Commodore V'Airu & Commander Rouiancet: Passing the Torch, Part 2

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(( Quark's Bar, Promenade, Deep Space 9 ))

The last time Lia had entered Quark's, it had been to celebrate her promotion in the company of Avander Promontory. She'd chosen Avander in part because they'd served together for long, partially because she respected his judgment and experience in intelligence, and partially because she'd wanted to share the first of the good news he'd received. She also, and this wasn't an insignificant part of her decision-making process even if she'd thought of it last, thought of him as a friend. That was true for many of the officers and crew who were coming with her from 'Oumuamua to Octavia E. Butler: Avander, of course, and Peri Katsim, and Wes Greaves. There were her newer friends, too, like Etan Iljor and Rivka Brzezinski -- and she couldn't think of Iljor without also thinking of Lhandon Nilsen, who had so recently served with and, even more recently, opened up to her. She was, in a word, happy she'd have them all to rely on.

But she wasn't back in Quark's for any of the officers she'd just thought about. Lia had worked with Lieutenant Aine Sherlock since she'd been assigned to 'Oumuamua, but not to the degree she'd have liked for the duty post she was about to offer. Commodore V'Airu, however, was very certain. The commodore had apparently been favorably impressed by Sherlock apparently since the moment she'd transferred in, and her esteem had only increased after Sherlock's success in command of the 'Oumuamua at Alpha Brenkelvi. Lia was willing to accept that strong recommendation.

But where was Sherlock?

They'd entered on the third level, and they searched that level and the second before the commodore spotted her down at the main bar. They made their way down and settled beside her. Not on either side, as Lia thought, once the commodore sat down, that they'd made an imposing sandwich of Sherlock otherwise. She pulled her stool around so that they made more of a triangle against the bar.

V'Airu: Sherlock. (beat) We heard we might find you here.

Who from, she didn't say. But word got around.

Sherlock: Response

Rouiancet: Nothing too onerous. Just a job offer.

Again she popped open the ornamental box that contained the selection of pips. Before the approaching bartender could interrupt, Lia had withdrawn a hollow pip, a mirror of that she'd pinned to Avander's collar earlier.

Rouiancet: The offer comes with some recognition of a job well done, if you'll allow us to say so, Lieutenant Commander.

She handed the pip over to Commodore V'Airu, who had requested this particular promotion. As she pinned it, though, Lia continued to speak.

Rouiancet: If you'll join the rest of the senior staff on their transfer from the 'Oumuamua to the Octavia E. Butler, then I'd be pleased and fortunate to have you as my chief of security.

However, the assignment was, as it was for all the senior staff members, up to them to take. Some might, like V'Airu, see the change as an opportunity to request a leave of absence or service elsewhere. Lia hoped that not many would go in that direction.

Sherlock: Response

Rouiancet: Of course. (beat) Before we leave you to your thoughts, though...?

The commodore was way ahead of her. V'Airu, after pinning the pip, had removed a selection of ribbons. As she had for Avander, Commodore V'Airu took over the conversation here.

V'Airu: I didn't serve with you as long as I would have liked, Sherlock. Nevertheless, I know you will continue to prosper. Before my leave begins, I would like to bestow this pair of ribbons on you.

She handed them over to Lia. One was, again, a twin to Avander's, the muted red and green stripes against black of Leadership Excellence. The other was an understated burgundy ribbon with a pair of darker: stripes.

V'Airu: You took command when I was incapacitated and led your crew with honor and dedication. Your meritorious actions have earned you the Leadership Excellent Ribbon, and you have further earned all the respect and admiration I can offer with this Captain's Commendation. Wear them proudly.

Lia finished the pinning and grinned at, she hoped, her new chief of security.

Sherlock: Response

Tags! and TBC!

--

Commodore Ossa V'Airu

Commanding Officer

USS 'Oumuamua

&

Commander Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

V238208LV0

she/her/hers (these characters) & he/him/his (player)