LtCol Wes Greaves - Short Goodbyes
Jacob Rittenhouse
(( Outside the Bajoran Temple, Promenade, Deep Space 9 ))
News of the plans for the Oumuamua had spread rapidly about the crew, and even the station itself it had seemed. Some of the shop owners had even begun selling wares with the Sagen class’s motif on it for mementos. It wasn’t long before their new vessel would arrive with a skeleton crew and the formal transfer would take place.
Until then however, Wes and Peri were taking every advantage of the shore leave that they could. For Wes, there was still a subtle feeling of disbelief. They’d only been apart a half a year, but it felt like longer in the moment. Now that they were living “normally” back together, it felt strange. A little unreal.
Together they strode through the densely packed promenade toward a little hole in the wall they’d grown fond of when the voice of Lia Rouiancet called out there names from somewhere behind them.
Rouiancet: Wes, Peri!
Wes turned, looking for the source of the voice and saw a quick wave from Lia as the commander approached in trail of Commodore V’Airu.
Greaves: Ma’am. (Turning) Lia. Good to see you both.
Katsim: Response
Rouiancet: I'm happy we found you here. Or (beat) caught you here.
The Commodore, ever direct and blunt, didn’t waste much time on pleasantries. Wes reflected for a moment on the woman, whom he’d met while still serving under Commodore Kells aboard the Thor. Back then he’d fallen in as V’Airu’s acting XO aboard the USS Nashira for wargames. Commodore V’Airu had struck him as hostile, demanding, and uncaring. Even somewhat reckless. Since that day years ago Wes had seen the woman, and himself, change. They’d become a strong team aboard the Oumuamua.
V'Airu: This is my final farewell, for now. It has been my pleasure to serve with you both. Katsim, your mind is able and clever, and your compassion has ever been something I strove for. Greaves, you were perhaps the finest executive officer I ever recruited myself. (beat; gruff) Rouiancet is lucky to have your guidance, and the guidance of your colleagues.
Wes nodded in respect toward his, now former, commanding officer. If it hadn’t been for his previous reassignment to a battalion, the moment likely would have been more impactful for him. But he’d already said his goodbyes months ago. Due to those recent goodbyes, however, Wes knew exactly how the Commodore was feeling right now.
Greaves: Commodore, it’s truly been an honor. You took me from a mud slinging knuckle dragger to the XO of a Federation starship. My achievements are a reflection of your mentorship.
Katsim: Response
Rouiancet: Well, there was one more thing.
Again she prompted the commodore, and this time V'Airu was much more receptive to the cue. She flipped open the box of ribbons and withdrew the final two.
V'Airu: Greaves, I'm only sorry I can't recognize you again. Katsim, I'm pleased that I can recognize you, twice over. You've earned many Scientific Discovery Ribbons, and I fear I must add one more, along with a Legion of Merit. The Bajoran people, vis-a-vis the First Minister's office, want their thanks behind that ribbon, for your lead in the recovery effort of the Orb. Wear them proudly.
She pinned the final two ribbons on Katsim.
Wes smiled and squeezed Peri’s shoulder in congratulations. He knew she hated being in the spotlight. He felt much the same. Regardless it brought him joy to see her squirm under the praise.
Katsim: Response
Greaves: We’re on our way to get a bite to eat. Join us?
Katsim/Rouiancet/V’Airu: Response
OOC – Just left a single tag to set up an easy transition out of the scene.
Tags! and TBC!
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Lieutenant Colonel Wes Greaves
Marine Detachment Commander
USS Oumuamua NCC-81226
E239702WG0
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