Debriefing (Part 1 of 2)

Posted on 14 Jul 2013 @ 2:57pm by Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Captain Jonathan Holliday & Commander Scarlet Blake & Lieutenant Kiri Cho & Ensign Natalie Chevalier & Lieutenant Jared Nicholas & Lieutenant JG Jacrux & Ensign Im'er Mor'an & Commander Andreus Kohl & Lieutenant Jacob Pendleton & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Aria Rice & Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle & Lieutenant Commander Amynta Markos & Lieutenant Dawn Meridian & Lieutenant JG Victoria Crawley & Verity Thorne & Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexion Wylde & Ensign Ariadne Fleming & Lieutenant Commander Dea Mialin & Vincent Kramer Ph.D.

3,723 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 6, Cargo Bay 2
Timeline: MD 12 - 1300 hrs

[ON]

Standing at the back of Galileo's secondary cargo bay opposite of the main doors, Lirha delicately climbed up and on top of one of the large blue supply containers which housed various crew rations for their current mission. The crate was now her makeshift podium platform but most importantly, it let her gaze around the large room and observe all of her ship's personnel who were still trickling in and organizing themselves into column formation according to their department. There had been a few sudden transfers and several senior personnel had recently departed, but her crew still looked a lot larger when they were all assembled together - about seventy people, all crammed into a single cargo bay. It wasn't exactly ideal, but there was no other place on the ship where she could amass the full compliment.

The Orion captain reached up and pushed her dark hair back behind both ears, then reached down and unclipped her PADD from her belt which contained various notes and information for the speech which she had prepared. Also attached to her belt was a small pouch which housed the traditional wooden rank pip box bestowed to every commanding officer in the fleet, and was only brought out when promotions were due. Letting out a soft sigh of mild fatigue, she waited - somewhat impatiently - for the rest of her crew to assemble.

Kiri arrived promptly, having sent word to her department. She was pretty tense after hearing that Maenad was leaving, there was a lot of uncertainty.
Feeling rather squished in with everyone else she watched and waited, in the last few days she'd been too busy to do that much. What did the captain have to say to them all?

Jared wearing a crisp fresh uniform stepped into the Cargo Bay. He had survived his first mission and hadn't violated any regulations in more than a week. Both of those were good thing. He stood there standing at what best could be determined an at ease position. He wasn't really a military person and had no desire to be. He had to work at just being a Federation person.

Nat appeared next. She'd been working in the arboretum when the call had come through, and she appeared to have dragged half its contents with her: a twig in her hair, soil and grass stains on her uniform, sleeves rolled up and pale arms covered in thorn scratches, green under her nails...She did the best she could to straighten out her appearance, but her presentation was still wild at best. Spotting another junior officer from sciences - though she didn't know who he was yet - she sidled over to join him.

He looked over at her with a small grin. "You can hide behind me when the XO comes. I don't think he'd be too impressed right now. Of course I'm probably not on the top of his Christmas Party guest list either.

She looked at him quizzically, not recognising the strange word. 'Chris-mas'? she sounded to herself, wondering what it could mean. But it didn't seem the time to ask, so she just smiled uncertainly. "Uh huh. Well, I don't think Commander Holliday will be too impressed with my uniform after he balled me out on the Bridge, but it's kind of hard to keep neat and tidy in the arboretum, and I didn't want to be late."

She shrugged helplessly. "I'm Ensign Natalie Chevalier, by the way."

"Jared Nicnolas," he replied, "And Mr. Holiday doesn't exactly have a sense of humor. We Seem to have something in common. He got pissed at you for how you look in your uniform and at me for how I look out of uniform."

There was a story there, Nat was sure, and one she looked forward to hearing. "Sounds intriguing," she grinned mischievously. "Fortunately, I didn't have to deal with that particular issue myself. Not yet, anyway."

He looked over at her and shook his head realizing how his words might have sounded.

"You know you weren't aboard when my little... indiscretion was recorded for posterity. Perhaps I could give you the full story over dinner."

Nat nodded. Finally, someone she felt she'd made a connection with. "Ok, that sounds like fun: I'm free this evening, if you are..." she said hopefully.

Kiri couldn't really help but over hear, it seemed rather scandalous to but either way, "You shouldn't really speak like that," Then reluctantly, "At least when on duty." A whisper just to Jared, also making a mental note to organise some overalls for Chevalier.

A little embarrassed, Nat lapsed into silence, turning towards the Captain to see what was going on.

Almost as if he had heard his name being discussed, John Holliday swooped into the cargo bay, cutting a line through the entire assembled crew on his way to the front. He had grown used to their opinions of him, but as First Officer, he had a job to do, and to John, the results outstripped the means.

Moving to the front of the group, John stood alongside his Captain, giving her a silent nod as he fell into place.

Victoria ran into the Cargo Bay, crashing into a wall as she did so. Seeing the people milling about, she swallowed the expletive she had been about to shout and walked forward as if nothing had happened, carefully avoiding all eye contact. She blamed her PADD for making her late. It had been acting up all day and it went crazy just as she was about to leave. She could have either lost all of the profiles and work she had done during the day or fixed it, which, much to her chagrin, made her slightly late. Holding her throbbing shoulder, she silently made her way over to where Ensign Chevalier was standing.

Aria Rice was trying to look all cool and professional as she entered. She didn't feel it though. Her hair was put up today, in a far more severe way that she usually would have. She hated it and had spent about an hour doing it and she could already feel the bobby pins starting to loosen. But it was too late now. She glanced around and found herself a place, standing there as she looked around...trying not to bite her lip nervously, or tap her foot, or pull at her uniform jacket. Which meant she was actually doing all three, at once.

Weaving his way along the fringes of the security personnel column, Andreus Kohl sauntered his way through the cargo bay. He offered smiles and shoulder-pats to people he knew, and gentle nods to those he didn't. As he approached Aria, he positioned his back between the Captain and Aria's face, so he could offer his friend an inappropriate smile and a salute. Kohl moved on, then, and took the lead point on the shorter column of medical staff.

As Scarlet Blake made her way through the room, she headed to follow Andreus when she caught sight of the familiar figure. The Counselling staff would be next to his. Of course, if he thought he had a smaller staff, hers was positively tiny. She offered him a small, calm smile as she stood next to him, but there was a sparkle in her eyes that betrayed her cool exterior and showed she was in a good mood.

Delainey followed shortly behind Blake and smiled to her and others as she entered. Carlisle cared a great deal about doing her job well, but was slightly uncomfortable with the idea of such public recognition. She had career goals, of course, but for her, knowing she had achieved those goals was enough. The concept of celebrating other people's achievements gave her great pleasure, however, and it was this idea she focused on.

Dawn skipped in with all the decorum she cared to manage - which, to be fair, wasn't much. Her spotless uniform was the only sign that she'd given the occasion any real thought, although it was never particularly messy anyway. She glanced around the room, offering small smiles to the people who met her gaze, and then took her place near Scarlet and Delainey. She wasn't sure how she felt about the ceremony. It was a nice gesture, at least, and she supposed that was enough.

Jacob walked in as professionally as possible, as usual. He glanced across the crowded room and found a space just big enough for his massive frame. He smiled at Kiri and Jared and the rest of the crew that he met eye contact with; he then settled down and awaited the rest of the ceremony, he straightened up to full height as his eyes met Commander Holliday and Captain Saalm and his facial expression turned serious.

Verity was chatting to Gabriel Stark as he walked in. He shook his head with a soft laugh at something the younger man had said to him and pushed his arm slightly, as if to say 'behave yourself'. He smiled as they had to part, each going their separate way to their own department area. Verity slotted in somewhere at the back as the ship's Chaplain. He could see most of the room from where he was, which sated his curiosity. He caught sight of vibrant red hair and offered a small smile as he watched Siren Hex nimbly weaving her way through the gathered people to get to her own little space in the crowd.

Tugging his jacket with firm hands, Dr. Alexion Wylde made his way through the large doors to find the rest of the medical team. He still hadn't been onboard long, so didn't know many of the people, or even much of what had gone on. In way, the debriefing would probably act as something of a briefing for him too.

Mor'an appeared in the door of the cargo bay, characteristically quick and silent as a shadow. Breezing into the room, she stepped forward to join her department. Standing in place, her eyes jumped from one face to another, reading expressions and processing the information.

It seemed to Ariadne that she could get lost anywhere. She lost her way constantly while on the Venture , but she had thought that was simply due to its size. Now, it appeared it was something about starships. You'd think I could navigate one small as this she mused as she ran down the corridor. If only the corridors didn't all look the same...

She squeezed in the Cargo Bay with not a moment to lose. She never thought before that so many people could fit in so small a space--yet so it was. Fast as she could considering all those people, she made her way to her department.

Amynta didn't look too impressed as she strolled in. More because she had been busy and then remembered this as an after though. She looked around, quickly spotting the Intelligence people and making her way through. She glanced over at Ariadne, not recognising her, before moving to stand with the others.

Dea entered the cargo bay and made her way to where Flight Control personnel were assembled. Taking her place at the head of her department. All of them had been working long hours.

Lt. Rhodes entered the cargo bay with the feeling he was running late. He saw that most of the expected crew were already here and in place. Theron quickly walked behind the line of security personnel, who seemed to straighten up as he past them. He walked to the head of his department's row facing the podium, but then turned around and glanced again at Aria and said, "Did you change your hair?" meaning its style.

She looked at him before giving a small nod. "Hey, I am an Assistant Chief now," she whispered, her eyes gently. "Have to look the part for these things."

He gave her a smug nod and turned away to face forward at the front of his departmental line.

It seemed that as quickly as Jac met them, officers left their posts. He'd only been on the ship a few days and already the CSO had departed for another assignment. He supposed it was alright, as he hadn't become accustomed to a leader, but still, it was disappointing that Maenad left before Jac finished gathering her story. Jac took his spot among his fellow Science Officers and looked to the front for the new CSO. He'd already met her, earlier that day, but often people behaved differently off duty than at official functions, like this.

Vincent Kramer was one of the last to enter the Cargo bay. He was not an officer, and he knew that most of what would be said would not apply to him. But recently, he had been informed to show a little more cooperation, or he might be asked to leave the Galileo. He walked up to stand at the back of the line of the science officers

Once Lirha was satisfied that her entire crew was present, she stole a quick glance at John and gave him a small, private smile. She was happy to see him still on board the ship despite his earlier reservations about remaining on her Nova Class science vessel, and it warmed her heart to know that - at least for now - she had his full support. Clearing her throat, she stepped forward to the edge of the container and cleared her throat as she began to speak.

"Thank you for coming." she began in a light yet projected voice which echoed across the cargo bay walls. "The past two weeks have been a busy and difficult time for all of us. We have faced many of our worst fears charting the unknown, discovered a ruined ancient civilization, and lost several of our fellow service men and women in the line of duty. However, your efforts and their sacrifices were not without just cause. Yesterday evening, we officially completed our survey of the Rojar system...a monumental achievement, to say the least." she paused to look down at her PADD and cite some interesting statistics for the crew.

"With the assistance of USS Venture and despite our own limited capabilities, we have fully charted Rojar 861, six planets, one hundred and twenty-two moons, seven major asteroids, and one comet. We made contact with the Calamarain and obtained never-before-seen footage and scientific investigation of their mating process, and discovered over eight hundred new species of plant and animal life on Rojar II R01 and R02. In addition, we have identified four major deposits of dilithium and deuterium of which Starfleet intends to immediately begin exploiting with the help of our merchant contractors. Our findings have all been reported to Starfleet Command and colonization task group is currently assembling at SB-185 as we speak." she continued, then paused again to let her words sink in while also stepping back to allow her XO to also address the crew.

"Galileo might be a small ship, but she is a proud ship. Each and every one of you have upheld the finest traditions of Starfleet in the best way possible - and more importantly, you have made me proud to be your First Officer."

John cleared his throat, looking back towards Lirha before continuing once more towards his assembled crew.

"That fine work deserves the appreciation of both this crew, and of Starfleet - and again in our finest traditions, rewards are due."

On John's cue, Lirha retrieved the small box of rank pips from her belt and handed it to over to him. "The junior officers, please." she indicated with a nod for him to begin when ready.

Taking the small box in his hand, the XO opened it up and stared down at the collection of hollow and filled pins that it contained. He had done this once before after the completion of their Sienna mission, but still he felt the same sense of pride that he would be moving some of these younger officers on in their careers.

"Lieutenant Junior Grade Aria Rice, please step forward."

Aria's had jerked up with surprise and she frowned. Okay. Hair all adult was suddenly a good idea. Good call, she deserved a chocolate bar. With vodka in it. And a bottle of vodka attached. She moved forward, slowly, until she realised she was doing the 'bride walk'. So she hurried instead, coming to a stop in front of Holliday. Tall Holliday. Tall, manly...and the green eyes watching her as if he could see through her. She swallowed nervously.

"For your commitment to this mission and your additional responsibilities serving as Assistant Chief Security Officer I hereby promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant."

Reaching up to Aria's neck, John removed the hollow pin that denoted her junior rank, and quickly replaced it with a solid gold one from the box in her hand, before smiling warmly and offering her his hand in congratulations.

Aria grinned, unable to stop it. She quickly took his hand, feeling a bit sorry for him...more because he had to see her grin like a child. "Thank you..." she said and looked over at Lirha, with pure excitement. After what to Aria seemed like forever, but was really seconds, she moved back to her spot...a spring in her step as well.

Moving on, John called out the next name on the list in his head.

"Lieutenant Junior Grade Dawn Meridian."

Dawn blinked. That was her name, probably. It had been her name the last time she'd checked, at any rate. Where did someone check their name, anyway? Federation records? She'd never really had to do it. Not that it mattered what the Federation called her. If she called herself "Henrietta," that was what people would call her. That was basically the same as a name.

Definitely-not-Henrietta hopped up to definitely-Holliday and gave him an overly-stern nod, her grey eyes shining.

"You too have shown great determination, commitment and valour during this mission. Your service to the Galileo is appreciated, and I hereby promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant."

In a mirror image to how he had acted just moments before, John again reached to her collar and removed her rank pin, before replacing it with a solid version instead, and again offered his hand.

Dawn shook his hand, smiling softly. The rank itself didn't mean much to her, but the recognition made her happier than she'd expected. Plus, maybe certain... experience-oriented patients would take her more seriously if she was a full lieutenant. But it could intimidate others, she supposed. Either way, a full pip was shinier than a hollow one - and the shinier, the better.

Finally, she spun around on her heel and, still smiling, bounced back to her spot.

The next name on his list took a few moments to come up in his head, he had become so excited during the ceremony that he had come across a mental blank for a second. Nevertheless, it soon came back to him.

"Lieutenant Junior Grade Amynta Markos."

Amynta looked at him, arching an eyebrow before moving forward. She stayed still, but rather than doing the more classic 'look ahead', she watched John's face. She could imagine this being gruelling. And boring. How many different ways could he say 'congratulations, you didn't blow up the ship, you get a promotion' anyway?

"Your services aboard this ship, and your commitment during your recent excursion with Captain Saalm has been noted by Starfleet. It is with great pleasure I bestow upon you the rank of full Lieutenant."

Yet another hollow pin was added to the box in John's hand, as a solid gold one left for it's new home on the collar of the Intelligence officer. As he had done twice before, John extended his hand.

Amynta hesitated before reaching, taking the hand in a firm grip. She held his eyes and finally gave him a small smile. "Much appreciated," she said before stepping back and moving to her place again.

"Ensign Jared Nicholas."

The language specialist straightened his uniform tunic and moved forward a few steps as requested. He noted with irony that it appeared he was about to be promoted when only a short time before it looked as if he might have ended his career.

This next officer was one that John had been in contact with within days of him being aboard, and not for the best of reasons. Nevertheless, the Ensign seemed to have overcome his initial..brashness, and had fallen in line as another loyal member of the Galileo crew.

"Despite some...incidents at the beginning of your assignment, your service aboard ship has been excellent since our last meeting. Therefore I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade."

This time when Holliday reached down into the box, it was a hollow pin he produced, and quickly attached to the previously-Ensign's collar.

"Don't let me down....Lieutenant." He muttered with a smirk, and moved to shake the man's hand.

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

CAPT Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

CMDR Jonathan Holliday
Executive Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant JG Victoria Crawley
Psychologist
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Jacob Pendleton
Chief Research Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Kiri Cho
Science Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Aria Rice
Assistant Chief of Security
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Theron Rhodes
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Dea Mialin
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Galileo

Lt. Cmdr. Scarlet Blake
Chief Counsellor
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Delainey Carlisle, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Chief Counselor/Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Andreus Kohl
Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Lt.(jg) Jared Nicholas
Language Specialist
USS Galileo

Ensign Natalie Chevalier
Ecologist
Planetary Sciences Division
USS Galileo

Ensign Im'er Mor'an
Operations Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Amynta Markos
Intelligence Officer
USS Galileo

Lt.(jg) Jared Nicholas
Linquist
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Dawn Meridian
Counsellor
USS Galileo

Ensign Jacrux
Anthropologist
USS Galileo

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