their absence is still felt, of course. ::pausing:: Lieutenants Tito and Kreshkova are participating in the launch of the USS Thor and Lieutenant Korras has offered his services to USS Khitomer in their struggle against a new and powerful enemy. ::raising his glass again:: We wish them all well in their new roles and hope to serve with them again one day.
Arlo had never had a chance to meet any of the outgoing crew in the short time since they’d come aboard the station. It was a reminder of the impermanence of life, particularly in Starfleet. It was an idea they struggled with, but they felt bolstered by the camaraderie they saw in the room, despite the departures.
Marsh: It's too bad I wasn't able to wish them the very best. I'll have to send them messages at some point this week.
Willow: Response
Any: Response
Fairhug: Now, while some fine officers have departed, others have arrived. It is always a pleasure to be able to introduce new crew at a ceremony such as this, so please, give a warm welcome to ::holding out a hand indicate the Andorian:: Ensign Mi'shune sh'Sonora, our new Helm Officer.
The other ensigns, Arlo had had a chance to meet. They looked over at the Andorian, remembering the chaos of the first leg of the “ensign bingo” challenge and smiling as they clapped along with everyone else.
Any: Response
sh'Sonora: Response
Fairhug: Also, Ensign Lyra Voss, a new addition to the Science department.
Working with scientists was something Arlo always enjoyed. They had initially joined the academy on the science track, but found they enjoyed the hands-on aspects of engineering too much not to lean into. The pursuit of knowledge was a central part of Starfleet, and one they were excited to pursue with this crew. They applauded.
Marsh: Welcome Lyra!
Any: Response
Voss: Response
Fairhug: ::another slight turn:: Ensign Arlo Zara, who will be joining the Engineering team.
Any: Response
One thing Arlo never enjoyed was having a room full of people turn to look at them. Under the circumstances, though, they were still very happy for the warm welcome. They fought through the flush that they hoped was not visible on their face to respond.
Arlo: Hello, everyone! Very excited to be serving with you all.
They slumped a bit in their seat, happy to be past the portion of the event where they would be name-dropped.
Fairhug: And last but not least, Ensign James Taylor. Another much needed Engineer.
Arlo hadn’t had a chance to spend a lot of time with Taylor as yet, but they had already gotten the impression they would get along. They seemed to have similar philosophies toward engineering, and Arlo was excited to work with him. They clapped excitedly, a little less nervous now that the introductions were past.
Any: Response
Taylor: Response
Fairhug: It is my honour to welcome you all to StarBase One-One-Eight as newly minted Ensigns. I hope that your careers will be long and successful and I look forward to getting to know you all as time goes by.
A real burst of pride filled Arlo at that. They had worked hard to get here, and as much as there were challenges ahead, it didn’t hurt to acknowledge that this was the culmination of a goal they had had for most of their life. They looked around at the rest of the ensigns and smiled at the possibility that stretched out before them.
Any: Response
~~~
Ensign Arlo Zara
Engineering Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
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