Lieutenant JG Meris: Of Promotions and Quiet Lies
Meris/Brian
((Everfree Tidal Hall, The Capital, Seda))
From the glass-floored hall suspended over Seda’s living ocean, Meris watched the ceremony unfold with a quiet sense of wonder, struck by how beauty and duty so often intertwined in Starfleet life. Promontory’s humor set everyone at ease, but the moment sharpened when Herrick’s promotion was read aloud, and Meris felt the weight of what competent, steady leadership meant for a crew that trusted him. Seeing Herrick’s pride made the mission feel complete in a way debriefings never could, as if the risk and exhaustion had finally resolved into something lasting. As more names were called forward, Meris understood this was not just recognition of past actions, but a reminder that the ship was always becoming something new through the people who served on it.
Promontory: Lt Kreshkova, you came to us as a helmsman and excelled at that (so to speak) and continued impressing us as Mission Specialist. We wanted to formally recognize the good work that you’ve also been doing as the head of our helm and navigational department. You are admired by your colleagues and valued by your command team and in recognition of that, we promote you to Lieutenant Commander!
Meris clapped enthusiastically for the former Helmsperson, hands stinging just a little as Promontory added a hollow pip to her collar. It was the good kind of sting, the kind that came with pride rather than turbulence.
Kreshkova: Response
Promontory: Lt Caras, you’ve also served with distinction. You came to me highly recommended, and over the last six months, I can see why. It’s always good when the CO can come back to an in-tact ship and the CEO, right or wrong, shoulders the blame for that. In recognition of your dedicated service to Starfleet, we also promote you to Lieutenant Commander!
Meris clapped for the Orion as another round of applause reverberated through the hall, echoing faintly against the glass and water below.
Caras: Response
Meris sat up a little straighter as the Captain moved toward Naledi, a subtle tension of anticipation running through them.
Promontory: As a master of pattern analysis, I’m sure Lt Naledi can anticipate where this is going.
Meris allowed a small chuckle at the Captain’s remark, noting with some amusement how many others laughed more loudly, perhaps relieved to laugh at something that was not their own career hanging in the balance.
Promontory: Lt Naledi, I understand our two species have somewhat inverse relation to the others (he jerked his head to the masses) standard lifespans, so that your 8 years may be, proportionally greater than my 50!
Promontory: You’ve, of course, done excellent work since coming to the Thor, but I also have a letter of commendation from your former CO and a recommendation for promotion, one I heartily agree with. You are now also a Lieutenant Commander!
Naledi: Response
Promontory: Just so. (turning to Herrick) At this rate, we’re going to run out of pips!
Meris smiled, clapping again, though they found themselves leaning forward slightly, as if proximity alone might better convey how deserved the recognition was.
Promontory: Hold up, we’re not quite done with you yet. (turning to the crowd) As some of you may be aware, we’re also making some adjustments to our command reporting structure. Since launch we’ve struggled to sufficiently staff our security and tactical department leadership. We’ve asked Lieutenant Commander Naledi to fill in as our newly established Director of Strategic Operations. They will supervise the Intel, Security, and Tactical Departments. They bring a wealth of experience having served in several of these positions across several vessels. They have also done an admirable job in cross training Ensign Vharo, who will formally be joining the Intel department. Please join me in expressing our acclamation for both of the deserving officers.
Meris clapped more exuberantly this time, unable and unwilling to hide their enthusiasm. Naledi being recognized felt right in a way that settled something in Meris’ chest, a quiet reassurance that competence still mattered.
Promontory: Alright, before my hands get chapped from all the clapping, you three better get back to your seats. (he took a beat and turned back to the audience) And now I need to see Ensigns Meris and Tej’al up here!
Promontory gave a stern you’re-in-trouble-with-the-principal look, though a smile broke through regardless, before he turned to Josh.
The pilot rose and approached, pulse quickening despite their best efforts to remain calm. Surely Captain Promontory was not about to discipline them for the hypospray incident. And what did Ensign Taj’el have to do with it? They had not even been there. Despite the Captain’s stern look cracking into a grin, Meris felt no clearer on what was about to happen.
They joined the Medical Officer and stood in front of the Captain, shoulders squared and expression carefully neutral.
oO This is fine. This is absolutely fine. People get called up for surprise reprimands all the time. Probably. Oo
Promontory: I’ve gotten a number of reports from various quarters about the performance of both of these officers over the last mission. Commander, do you want to do the honors?
Herrick: Ensign Taj’el, your experience, a combination of your time in Starfleet and before, was proven to be an invaluable resource in the last mission. From supporting the investigation down on the planet to helping reveal the mysteries behind our less blobular friend Bio, you were an integral part of our team’s success. As a proven thought leader, we hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, and all the privileges therein.
Trake presented the Vulcan with the hollow pip.
Tej’al: Thank you, sir. I will continue to strive for excellence.
Herrick: (shifting a few steps to the right) Ensign Meris. Between your time on the Artemis and the Thor, you’ve demonstrated both your talent at the stick, and also taking a bigger picture view, going beyond your duty station. Your quick thinking continuously ensured the safety of your team, and this ship was minimized. Hallmarks of a career officer, and as such, I’m pleased to also promote you to Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Officers will be looking up to the both of you as role models now.
Trake gave the J’naii the last hollow pip in the presentation case and leaned in.
Promontory: (quietly) I hope your visit home was a success!
As the hollow pip was added to their collar, Meris stood slightly slack-jawed, the moment refusing to fully register. Surely this had to be some sort of administrative error. Promotions did not just happen like this. When the Captain spoke again, the spell fractured, and Meris was abruptly reminded of the disappointing reception at their lecture on the J’naii homeworld. How could they possibly explain that here, under the lights, with half the crew watching?
Meris: I-it went... very well... thank you sir.
The lie settled heavily in their chest. To their Commanding Officer. Immediately after a promotion. The J’naii did not believe in heaven or hell, only harmony and balance, but had they been human, Meris was fairly certain a very specific fiery destination would now be penciled into their future.
Promontory: Thank you Lieutenants, dismissed!
Meris bowed their head slightly and turned with Taj’el to return to their seat, the new pip on their collar feeling far heavier than it should as guilt followed close behind.
Promontory: And now, Commander, I’ll leave the rest of the evening in your capable hands!
((Tags/TBC))
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Ensign Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14