Commodore V'Airu & Commander Rouiancet: Passing the Torch, Part 3

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(( Operations Center, Deck 5, USS 'Oumuamua ))

Lia had spent more time than she'd expected in the 'Oumuamua's Operations Center lately. To tell the truth, she hadn't expected to spend any time there over shore leave, but needs must. She was pleased to find Lieutenant Arlill there, though like Avander Promontory, she suspected that he was taking refuge in his work after the horrific accident.

Commodore V'Airu had been the one who'd thought to find him there, and Lia marveled at the depths of knowledge V'Airu held regarding her crew. She might've thought to find Arlill in the OC, but only recently, whereas V'Airu had set off without question, even before the computer had confirmed Arlill's whereabouts.

She let the commodore take point this time, therefore. As she had with Avander and Aine, she opened the ornamental box with her, though this time she selected a solid gold pip. She lurked in the commodore's shadow for a moment.

V'Airu: Lieutenant Arlill, hard at work. (beat) The ship is to undergo extensive refitting. Your work isn't required. Yet we found you here.

That wasn't exactly a question, Lia thought, but it wasn't not a question, either.

Arlill: Response

A reasonable response, given what the commodore had -- or hadn't -- said. Lia stepped up beside her.

Rouiancet: We hoped to catch you, no matter what, before the big change happened.

She wasn't making any attempt to hide what she held, and she saw the flash of gold attract Arlill's eye.

Arlill: Response

Rouiancet: (with a smile) If you'll accept it. It comes with the condition, though, that you'll transfer to the Octavia E. Butler and serve as my chief of operations. Are you up to it?

Arlill: Response

Lia's smile persisted as she removed the hollow pip on his collar and replaced it with the solid pip. By the time she'd stepped back again, V'Airu had opened her box of ribbons and withdrawn two.

Rouiancet: I'm honored to have you. Congratulations, Lieutenant.

Arlill: Response

V'Airu: (a sharp nod) It is indeed my duty to recognize my outgoing senior staff with a final round of ribbons. To you, Arlill, I give the Innovation and Starfleet Investigation Ribbons.

Commodore V'Airu handed the ribbons to Lia, and she pinned the blue, striped ribbons to Arlill's uniform as the commodore continued to speak.

V'Airu: Even before the mission began, you ensured its success with the invention and application of the (brow raised) MOOMOO system, to say nothing of the general quick thinking you did a part of your away team. As a part of your team, you used the available evidence and your investigative skills to unravel the mysteries presented to you in the best traditions of the Starfleet officers and crew before you. I commend you, Lieutenant.

Arlill: Response

Tags! and TBC!

--

Commodore Ossa V'Airu

Commanding Officer

USS 'Oumuamua

&

Commander Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

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