Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri - "Recognitions and Changes"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Outside the Bajoran Temple, Promenade, Deep Space 9 ))
It was so nice to have Wes back. Her emotions were not on display for all the galaxy to know exactly the depth of her joy over his return, but she had made certain he knew. Even Echo doted unusually upon the marine, spending as much time perched upon his head (which generally wasn’t much since Wes usually moved her to his shoulder) and lounging upon him as much as she did Peri.
It didn’t matter where they went or what they did while on shore leave, Peri was simply happy to be together with them, and they took advantage of the time afforded them. Soon enough, another mission would draw them away and they would focus on their duties, as was proper. Dinner called, and they elected to spend it on the station and head down to a small place they both enjoyed, but the sound of a familiar voice caused them to pause and turn only to see Rouiancet heading toward them.
Rouiancet: Wes, Peri!
She was not alone, but unlike Rouiancet, who waved to both of them, V’Airu’s approach was less exuberant, but she did not look displeased. Simply…Vulcan…ish.
Greaves: Ma’am. (Turning) Lia. Good to see you both.
Peri inclined her head politely, offering a silent greeting in the wake of Wes’ verbal one. Echo, however, spoke up as well, chirping from her perch on Peri’s shoulder, as if she felt she should have been included.
Rouiancet: I'm happy we found you here. Or (beat) caught you here.
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.
What an interesting contrast the duo made. Rouiancet seemed a bit gentler, certainly more approachable, but over the course of time, Peri also understood that V’Airu wasn’t an enigmatic nor absent commanding officer. She cared about her ship, and her officers, as any good CO did, she simply manifested it in a different way.
Her departure did not come as a surprise. Rumours circulated throughout the ship about it and about Rouiancet’s upcoming position as the new commanding officer. Now it was simply official rather than hearsay, though Peri wasn’t sure how she felt. Or maybe the fact that she was neither disappointed and upset, nor ecstatic and relieved about the change meant she just accepted it as it was. Some changes were more difficult than others, and while V’Airu had certainly left a favourable impression, she had felt the shift from Kells to her more keenly - perhaps because he had been her first CO.
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: Yes, thank you.
There, Peri displayed her inability to accurately express herself. Although she did not find herself particularly moved either way, she felt she could at least more accurately convey her appreciation, for she did appreciate V’Airu, especially the efforts she had made to engage with the crew. Her ability to wax poetic seemed limited to certain passions, and Wes had done a far better job of it.
Rouiancet: Well, there was one more thing.
One more thing meant awards, a fact solidified at the appearance of a familiar looking box. She glanced at Wes, pondering what he would receive, then realised he hadn’t been part of the last mission, for his return had come upon its heels. Thus, it stood to reason those were just for her. Never one comfortable with receiving accolades, she was at least grateful it was there in the middle of the station where those around her paid little mind to the quartet clustered off to the side and speaking to one another rather than at the center of some sort of celebration where all eyes lay upon her. Still, she shifted a bit in discomfort, and her Bajoran heritage became a little more obvious as pink shone through the light grey of her cheeks.
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.
Peri never needed accolades, though she was grateful for the acknowledgement, even if she wished they would just transport the ribbons to her quarters. Nonetheless, she remained silent and tried not to move too much as the ribbons were pinned upon her. Of those, it was the second that held the most meaning for her, for she earned that not only for serving the Federation, but because she served her people.
Katsim: Thank you.
She could tell that Wes enjoyed her embarrassment even though he squeezed her shoulder. That was something else that brought her more satisfaction - the knowledge that he was proud of her.
Greaves: We’re on our way to get a bite to eat. Join us?
Katsim: Oh…yes, please do.
Rouiancet/V’Airu: Response
Peri nodded. Something must be on the horizon, for already there was a lot more activity than normal for even a station like Deep Space 9. Likely, that was due to the very fact that a new ship had come to town, one where she and most of the Oumuamua crew would now call home. Changes happened, and while some were happy and others were sad, she found this one simply…well, she couldn’t really say. It was neither, and yet it was both. She had what she considered most important in the Galaxy, and for her, that was enough.
-- Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri Chief Science Officer USS Oumuamua M239008AD0