JP: Commodore Ossa V'Airu & Commander Etan Iljor & Lt. Cmdr. Alexander W. Brodie & 2nd Lieutenant Arturo Maxwell & Lieutenant Jack Kessler & Lt. Sasha Johnson & Lt Avander Promontory & LTJG Toxin Arlill & Ensign Lhandon Joseph Nilsen & Ensign Josh Herrick: Until we meet again
Mark P
((7-Forward, USS Oumuamua))
Transfers were a fact of life in Starfleet; even in cases where ships were flung to far off quadrants and made their way home beyond all odds, everyone eventually got transferred. However, this event was a bit more unique as the Oumuamua had two chiefs of staff leaving, along with several other notable crewmen. Corelli, Kel, Perez, Rox and Vomek were almost ready to leave the ship, and their ‘farewell’ celebration had been coming to a close.
Josh had been given a unique task of establishing a new tradition for notable transfers, similar to those that were retiring. Something that the folks could take with them to their new position. And, it had the benefit of helping bring closure to some of the emotional aspects of the departures, while also making room for new chapters for both those departing and those that remained.
He made his way to the center of the room and he tried to get the attention of the crowd, but everyone seemed to be quite wrapped up in their conversations. He tried again but without success. Luckily, someone stepped up to help gather their attention.
Sasha knew how to raise her voice and how to be heard. That came from being a mom, that and dealing with rowdy groups while in the academy. Bringing her fingers to her lips, she inhaled, then let out a long, shrill whistle that cut through any and all sound in the room. Once it ended, she didn’t give anyone else a chance to catch their breath before calling out loudly.
Johnson: Everyone listen up!
Herrick: Thanks! ::speaking louder to the crowd:: As one of the more green officers here, I was tasked with running through the ship on a mission of intelligence that would give Lieutenant Promontory a run for his money. oO Pause for laughter Oo
In his corner of the room Avander raised an eyebrow, but otherwise declined to comment on that.
Josh had spent all week preparing to speak now; public speaking was not his forte and he tended to get jelly legs if didn’t over prepare. Thankfully, the crowd gave a polite chuckle and he continued.
Herrick: Without further ado… here is a final briefing for our guests of honor here tonight. Computer, let ‘er roll.
The lights dimmed and a holographic rectangle appeared in the middle of the room, visible from all angles. The title card read ‘Official Briefing, USS-Moo Moo’. A few moments later, the Moo Moo was scratched through and the proper name of the ship floated in.
Sasha couldn’t help but snort. Someone should have inserted a field of cows for that one, but she didn’t speak, just watched.
Iljor almost choked on his coffee as he saw the title card. Looking at Herrick, his right eyebrow rocketed upwards.
Etan: USS Moo-Moo? :: he asked with the air of a man not at all impressed. ::
Maxwell: Not guilty, sir.
Ok, so he might have said it once in 7-Forward a few days ago. Surely it couldn’t be Max’s fault if it had caught on, right?
Any: Response
The image faded to black and then a new image appeared. Large LCARS font read, Report of Lieutenant V’Len Kel. And quickly vanished and it looked as if a camera was running through the corridors and finally a face came into frame.
Any: Response
The feed cuts to an image of Lhandon, who had been sat down by Herrick to provide one of the many talking heads.
Nilsen: As it turns out, Kel’s a damn good pilot. I knew I recognised the name, but I didn’t think he was that Kel. So he put together this pilot program with me, Vo, and Tox in this pilot program, one thing led to another and suddenly we were in the Denali Invitational. So erm thanks Doc, there’s a first year cadet in here ::tapping his heart:: punching the air right now.
Toxin’s face appeared next, he was in the Foxy Lady at the helm.
Arlill: Hey doc, you really gave us a history lesson back on the Intrepid. It was that day that I saw who you really were, more than just the doctor, so much more. (Beat) ::a single tear rolled down Toxin’s cheek::I was fairly green behind the ears and you inspired me to be more than the sum of my parts. We’re gonna miss you doc.
The scene jumps from Arlill to Jack Kessler walking down a corridor and turning to the camera man. A smile crosses his face and he turns to fully face the camera.
Kessler: V’Len buddy I sure am going to miss your fungus adventures, your holodeck mysteries and of course beating racing you around the ship. ::throwing a wink to the camera:: Oh and before I forget, I left a treat for you on the Foxy Lady, under the rear bunk you like. Enjoy it with a friend.
The scene shifted to one that would be all too familiar with the doctor, his second home, Sickbay.
Herrick: Doctor Kel… while our time onboard together has been short; I’ve had my fair share of Sickbay time ::holding his arms up and winking:: and I will say that you’re leaving us with a very capable team; I feel they’ve all treated me for something under your guidance. Even though I won’t have you to fix me up from explosions and radiation, among other things, it’s your care and compassion that I’ll miss. Best of luck on the Ronin!
The holo environs melted to the Intelligence Suite.
Promontory: Doctor… V'Len. My first experience on board was helping you and Peri in the science lab. (Beat) I hope you don't drop anything on the Ronin!
A muffled voice came in from off-camera.
Promontory: What? No, that won't jinx him! ::turning back to the recorder:: Anyway, you deserve every success because you're such a fun guy!
The screen faded to black, and next appeared a rather energetic looking Deltan. His smile was as bright as the shine on his head. ‘Report on Lieutenant Kammus Corelli. Again, the camera cut to testimonials of various crew members.
Any: Response
Kessler: Kammus, whether helping me build Logan and K9 or getting ourselves stuck in a temporal watchamacallit thing I have always found that you have the answer for the problem. Have fun on the Ronin and if you need a Tactical officer just say the word and I’ll be there.
Josh appeared next on screen, it was clear that he was trying to appear quite happy but that there was a bit of sadness in his eyes. It was his first experience with transfers onboard a ship, and a feeling he would hopefully become inoculated from over time.
Herrick: Chief! I hope I didn’t scare you off too bad blowing us up on my first day. Or, was it the time that I blew up the caves with us on the colony. ::gentle smile:: Either way, I’ll miss our figuratively and literally explosive times together and your wacky sense of humor. You’re going to keep the Ronin in stitches while you're there and — it’s a small galaxy, so I’m sure we’ll bump into each other soon!
The holo morphed back to the Intelligence Suite, Lt Promontory at his desk.
Promontory: Kammus… Never change. Safe sailing out there. (Beat) ::whispering:: …and all keep those 'special projects' going.
Avander finished with a wink.
Iljor appeared next, stood in front of the warp core. He had recorded his message in the dead of night, the only time he could be sure Corelli was not lurking about with a hydrospanner to catch him in the act.
Etan: Chief, I’ll never forget our time aboard the Intrepid digging through confetti of all things trying to get a Constitution-class starship up and running. You’re a one-in-a-billion engineer and your new Captain is a very lucky man to inherit you. Just… try not to phaser the warp core. ::his eyes glimmered with mischief as he finished speaking.::
The room lit back up; and there was a bit of light chatter. Josh’s voice called out to the computer again.
Herrick: Computer, I think there’s more to be shared, wouldn’t you agree.
The computer chimed back, rather gleefully if its tones and chirps could be interpreted that way, and the room quickly dimmed again. Three rotating faces appeared, it looked a bit more eerie than Josh had anticipated but they were in the moment now. Perez, Vomek and Rox, head spinning.
Random crewman: They might get dizzy if they keep spinning like that.
Proper laughter filled the room, and the video cut to the final set of testimonials.
Arlill: Hey Rox, I might have poked fun at you only being crewman, but I’ve gotta say, you’re one hell of a nurse! And you really know how to party!
With that statement the holographic recording of Toxin threw up his hands and a bunch of holographic confetti flew into the air.
Herrick: Perez! You kept our secret safe! ::winking::
Promontory: Vomek, roomie! Anksthay orfay ethay oodgay imestay!
Herrick: ::sitting in the shuttle of the Foxy Lady:: Rox — thank you for almost getting me killed by weird strange flying lizard men… I mean it; an adventure to remember ::smile:: and being so kind when I first came onboard. You helped make it feel like a family. Keep it foxy!
Any: Responses
The hologram transformed from the square rectangle into the USS-’Oumuamua and as it flew to the furthest extent the holo-emitters would allow, it doubled back, shimmering and shifting shape into the Ronin. Then the ship faded out, and another large wall of text appeared.
“Some more sage words to take with you...”
Once again, the scene shifted, that time to Engineering. Sitting in the entranceway of a Jeffries tube, Sasha's bright, smiling face lit up the screen.
Johnson: Well, here we are. Y’all are leaving and I’m staying. I think the Ronin gets the better end of this deal.
Leaning forward, her face drawing closer to the recorder, she rests an arm over one knee and stares directly into the camera.
Johnson: Doc, Engineers may keep the ship together, but you keep the crew together. I’m not sure we’re not going to fall apart without you, but we’ll try. Keep yourself in one piece too, you here?
She paused then leaned back, her expression softening a bit.
Johnson: Kammus, Doctors may keep the crew together, but you were the glue that held the ship. It’s not going to be the same around here without you. Wherever you go, you’ll forever and always be my friend.
A second later, a light of mischievousness sparkled in her eyes.
Johnson: And don’t worry, we’ll keep singing the song *every single day*.
She paused again, stood up, then, with a hyperspanner in her hand, she lifted the device to her forehead, then arched it out in a salute.
The screen changed and it cut to Alex Brodie, standing on the concourse of Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco.
Brodie: V’Len, Kammus – hopefully I’ll be able to be there in person to say this…so if everything has gone to plan, I apologise if I’m covering old ground. And speaking of old ground…
He gestured around himself as the camera swung around.
Brodie: From these humble beginnings you’ve both grown into fine young officers. I know your crewmates are going to miss your skill, focus and dedication and Captain Niac is extremely lucky to have you.
The camera swung back to the Scot.
Brodie: But it's about more than that…you’re two fine and upstanding people. You’ve clearly touched those you work with and you’ll always have a home on the ‘Oumuamua. Fair winds and calm seas to you both and I’ve every faith we’ll see each other again…so this isn’t really goodbye…just, until next time.
He began walking towards the camera.
Brodie: Oh, one more thing – it may help, if you ever get nostalgic for the Thor…speak to Commander Alieth…and tell her I said hello.
Talking to someone off-camera...
Brodie: Alright, Cecil B. DeMille…that’ll do.
The video ended and V’Airu stepped in to formally close off this portion of the farewell ceremony.
V’Airu: (with a small smile) You might think that, with practice, it becomes easier to say goodbye to the officers you spend your career with. It does not. (beat) But it helps to remind yourself that few Starfleet officers spend their full career on a single ship or installation. We were lucky enough to spend part of ours with these fine officers, and now we entrust them to new ships and new crews.
Any: Response
Commodore Ossa V'Airu
Commanding Officer
USS 'Oumuamua
V238208LV0
she/her/hers (this character) & he/him/his (player)
&
Commander Etan Iljor
Executive Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
NCC - 81226
C239203TW0
(they them, he/him - character and player)
&
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander W. Brodie
Visiting Lecturer
Starfleet Medical
Writer ID.: A239005BM0
He/Him: Player & Character
&
2nd Lieutenant Arturo Maxwell.
Marine Officer, 4/73 Marines.
USS Oumuamua: NCC-81226.
O239311AM0
&
Lieutenant Jack Kessler
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Oumuamua
T239901JK1
&
Lt. Sasha Johnson
Engineering Officer
USS 'Oumuamua
M239008AD0
&
Lt Avander Promontory
Intelligence Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
O239910AP4
&
LTJG Toxin Arlill
Helm, Operations, & Communications Officer
USS 'Oumuamua NCC-81226
Writer ID.: O239910TA4
&
Ensign Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
HCO
USS Oumuamua
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)
&
Ensign Josh Herrick
Engineering Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)