Commodore V'Airu & Commander Rouiancet: Passing the Torch, Part 4

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(( Family Quarters 7-3-442 ))

The pair's next destination was as far removed from the public and working spaces they'd so far visited as it was possible to be. With only a little trepidation, Lia rang the chime outside the family quarters and waited for a response.

Maxwell: Response

Rouiancet: Thank you very much, Lieutenant Maxwell.

Lia had heard through the grapevine that the marine had his daughter with him, though she hadn't heard that he also had a cat. Lia adored cats -- but she was less certain about children. Commodore V'Airu, on the other hand, caught sight of Maxwell's daughter and immediately smiled at her, so purely and clearly that, for a moment, Lia could only stare. The commodore liked kids? That was something that Lia had never known.

To cover her sudden uncertainty, she bent down to pet the cat, before straightening up a few moments later when she remembered why they were there.

Rouiancet: Lieutenant, we wanted to drop by to...

She lost her train of thought as the beaming commodore approached the girl.

V'Airu: (to Milly) Hello there. What's your name?

Milly/Maxwell: Responses

Lia cleared her throat, as simultaneously subtly and insistently as she could. They weren't there to interrupt Maxwell's father/daughter time, and she might have even been brave enough to have told Commodore V'Airu that ahead of time if she'd known how V'Airu was going to react.

V'Airu: (still smiling) I'd like to get to know you, Milly. But (a glance at Rouiancet) my friend and I are here for your dad, if that's okay.

Milly/Maxwell: Responses

V'Airu: We won't take too much time, I promise.

The commodore had already popped open her box of ribbons, which was off-script -- but never mind. If she had something in mind, then Lia was happy to let her go through with it.

V'Airu: Maxwell, Rouiancet will have her own congratulations to offer, but please allow me to bestow upon you the Good Conduct Ribbon for your actions at Alpha Brenkelvi. From your initial scouting to the clear and concise reporting you provided following the first vision you experienced, I understand that your service was exemplary. I would like to-- (beat) No, wait.

She withdrew the ribbon, smiled again, and offered it to Milly.

V'Airu: Have you ever given anyone a Good Conduct Ribbon before?

Milly/Maxwell: Responses

V'Airu: Well, why don't you pin that to his uniform? Then you'll have done what a good Starfleet CO would do.

Milly/Maxwell: Responses

Once that was done, Lia found that her smile was slightly strained, but she couldn't deny that the commodore seemed to be having a very good time.

Rouiancet: Lieutenant, one more thing, and then I swear we'll leave. (beat) You've probably heard that the 'Oumuamua will be heading in for a period of extended repair and refit, yes? I would be honored if you'd accompany me with the majority of the marine detachment to the Octavia E. Butler, where I've been assigned as commanding officer. Whether or not you do, I'd also like to present you with this.

She removed the insignia of a first lieutenant from her box. Unlike the pips she'd so far presented, this was a full change from the insignia Maxwell currently wore.

Milly/Maxwell: Responses

Lia could see nothing for it, and at the request, gave the pin to Milly to repeat what the commodore had offered.

Rouiancet: Congratulations, First Lieutenant.

Milly/Maxwell: Responses

Tags! and TBC!

--

Commodore Ossa V'Airu

Commanding Officer

USS 'Oumuamua

&

Commander Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

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