Lt. Commander Foster - Oh The Irony
Jamie LeBlanc
((Beach – Raskor II))
Wyn was aware of who was getting promotions, and even with that foreknowledge, he could feel the emotions in the room, feel his chest getting tight with pride.
Mi’shune was a spitfire. Perhaps an interesting choice for a promotion, but Wyn was starting – slowly – to understand how the Commodore’s brain worked. Someone with energy and drive would wither if they were not challenged. And that one step from an entry level officer to one with experience and responsibility was a challenge. It was now up to Mi’sh to determine what she would do with the second pip she wore.
Lyra Voss was almost the opposite. Organized, dedicated, professional and careful. Wyn empathized with her awkwardness, her overthinking. But he had also seen on multiple occasions how well she could step forward and accomplish all that was asked of her and more. This promotion recognized her abilities and asked her to consider herself as a growing, up and coming leader, even if it didn’t feel like that was who she was right now.
Ryden Sylvax made perfect sense. Ryden had steadily been growing into his new roles and taking on more responsibility as time went on. It was natural that he took this opportunity to step into a leadership role and be able to show the crew what he could do when given the opportunity. Wyn was proud of him.
Taybrim: And one last important announcement. As it may take some time for Captain Fairhug to return, and we have a new mission to tend to in the immediate future, I am appointing Lt. Commander Shar’Wyn Foster as acting Commanding Officer of StarBase 118 Ops until Captain Fairhug returns.
He took in a deep breath. This wasn’t a surprise, but still to hear the Commodore say it in front of the crew was different than having a quiet meeting over subspace.
Was he ready for this?
Yes. Yes he was. A year and a half ago when Fairhug asked him to be the executive officer on Ops, Wyn almost said no. Something inside of him said ‘reconsider’ and now he was glad he had.
He might not be the poster child for a commanding officer, but he would face the fires of Gre’thor to keep his crew safe, and that was a good foundation for command.
Foster: I will keep them all safe, Sir.
Which was the most honest thing he could say. And truest.
He could hear Sol cheering and he couldn’t help but smile.
Any: ?
Taybrim: And yes, I am aware that this leave Ops without a First Officer… however I am asking Lt. Commander Solaris McLaren to serve as Commander Foster’s First Officer.
McLaren: We'll keep an eye on the station for now.
Wyn raised his to match her.
Foster: That we will!
Any: ?
Taybrim: I can firmly say that I believe StarBase 118 is in good hands and you both will do a fantastic job. And I can firmly say that this is a magnificent crew who can achieve great things in good times and hard times. So let me end by saying congratulations to everyone! And thank you all for all of your hard work!
McLaren: To 118!
Foster: To an amazing crew!
Any: ?
There was cheering and applause for everyone and then the music started back up and the stage lights went down, the lights on the food and drink popped back up and there was merrymaking all around.
Wyn took in a long, slow breath. Emotions sat in his chest. Pride for the crew’s accomplishments. Worry about their safety on the next mission. And that strange well of emotions he couldn’t quite parse out about taking command.
Something he never asked for, never goaled for. But something he found had changed him for the better. Something he believed he could do – well – and maybe even excel at.
And then that strange question of what happened if he did it well, and then Captain Fairhug came back? Would he stay on Ops? Would he command somewhere else? Would he stay here with everyone he knew? Would he get a choice in the matter?
That, maybe, was the worst demon hanging over him. That sense that he didn’t know what the future would bring and he could not even begin to guess.
McLaren: Captain.
He jumped just a little and then settled and smiled.
Foster: Commander.
Sol brought drinks. Which was about the most perfect thing Wyn could think of right now. The two of them – how long had they know each other? Almost a decade by now.
He thought back of missions on the USS Constitution-B. The Conny. Both of them had fewer pips, fewer responsibilities and fewer grey hairs. They were kids back then.
And now? Experienced professionals. Comrades. Siblings in action.
McLaren: How are you feeling about this, Wyn?
Foster: It’s… big. I’d like to say with confidence that I’m ready. But it’s more a ‘I hope I’m ready.’
He was waffling between confidence and questioning. He really didn’t want to be that jerk who was overconfident, and overlooking things. At the same time he knew no one would following a commanding officer who didn’t have confidence.
People needed authority. People needed leaders who knew what they were doing and where they were going. He knew this.
McLaren: You’re more than capable. Sal wouldn't have asked you to be CO if you weren't. :: She paused. :: And Ive always known it too...
He sucked in a breath and raised his glass to Sol. It was good to hear her say it, more than perhaps she knew.
Foster: I’m glad you’re here with me. Beyond my Dad, you’re one of the people I trust most in this galaxy.
McLaren: You know I’ve never met the man... but I have a feeling your Dad would be pretty proud of you.. and I am too.
He grinned at that.
Foster: Well, then we had better, absolutely, keep this crew safe and come back in one piece, otherwise my Dad will have some choice words that will melt your ears off.
They sat there, in silnce for a few moments, looking out over the ocean. The beach on Raskor was amazing, and the water was endlessly blue and vast. It was oddly peaceful.
McLaren: Until Gogi returns, Ill do my best to support you any way I can. Just tell me how.
Foster: I know you will. ::he sucked in a breath:: I won’t lie, I’m a little freaked out. You’re the undercover specialist. You gotta let me know if I’m missing any critical information or if anything I say sounds stupid.
McLaren: ?
Foster: I hate not having all the information. I never understood the people who love to live on the edge of chaos.
He chuckled a bit, the admission was personal and yet also something he had admitted some time ago.
McLaren: ?
Foster: Yeah, I know, the whole mantra is to explore strange new worlds… but carefully and safely ::he grinned, understanding the irony.::
McLaren: ?
Foster: Honestly, if Taybrim hadn’t suggested you be at my side I would have either demanded it or said no.
Fortunately Commodore Taybrim seemed to figure these things out before you even had to say them. Wyn figured that was a Betazoid thing.
Did that mean Lyra would one day be like Taybrim? No, she had already said she didn’t want to be judged by the stereotypes of her people. Wyn pushed the frivolous thought from his mind.
McLaren: ?
He lifted his glass.
Foster: Alright, a toast, to making this universe a bit better and keeping this good crew safe.
McLaren: ?
~*~
tags/tbc
~*~
Lt. Commander Shar’Wyn Foster
Acting Commanding Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
~Julian Beck
E239010ST0