Senior Staff Promotions
Posted on Sun Jun 9th, 2024 @ 10:59pm by Captain Remy Johansen & Lieutenant JG T'lenn & Lieutenant Commander Razka Kas & Commander Maxun Spello & Lieutenant Commander Nash Winters & Major Clay McEntyre III & Lieutenant Eirly Andersen & Lieutenant Jules Mundy & Lieutenant Chrysanthe Capulet & Lieutenant Phaedrae Cyn & Lieutenant JG Thivi & Lieutenant JG Ta'Feel Anith Usskik & Attaché Phesg Tel'im & Lieutenant JG Jason Williams III
Edited on on Wed Jun 12th, 2024 @ 12:38am
2,980 words; about a 15 minute read
Mission:
Side Plots
Location: Main Cargo Bay
Timeline: MD 10: 1800 Hours
Remy walked by Commander McEntyre and Nurse Thivi standing guard at the main entrance to the cargo bay.
"I thought everyone had been cleared? No other signs of the parasite on the ship?" Remy asked. With the decks sealed off for emergency quarantine procedures, one the entire medical staff was cleared, followed by the entire security and tactical departments, the teams were able to divide and conquer the task in time for supper - and for the crew to be released to come to the ceremony.
"No other signs. Where lieutenant Mundy picked his up, we are still working on it." Thivi shivered. "I do hope that the systemwide security audit turned up no issues?"
The Captain turned to Commander McEntyre, "I'm told that Starfleet is doing it's own investigation, but I'd like you to keep working on it. Not too loudly, if you catch my drift."
"J.R and I are talking to a few folks we know on the dl, a couple of markers people owe us here and there. Our family name carries some weight in Starfleet so I can have something for you in the next few days or so." Clay commented softly, not wanting to be heard by anyone else.
Remy nodded. "Keep me up to speed," she added before moving forward into the cargo bay where the ceremony was to be held.
Captain Johansen had directed the maintenance crew to leave the stage up from her own promotion ceremony to save everyone the trouble of having to set everything up again. Given the number of people being recognized today, and the now larger crew, the Captain had more seats added as well as an extension to the stage set up. It would have been nicer to do this when they weren't in the middle of a humanitarian mission that wasn't weighing so heavily on everyone's minds. She hoped that her crew would still be able to find time to celebrate despite everything else that was going on.
Remy walked into the Cargo Bay approximately 30 minutes before it was set to begin. She felt somewhat nervous, not wanting to botch anything for those who were receiving promotions today.
A pair of banners with the Federation insignia hung on either side of the stage, as well as on the front of the podium on the stage itself. To the sides of the stage there were different floral arrangements setup, with everything tied together by a larger streamer of the Astrea and the ships registration hanging over the center of the stage itself.
Nevan himself had been quite nervous, with the expectation of any promotion not being for some time, and then being presented to him in such a fashion, and stepping into the senior enlisted role, it was a lot. It certainly wasn't something he had expected to have to take on while settling into his new role and integrating with his new team and the ship as well as the command staff. But it was now a necessity whether he liked it or not. The promotion wasn't something he could stop. That star was going on his collar one way or another.
Not wanting to be late and with his nerves getting the best of him, Star Fleet's newest Chief entered the cargo bay next, in his full dress white uniform outlined with purple and medals all lined up perfectly. Honestly he was hoping he'd be the only one there. However he was relieved to see the Captain just a bit ahead of him.
"Hello Chief. Wanted to get here early too?" The Captain said, noticing Officer Kayto's arrival.
"Captain" he replied. "I didn't want to risk being late, so I figured I might as well show up now." Kayto smiled and looked for where they'd be staging prior.
Funny how so many promotions can happen within the span of a month, really. Thivi had found it rather odd as she changed into her dress uniform for the evening - which, thank god, still fit her like a glove. "Captain." She nodded to Remy and Nevan as she walked through the doors to the shuttlebay. Whoa, now there was a rather poignant sense of deja vu...
Finally released from sickbay, Lieutenant Jules Mundy walked in and found a spot to stand. His younger brother, Ensign Mundy, followed him.
Kas walked into the room nodding politely to his crewmates.
Lieutenant Helen Porter, the ship's new counselor, entered the room. She has been treating Lieutenant Mundy for his trauma from the alien parasite, so she has been following him and observing him. Her younger sister, Phyllis, the quartermaster came with her.
Chrys found her way to the cargo bay and took a seat.
Next in, Maxun entered, dressed in his whites, with his numerous awards on proud display. Seeing the Captain, he made his way over and greeted everyone. Afterwards, he joked, "We couldn't have just gone to bed one rank, then wake up promoted?" He chuckled softly.
"I'm told it's good for morale," Remy responded. "This crew could stand to see some stability put into place."
Maxun grinned, then playfully tolled his eyes and huffed. "Well then, if it's for the good of the crew..."
"You're a public figure now," Remy stated. "Better get used to it."
Eirly was the next one to enter, also dressed in her her whites. She took a look around to see who was actually there, gave the Captain and XO a formal nod and waited over near the seating and hoping that Nash or Clay would appear soon.
When the doors slid open again, Lieutenants T'lenn and Williams entered, having met up prior to arriving. Both were wearing their dress white uniforms and, yo any who had figured it out yet, looked like a handsome couple.
"Where would you like to sit, T?" Jason asked softly.
T'lenn rolled her eyes slightly at the nickname that Jason had been using for her. "Somewhere out of the way, so we do not disrupt those with loved ones receiving promotions today. Perhaps near Lieutenant Capulet."
Unaware of the eye roll, Jason nodded as he looked for the young Lieutenant. Finding her, he indicated her location to T'lenn, then led the way over. When they reached the seats in question, Jason smiled and asked, "Are these seats taken?"
Chrys shook her head. "No," she replied. "Have at them."
Jason grinned. "Thanks." He then sat down, with T'lenn sitting next to him. Looking over at the other junior officer, he introduced himself. "I'm Jason Williams, this is T'lenn. What's your name?"
"I am Chrys," She replied.
"It's a pleasure to meet you!" He replied with a cheerful tone in his voice. "What is your specialty? I'm currently the starfighter squadron leader." His tone didn't come of as bragging, only quiet fact.
Kas walked around to find a seat, then smiled slightly at Lieutenant Capulet. He’d been grateful to her for the way she’d interacted with his daughter in the Arboretum, He quietly the seat next to Capulet, the opposite couple seated on her other side.
Chrys nodded at Kas with a smile.
Grexx and Cormus entered next, each in their own dress uniforms wanting to make a good impression for their department and smiling. Hopefully with Nevan moving up it would also give them a chance at promotion as well. Goals that each of them had talked about since being promoted previously. That always of course came with more responsibility but the pair did have a bet going since their graduation.
Lindsy also made her way in, wearing her standard uniform, not being one to make too much of a fuss over the days proceedings. She'd be looking at going to dinner after this and wasn't wanting to change beforehand. Finding a seat towards the back the new Ensign found herself a spot alone and plopped down, pulling out her PADD and reviewing some notes from recent changes in Federation policy.
S'Niri and Dani entered, and Dani had also brought along Charlotte, whom she had gotten to know during her time on the Serenity.
"Anyone else sitting back here?" Dani asked the unfamiliar ensign.
"We won't take up much space." S'Niri tugged at her collar - her fur was catching on the zip and honestly she hated wearing these infernal dress uniforms for anything. They were hot, not very kind to fur AND they were kind of drab - professional, sure, but a little drab.
Considering she hadn't met much of the other crew, it was nice to have a few other folks join her, especially other ladies. "No one else, feel free to join. I'm Ensign Amano, Diplomatic Ops. I figured I should make an appearance for the new XO at the very least."
"I'm Danielle Kerr, science, everyone calls me Dani. My friend S'Niri is in Tactical. Nice to meet you," Dani said with a smile.
"It's good to meet both of you as well. Hopefully we don't have too much need for tactical, nothing personal. But if I need help I'll make sure you're the first person I call," Lindsy said.
"I'll be sure to answer as promprly as I can." S'Niri promised with a toothy feline grin. "Me sitting on my ass all day is kind of mind-numbing, really. Thankfully not so much of late..."
"Be careful" Lindsy answered. "When it rains, it pours."
Dr. Beckett shuffled in after a rushed shower (needed after today's excitement in Sickbay) and a quick change into his dress uniform. He saw Eirly looking a little lost and made his way over to her, sliding up behind her and putting a hand on her waist. "Hey there, lass. Look who made it."
"Hey you." Eirly smiled as she fixed his collar a little bit. "Looking sharp. Shall we take a seat?"
"Aye, you're quite bonnie yourself, but that's nothing new," Malcolm said. "Lieutenant Mundy is down here. He was told he should be resting," Malcolm pointed out. Do you mind if we sit near him. I'm bit worried about the lad."
Eirly smiled but also quirked an eyebrow, not being fully aware of Mundy's situation, but she still nodded, "Of course. Doctor/patient confidentiality, I'm not going to ask unless it's made public knowledge."
Dr Porter walked up to Mundy and stood beside him. "How are you feeling, Lieutenant? Nervous? Anxious?"
Considering she hadn't gotten to know him, Mundy didn't turn to look at her. "I feel fine, doctor. Thanks for asking."
Porter nodded. "Lieutenant, you will have to report to my office for a mandatory performance eval. Can you report tomorrow at 1000 hours?"
Mundy still didn't look at her. "Very well. I will be there tomorrow."
As the ceremony was set to begin, Captain Johansen took her position to the left of the stage.
Seeing that the ceremony was about to begin, Maxun made his way to the stage as well, signaling to Kayto to follow.
The soon to be Chief was already on the move so he was quickly beside the new XO.
The Astrea's band began playing promptly two minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, prompting those who hadn't found seats yet, and conversations among the crew to wrap up or at least drop down to whispers.
Captain Johansen looked to see that soon to be pronounced Lt. Commander Spello, and Chief Petty Officer Kayto were ready to step up to the stage before stepping forward.
Maxun and Kayto stood on the right wing of the stage, awaiting for the Captain to call them forward.
Nevan held still but looked out of the corner of his eye out at those gathered, taking in the feeling and emotions of everyone else there. It was odd but he found it helped him to regulate his own when everyone else's seemed to drown his own out. It helped him to re center and wait for the queue that would soon have the pair moving forward to take their place on stage with the Captain.
Captain Johansen walked up the stairs to the stage, and took her place at the podium and waited until Kayto and Spello were standing to her left until she began speaking.
"Good evening everyone. I want to thank those of the Astrea crew, friends and family for gathering here today, and to those who may be watching the ceremony over subspace. Your presence means a great deal to those who are being honored here today," Remy began.
"As Captain, one of the great privileges afforded to me, will be to issue promotions to my crew. And it is a privilege and an honor to present the two newest members of the Astrea's Command Unit." Captain Johansen took out a box from under podium and placed it on the edge of the podium.
"Lieutenant Maxun Spello, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander." Remy took a moment to add the appropriate pip to his uniform. "And I officially appoint you to the position of First Officer, and thank you for stepping up, when asked to serve."
Speaking clearly for all to hear him, Maxun replied. "Thank you, Captain. I humbly accept both the rank and position that you bestow upon me. I give both you and the entire crew of the Astrea to do the best I can, everyday, in fulfilling my new duties."
"I know you will, Commander. Congratulations," the Captain responded with a firm nod, before addressing the crew again.
"Next on the list is Petty Officer Kayto, whose promotion to Chief Petty Officer came as part of a selective review process initiated by the Diplomatic Corps. I agree wholeheartedly with their election, and hereby officially promote you to Chief Petty Officer. You are hereby appointed to the position of Chief of the Boat," the Captain took a moment to pin the appropriate pip to Kayto's collar. "Thank you, Chief Petty Officer for taking on these additional responsibilities.
Nevan returned a smile, still in shock in the moment of everything "Thank you for your faith in me, Captain. I promise I'll always have the best interest of everyone in mind."
"You've earned that faith, Chief. Congratulations," the Captain responded.
The Captain looked out at the crowd who had gathered. "It is my pleasure to present to you USS Astrea's First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Maxun Spello, and the Chief of the Boat, Chief Petty Officer Nevan Kayto."
Chrys began clapping when they were announced. And others joined in.
Maxun smiled proudly as he nodded and waved to the crew, thanking them for their applause.
As the applause died down, Remy spoke up again, "At this time, I would like to invite Chief Science Officer, Chrysanthe Capulet and Assistant Chief Tactical Officer Eirly Anderson to the Stage," the Captain announced.
Chrys stood up and slipped past those around her and made her way to the stadium.
Eirly raised an eyebrow and froze at the sudden mention of her name. She looked at Malcolm and gave him a questioning look before squeezing his hand and moving out to follow Chrys up the isle.
Malcolm squeezed her hand in return and gave her an encouraging smile as Eirly walked toward the stage.
TAG CHRYS / EIRLY
Once Officers Anderson and Capulet were on stage, the Captain handed First Officer Spello a small box.
"Lieutenant Junior Grade Chrysanthe Capulet accepted the role of Chief Science Officer six days ago without hesitation. She has spent most of the time since on an important away mission, or we would have given these to her sooner. Chrysanthe Capulet, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Congratulations."
Remy turned to the First Officer who held Capulet's pip in the box he was handed. "Would you do the honors, Commander."
Maxun moved to stand in front of Chrys. Though he had a peasant smile on his face, there was a look in his eyes that was reserved just for the woman standing in front of him. Though they hadn't been able to spend much time together since they slept together, he was still very interested in her. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Capulet," he said softly as he pinned the pip in place.
"Thank you Commander" Chrys said with a slight smirk only for him. She stepped off to the side.
The Captain nodded to both Spello and Capulet. "Our Assistant Chief Tactical Officer, Eirly Andersen joined our crew at Starbase 76, just a few days ago, highly recommended by her former commanding officers, who had also recommended her for the promotion, that I have the pleasure of pronouncing today. Eirly Andersen, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Congratulations." Remy passed the second box to her first officer.
Naxun took the box and moved over to stand in front of Eirly. As he attached the rank pip, he said, "Congratulations, Lieutenant Anderson." He gave her a friendly grin as he spoke.
Well this was unexpected. Eirly beamed a smile back at him and gave him a nod, "Thank you, Commander," Then she turned to Remy, "Thank you, Captain."
The Captain watched Eirly get pinned, then turned back to the crowd. "I would also like to acknowledge Lieutenant Phaedrae Cyn, has been hereby promoted as our new Chief Intelligence Officer. Lieutenant Cyn has graciously agreed to accept the position."
The Captain continued, "Let's give everyone another round of applause, and make sure you stop by Paddy's Loft afterwards for the celebration."
Mundy was disappointed not receiving a promotion, probably due to the alien parasite that had been controlling him.
As the applause died down, the crowd in the cargo bay thinned fairly quickly with the promise of refreshments on Deck 10. The Captain was one of the last ones out, lingering to watch the crew, taking note of who seemed to be leaving together and who seemed to be keeping to themselves.