AWARDS/PROMOTIONS - "The Volga Vouty"

Posted on Sat Jan 3rd, 2015 @ 2:35am by Commander Amelia Waterhouse & Admiral Rochelle Ivanova & Commodore Andrea Levine PhD & Commander Tristan Neyes PhD. & Commander Logan Grant, PhD. & Commander James Archer & Lieutenant Commander Rotek & Lieutenant Chloe Ebonheart & Lieutenant JG Saia Roswell & Admiral Alexander Hark & Captain Landon Neyes & Danielle Atarah
Edited on on Sun Jan 4th, 2015 @ 1:28am

6,317 words; about a 32 minute read

Mission: A Spot To Kill

Somehow, Amelia and Cecil had seen eye to eye, and before the crew had left Vindicator for leave, each member of the crew had a printed invite sitting outside their door inviting them to the Christmas Eve party at the New York City Public Library; extended family invited for those with family near and on Earth. How Cecil had coordinated it, she hadn't been sure — the idea had been tossed out in a joking manner, and he ran with it. Amelia suspected that he'd talked that crafty little Ferengi into helping, and she'd commandeered the replicators and the transporter to do it with a little bit of data merge for the replicator pattern. Amelia saw the results when she'd returned from duty that day to find it sitting at the foot of her door: gold foil on hunter green cards in an ivory envelope with red foil lining, her name in stark black calligraphy on the outside with full name, rank, and title.

The luck of being able to get all of the library reserved for the holiday was partially credited to Rochelle's royal title that had led to such pain with Mikkal, but whatever the source of the leaked information it had been opening plenty of doors during their leave while waiting for Vindicator's return to full fighting trim. Qu'Vat had only seen to it they'd been capable enough to make it back to the Federation's shipyards under their own power, but that had been enough. Amelia's father had disappeared into the bustle of the shipyards without protest upon their arrival, and she'd seen almost nothing of him since. Some of the engineers in the crew had also volunteered to assist in the repair of Vindicator instead of leave. Everyone was being let out for the party though, and she saw the Utopia Planitia repair crews mingling with the Vindicator crew, along with all their friends and family. Dress whites, formal black tuxes, and a bright array of formal dresses in a rainbow of hues leaning heavily into the reds, greens, and golds made up the crowd.

Amelia couldn't wait to disappear into the rush of the crowd; to just let the music, conversation, and cheer wash over her. First she and Rochelle had to formally open the party and give out overdue promotions and awards. They were set up on the iconic front steps of the library to oversee everyone's arrival, and there were holofeeds running to all the event rooms in the library to allow everyone to see. Those who were up for awards and promotions had been corralled by Cecil upon their arrival to let them know to be at the entrance or on the steps during the ceremony.

Conceding to Rochelle's more conservative tastes, especially considering that this ceremony and party would be so publicly visible and they needed a good face put forward for Starfleet and the Federation after the civil war, Amelia had selected a somewhat traditional formal evening gown for the party. A dark forest green velvet with brighter green shimmering beading running down from the single shoulder and thinning out around knee level. The heating Cecil had insisted on outside when he found out that Amelia and Rochelle were insisting on dresses instead of dress uniform were a blessing, allowing her to get away with a beaded lace shawl that was surprisingly warmer than it looked and a pair of opera gloves that buttoned at the inside of the wrists. The long skirt hid a pair of almost practical leather boots; still feminine in their lines and giving Amelia a couple inches of lift with heels that were sturdy in shape and had plenty of ground contact.

Tugging at a crimson shoulder shrug, Rochelle was ever so thankful for the heat lamps that had been brought out to try and keep the crew safe from New York's notorious winter weather. In sleeveless evening attire, she'd been blessed to find a matching capelet that covered her shoulders. Tied in the front, it hit the delicate sweetheart neckline of her gown, and yet still managed to expose her arms from just above the elbows on down. Even with the lamps and the stole, the bite of -3°C weather left her wanting to get this particular part of the party over with as fast as possible.

She smiled at the people gathered before them on the steps, all of them herded in between the twin granite lions that guarded the entrance to the historical building. So many things had changed over the centuries, but they stood fast and hard against the times to still remain a quintessential part of the city. Where Taxis had once blared their horns, transporters had killed most of the traffic. Some shuttle pods and old style automobiles remained for the sake of romanticism and tourism, and of course the city never slept. The lights twinkled on, burning brightly in an effortless attempt to inspire the masses — like it or not, New York City was a beacon of hope for so many.

Looking over at Amelia, the diminutive Captain nodded and stepped forward towards the edge of the landing. "Good evening and welcome to the annual Vindicator Christmas party." She began, hands folded in front of her. "Tonight we're going to do things a little differently, we're going to pass out the hardware and tinsel first, and then allow everyone to enjoy the rest of their evening. At this time, we'd like to extend a massive thank you to the New York City Public Library for allowing us to hold our shindig here at such short notice." Rochelle paused for a moment, gesturing to the lions and magnificent architecture behind her before gathering up her PADD and turning it on.

In tails and a top hat, Cecil took advantage of the pause to step forward and whisper softly into Rochelle's ear, warning her that one of the officers on the docket for awards tonight had been unable to show up. He knew she'd be able to handle it appropriately, but he hadn't gotten confirmation of Lieutenant Re'heil's absence until just now.

She nodded in kind, tucking away that mental note for later use.

"So much for slipping out before the official stuff starts," Kalina Zett whispered with a smile at Dani, and Dani nodded and shook her head at the same time. "I should have known Pond would change things up. She knew—"

"Shh," Zett smirked, nudging the smaller woman with her elbow. "They're starting." Dani harrumphed and watched.

Saia sat prim but with a soft smile, surrounded by her family. Not only were Kevin, Saul, and Nara there, but Nara's mother and father, and Saia's own grandmother. Saul had finally managed to sort out the ordeal, and though Saia insisted her grandmother stay near Federation headquarters for safety, there seemed to be nothing to worry about.

Chloe sat slightly away from the rest, still uncomfortable with large groups all crowded together — though she did enjoy working with this crew, she just wasn't use to it's gatherings, they didn't have as many during her time on the USS Atlantia. Chloe was wearing a red sleeveless gown with spider lace over it that shimmered with like gems. Around her narrow waist was a black sash that had red lacy flowers on the front. She wore a black shawl over her shoulders to keep the cold away. The ceremony so far was beautiful and she could see a touch of Cecil in the decor. She looked around wondering where her friend was.

"Now... Lieutenant Rotek, would you please come front and center." It was an order, no hint of request as the delicate little woman stood waiting, sequins and jewelry twinkling in the city lights.

Rotek, momentarily shocked, took a deep breath and unconsciously straightened his dress uniform. Moving to face the captain, he looked at her calmly and waited for her to speak.

"For your service to the Vindicator, we feel you have gone unnoticed for far too long. You're hereby promoted to Lieutenant Commander with all the rights and powers inherited therein." The Captain smiled, motioning gently towards the awaiting Amelia. "In that same line of thought, we hereby award you the Golden Heart."

Amelia smiled brightly at the doctor, stepping forward with the hardware and ribbons — the tangible proof of the promotion and award. As she handed him the small boxes holding them, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, and softly said to him, "Qapla'." One small Klingon word; usually said with such passion, this time breathed with a respectful reserve, that meant so much — well wishes of victory, congratulations, and literally translated to 'success'.

Not knowing what to say, Rotek took the two small boxes with a nod, and calmly said "Thank you Captain, Commander. I will strive to live up to your confidence in me." As calmly as he appeared, he was shaking inside. With a nod, he returned to his seat, trying not to trip on the way.

"Congratulations, Commander." Rochelle admonished the Klingon with a graceful dip of her head and watched as he departed into the crowd. "Ensign Lily Charlson please step forward."

Lily started to walk towards the steps, slightly nervous about being up in front of a big audience. She stood in front of the Captain and XO at attention. "Ma'ams?"

"For everything you have done in our Security department, I feel I owe you a rather large debt of gratitude. You're an exemplary young officer and it's with great honor that I promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade, and award you the Newcomer of the Month award."

"Congratulations, and best of luck with all your tomorrows," Amelia said to the young woman as she handed over the boxes containing the shiny new pips and the award ribbon. She knew her brother had been spending some time with the young woman lately, and knew it would be interesting to see what became of Mr. Wanderlust courting this up and coming officer.

"Thank you, Captain, Commander, I'll try and keep up the good work!" Lily said, accepting the small box, before shaking both officers hands and saluting.

"Well done, Lieutenant." The Captain smiled brightly and, like Rotek, watched her once again rejoin the rest of the crew. Cecil was her next target, the sharpness of her honed in on her Yeoman with her standard little mischievous grin, "Crewman duPont. I need you in front of me on the double," she ordered.

Cecil snapped to attention so sharply, anyone near by would swear he sprained something in doing so, and caused the tails of his coat to flutter up and settle back down slowly. He stepped forward quickly, removing his top hat out of respect and tucking it under one arm. The look on his face was a mixture of surprise and curiosity. He'd been deeply involved in setting this up, yet this was not something he'd been expecting.

"Crewman, for putting up with me these last few months I sincerely believe you serve to achieve Sainthood, but seeing that awarding you with such is well above my powers and capabilities, you're going to have to settle for a promotion." She chuckled lightly, "I hereby promote you to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class."

"Thank you, ma'am," he finally managed to say softly, biting back a smile as he bowed his head ever so slightly. "It is an honor to serve you."

"I doubt you'll ever say that about me," Amelia teased at a near whisper, and that was what it took to make him crack a smile.

"Wear the rank well, you've earned it." Rochelle nodded and dismissed him. It was then that the young woman allowed her eyes to fall on the chiseled visage of the former Skipper, and drew a breath - "Captain Landon Neyes, front a center." She called, her chin lifting ever so slightly as she invoked him by name from the masses. It seemed hardly fitting, more surreal than anything else, to be able to order him forward, to award him anything. Role reversals were a mind trick.

Neyes, who had welcomed the new command team's need to replace formal uniforms with regular dress attire, stood in a black suit. It was Trill in design, but melded the sculpted form of the Earth formal blazer and the open form of Trill elegance. With a pulse of his brow, he gave Tristan his drink and stepped forward.

"Five months and change ago this was a very different story. We mourned your death, awarded you recognition posthumously." She began, her nose wrinkling imperceptibly at the thoughts and memories that surrounded such a statement. "Tonight we're honored by your presence and celebrate the fact that you're alive, well, and safely home with our family. That being said, given the circumstances that kept you hidden from us, we award you the Prisoner of War medal. Let it serve as a reminder of your strength and perseverance." She nodded to him, motioning gently for Amelia to bring over the handsomely crafted oak box.

Landon took the little box in his hand, he bowed thankfully to Amelia. At first his words escaped him. The Romulans were not ideal captors, and nothing he could say would make it seem like he was grateful for the experience. He was at a loss for words. He stared at the medal for a moment, before looking back to Ivanova and Waterhouse.

"Thank you." He said quietly.

"I won't say congratulations on receiving this, but I will say congratulations on surviving. Welcome home, Captain." The smile the little Captain offered was small, but genuine and her eyes shone brightly in spite of the professionalism she knew she had to show in such a situation and her fingers reached to brush his as she dismissed him. Drawing a breath and releasing it in a shivering little sigh, the cold was a constant reminder with the wind still able to nip through the heat lamps. "Lieutenant Atarah..." She didn't need to say more. Instead she simply curled a well-manicured index finger at the Engineer and pointed to the spot in front of her.

For a moment, nothing happened. Dani blinked, as if her own brain had to process the fact she just heard her own name being called. And then Kalina Zett laughed, a single resonating "Ha!" whose continuation was swallowed into a more appropriately silent giggling. That jolted Dani back into reality. She stared at Zett meaningfully and made her way towards the front, looking between Rochelle and Amelia with suspicion.

"We've thought long and hard about this, haven't we Commander Waterhouse?" Rochelle asked, tipping her head towards her first officer. "And we went round and round with with big brass concerning the events that transpired to bring Commodore Levine and her family back together." She sighed and shook her head, the smile faltering and dimming to nothing more than the pursing of her full pout. "I'll allow the Commander to continue."

"Thank you, Captain," Amelia said as she moved forward, a serious look on her face. She knew the lay of the land perfectly, she was privy to the deal Dani had sorted out with Intel, but — and this was a large but — the deal left some loose threads hanging. Threads that couldn't possibly be left to chance for some well meaning brass to come along and make a mess of.

"In times of war, people are measured by higher standards. Actions that may normally have just received a slap on the wrist can end careers, and actions that would have gone unnoticed in a report filed may end up held up as shining beacons of hope," Amelia started, carefully making eye contact with Dani. Cecil stepped up beside her to hand her a box. "You ran off from our ship during a time of war — and most people would call that desertion — but you had a cause you were taking up. You were concerned about the people of Earth, weren't you?"

"Uh," Dani muttered, blushing profusely, trying to avoid looking at Zett, who stood in the back with an incredibly amused smile plastered on her face. She could hear her giggling occasionally. "Sure. Yeah. I mean.. someone had to..." She tugged at her dress and straightened it awkwardly, looking at Amelia with narrowing eyes. If they were going to invite her back into the fleet, this is really going to be an embarrassing ceremony.

"You went behind the lines for the people of Earth, you selflessly put yourself in the face of danger because you were worried that the bigger picture, and the people both the Federation and Starfleet are sworn to serve and protect, might get lost in the shuffle of war. For that, I am honored to give you the Citation of Gallantry." A large smile bloomed on Amelia face, removing all traces of the seriousness that had been there before, and the box that Cecil had handed Amelia was now presented to Dani. "Furthermore, I have been authorized to issue you an Honorable discharge from Starfleet." Cecil produced a PADD from inside his tailcoat, and held it in wait.

Dani blinked, raised both her eyebrows and stared at Amelia, the news absorbing into her conscious mind. A citation of gallantry... that was something Dani never thought she'd ever hear, let alone have on her record. But the second part was more interesting. The second part...

"Seriously?" she muttered, staring at Amelia in surprise. Dani expected to be arrested coming out of this ceremony (or attempted to; they had a plan B in case someone thought doing that on her own turf was a good idea) and definitely not discharged, honorably, a formal closing to the chapter that allow her the freedom to do what she needs to, officially... to be a civilian.

She smiled, finally, giving both Amelia and then Rochelle a slow nod. She'll make sure to thank them later, when she wasn't in the middle of the lime light and surrounded by the entire crew, and a giggling rainbow-haired trill.

"Be free, Ms. Atarah, but don't fly away too far. You're still considered family and we'll always welcome you with open arms, commissioned or not." Rochelle's radiant smile returned and she opened her arms to embrace her friend in a hug. She knew this was the greatest gift they could have given Dani, and they did so willingly and without bias against her for whatever the future brought.

"I wouldn't worry about that, Captain," Dani smiled. She was about to turn with an attention-salute, and then thought better of it. She was a civilian now. Officially. Screw salutes, and the hell with official decorum. She smiled wide, turned to take the two steps closer to Ivanova, and hugged her tight, then, not waiting for response, she turned to do the same for Amelia, standing on tip-toes to reach.

Then, unceremoniously and with a smirk, she picked the edges of her blue dress up and hopped down the row of stairs back to where Zett was standing. "It's the Gallant Danielle!" The Trill collected Dani into her arms with a contented smile.

"Eh, that's going to stick now, isn't it?" Dani shook her head sarcastically, knowing, but her eyes shone with pride. "Probably not for a while."

"Lieutenant Roswell, front and center." The Captain called.

Saia took a deep breath and gathered herself. She focused on getting up there without tripping, ignoring the smiling faces lest she lose her lunch over the nerves the attention brought. She managed to look up and smile at the person presenting her an award.

"For your continuing contributions to the Vindicator, we present to you the Fleet Service Medal and the SIM Service Award." Rochelle smiled at the Trill woman in front of her.

Amelia smiled warmly, holding out the boxes containing the ribbons for their science officer.

Saia simply nodded and muttered a thank you.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant." Rochelle nodded and dismissed the science officer.

Saia tried not to run, but remain in her prim state. She let out a sigh of relief to no longer be the center of attention as she clung into a hug with her grandmother.

“Commander Archer, front and center.” The Captain called to her pugnacious spook. She’d have rocked back on her heels if it wouldn’t have meant certain disaster, there was something to be said about the limitations of stilettos – but at least they left her standing almost eye to eye with most of the men she had under her command, Archer was no exception. “It seems more than just Command have taken notice of your particular brand of fun, Commander. I award you the Crew Appreciation and SIM Service Awards.”

"What can I say?" James smirked, "They have good taste." The man said as he stood poised and eyeballing the tree-lady in wait for his new shiny baubles.

"Well, no body's perfect," she quipped with a wink, handing over the well earned awards.

“Well done, Commander. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Rochelle dismissed him and found her roving eyes sifting through the dampened street lights to find a face most familiar. She smiled as they locked on the coal darkness of her next victim, “Commander Almar Dahe’el, your turn.” She called.

Stepping up slowly, Almar was dressed in a full white Tuxedo, it bought to the fore the colour and texture of his skin as he came to a halt before Rochelle, a smile crossing his face as his eyes met hers.

“As always it’s hard to put into words the depth of my gratitude for the service you provide to the Vindicator and her crew.” The redhead smiled brightly, “It gives me great pleasure to award you the Fleet Service Medal and the Kelly Award For Technical Merit, but the fun doesn’t stop there. For your contribution in the discovery of a new species, be it known that the vulpine creatures found on K3 are now being classified as Almarian Foxes.”

"I live to serve, Captain." the Cardassian replied as he took a further step forward and accepted the awards from the redhead, "I trust your visitor is settling into life onboard with less disruption to my ship?"

"It shows, Commander, in everything you do." Rochelle nodded softly, understanding and accepting the multiplicity his words held as he further erased any gap between them. "She has." The diminutive one's smile refused to fade, "in fact, she's multiplied."

Amelia grinned at the mention of the little green Almarian fox. "Congratulations," Amelia said with a small nod of her head.

“Merry Christmas, Commander.” Rochelle beamed and quickly found Zed in the crowd. The boy’s bright eyes and smile were hard to miss as he sat astride his uncle’s broad shoulders. Beneath him, and slightly to the right, stood Tristan keeping an ever watchful eye on his playful son. “Lieutenant Commander Tristan Neyes.” She called and made motion for him to step forward and join her.

Tristan had hardly managed to expect anything to come of his stay on the Vindicator, and at time it felt that it was just another beleaguering test of his character. His tenure in Starfleet was short, and there were few things more jarring than having a son and a long long brother aboard a starship constantly in the throws of danger. When she called his name, he took a moment to turn and realize what was happening. A flush of embarrassment for the attention appeared on his face, and Zed clapped happily. With slow and cautious movement, he approached.

“I know that your beginning with the Vindicator came with a roller coaster of ups and downs and ins and outs, but know that when I say that you’ve become an integral part of this family that I mean it. For everything that you’ve done for our crew it only seems logical that you receive the Spirit of the Vindicator award as well as the Silver Fleet Service Medal. I also hereby promote you to Commander with all the powers and privileges that come with such an esteemed rank.”

It wasn't often that Neyes felt at a loss for words. The Captain and himself had shared something tenuous about their relationship as shipmates, which often left him bereft of his careful faculties, and her confused or frustrated. To say their friendship was perfect would be a mistake, but they'd come a long way. He looked at her for a brief moment before simply saying, "Thank you, Captain. Thank you, Commander." He nodded to both women.

"Welcome to the family," Amelia said as she handed over the oak boxes with new hardware and ribbons. "Congratulations."

“Congratulations, Commander. Merry Christmas.” Rochelle dismissed the Trill with the gentlest of nods. The list was dwindling down, coming into that final stretch and only five remained as the wind blew a little stiffer in a reminder that they were still outside and it was winter in New York. “Lieutenant Chloe Ebonheart.” She called and waiting for the young woman to come forward, expectantly watching for the telltale tips of cat ears to move through the crowd.

Despite knowing she was getting an award by Cecil having corralled her with the rest of them, she was still surprised by it. Getting up, she made her way to the Captain's side somewhat nervously, really.

“For your continuing efforts with the Vindicator, we hereby are honored to be able to present you with the Friendship Award and The Fleet Service Medal. For the selfless actions you took during the Romulan attack we are forever in your debt and hereby award you the Kragite Order of Heroism.”

"Thank you Captain," Chloe said it was the only thing she could think to say while blushing and avoiding any cameras.

As Amelia was about to step forward with the boxes containing the awards, she caught a glance of Cecil and recognized the look of concern in his eye for his clearly nervous friend. She quietly handed him the boxes and gave him a nudge to take them forward. A fleeting look of confusion only delayed him a moment before he stepped forward with a broad smile and handed the boxes to Chloe.

"Congratulations," he said to her quietly before retreating behind the command staff again.

“Congratulations, Lieutenant.” Rochelle nodded.

Chloe gave her a smile then moved aside so the captain could continue with her awards. She did however go to look for Cecil, so she could kill him for not warning her about the kind of award, or about the cameras.

Next on the Captain’s list were two names that would forever play an imperial part in her life. She knew this and she knew the suffering that had gone along with them. “Commodore Levine and Commander Grant, front and center please.” She called and looked to Amelia quickly.

Andrea blinked, raised both eyebrows, and looked up at Logan with a confused expression. She wasn't just out of uniform, she was on sabbatical, and yet it seemed her rank stuck to her collar despite not being there physically. She finally smiled and wrapped her arm around Logan's, walking up the stairs.

Returning his wife's look of puzzlement, Logan patted her hand and escorted her further up the steps to where Rochelle and Amelia stood poised. In the pit of his stomach, he knew what was coming and would be there for her come what may.

“Commodore… This isn’t an award, but a mark of courage and bravery and a symbol of your integrity and your ability to survive. I hereby give you the Prisoner of War Medal and hope that it becomes a clear warning in the future against the travesties that happened here on Earth over the past several months. I also award you the Fleet Service Medal in knowledge that your level of excellence will continue.”

Andrea looked at Rochelle for a moment, then lowered her gaze to look at the medal in her friend's hands, picking it up slowly, thoughtfully, holding it carefully as if it was going to jump up and bite her in the throat.

A Prisoner of War medal, she bit her lip. She didn't deserve a medal. There were others who did, many others, colleagues and friends, who were not as lucky as her, who lost much much more in the events that unfolded on Earth. There were those who were lost themselves forever.

She nodded finally, touched, her palm closing on the metal trinket finally, her eyes rising to meet Rochelle's again. "Thank you." And she meant it, more than just for the medal, or the symbol or the acknowledgment. It was for everything else, too. For saving her life, and her children's lives, and her husband's. Find him, and them, and making sure they reunite. And so finally, she smiled, and repeated the sentiment. "Thank you."

“And as for you, Commander Grant,” The petite redhead said as she practically had to tip her head all the way back to look up at the tree of a man, “In true form you blew in like a hurricane and have created your own niche here on the Vindicator. We don’t intend for you to leave any time soon and hereby award you with the Solace Ribbon for your excellent work in your field.”

The green eyed Kiwi watched the proceedings and felt Andrea tremble against his touch. He knew the memories that must have flooded through her, and maybe the raging tide of relief as the ribbon brought with it a brand and sense of closure. The war was over and they were really whole, together and... Safe. No weird planets with naked mottled creatures and nights filled with horrible dreams of their death and destruction. Vindicator had come and with her she had brought safety and security and Dani. Looking away from Rochelle for a moment, he found the punk in the crowd and nodded to her. It was only a brief exchange before the calling of his name brought his attention snapping back to the Captain. "Hardly necessary, Captain, but I thank you and Vindicator. For everything."

"Welcome home, formally," Amelia said quietly with a small smile directed at both.

“Merry Christmas, both of you.” Rochelle nodded gently, pleased as ever to be able to see her family and friends completely regrouped and safe. Celebrating the season with them meant she could relax and breathe, there were no worries to trouble her already overactive mind. “Lieutenant R’heil unfortunately couldn’t attend this evening’s ceremony, but we’d like to take a moment and honor her with the Bronze Fleet Service Medal and the Sim Service Award. She’ll be presented with her new hardware upon her return from leave.” The Captain announced and turned towards her First Officer, “which leaves me one final detail to attend to tonight. Lieutenant Commander Waterhouse… I need you in front of me.”

Amelia cocked her head slightly to the side as she stepped forward. She hadn't been expecting anything, but then of course Rochelle would keep that to herself, wouldn't she? The willowy red-head stood at attention, and a small gust of biting cold blew through under the heat lamps. A small shiver ran down her spine but she did her best to hide it.

“Normally I’d have publicly embarrassed you and drilled you over some minute detail, but in the spirit of the season and the fact that a break from tradition may be seen as even more bewildering, it gives me great honor and satisfaction to pull the Lieutenant prefix from your rank and promote you to full Commander with all the bells and whistles entitled.” Rochelle smiled brightly as Cecil stepped forward and presented the young woman with the delicate little oak box.

A bewildered look crossed Amelia's face, almost disappointed — she enjoyed the games. However, there was truth to Rochelle's statement that not playing the games is in itself a game to play. Besides, what it would take to top the previous promotion would probably been too much for an event so publicly visible. She smiled widely as she accepted the box from Cecil.

"Thank you."

“Congratulations and merry Christmas, Commander. You’ve done well this year.” The plucky little Captain chirped with delight. “And that draws this ceremony to an end and allows our yuletide festivities to begin!”

From behind the Redheaded Captain, one of the doors opened and the bosun's whistle rang out across the steps and through the crowd as Admiral Alexander Hark stepped out of the Library, his dress whites gleaming in the light of the street as every member of Starfleet snapped to attention, "Admiral on Deck!" the call rang out quickly, despite there not being a deck present.

Amelia's eyebrow shot up as she snapped to attention after stealing a quick glance to see who the party crasher was. She knew this party had turned into a big deal, but Hark? Wow. She saw Cecil snap to attention as quick as she had, and it was all she could do to keep from snorting in amusement when it looked like his top hat threatened to leave his head for the speed of his reaction.

"I wouldn't call this ceremony to an end just yet Captain, I have something I would like to say, if you don't mind?" the greying Admiral stated as he came to a halt next to the younger woman.

The young Captain froze in her tracks, coming to full attention under the eyesight of the taller, robust Admiral. Hark. She'd know him anywhere even if it weren't for the songs of praise being sung for his dramatic intervention and quick ending of the war. "You have the floor, sir." She admonished as the brisk wind blew sharply through the heat lamps and the party-goers, all of which stood still as statues against the night.

"By order of... well... me and Starfleet Command, Captain Rochelle Ivanova is hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore, with all rights and responsibilities that the new rank carries." Hark replied as he pulled out an ornate carved wooden box and handed it to the woman, "As part of these responsibilities, Commodore Ivanova is being assigned as the head of an Exploration Squadron in the Cheydinhall Sector Quad under the command of Admiral Blyx Red, the Vindicator is to report there once repairs are completed."

There, on Christmas Eve, as it raced across New York City, the savage little woman found herself at a loss for words. With everything that had happened to the Vindicator, Landon, and the war, it was hard to believe that such honor had been chosen to fall upon her. Her eyes darted quickly to Amelia, noticing the surprise still written blatantly across the tall Commander's face. She hadn't had anything to do with the honors. "Admiral Hark..." She addressed him, her mouth suddenly dry. "Thank you. We won't fail you. The Vindicator is a ship of legend and great honor and our success will continue." Rochelle nodded, accepting the box and orders, studying it with a quick sweep of her eyes before looking back up at the man.

"I know it will," the Admiral replied with a slight smile as he was handed a PADD by one of his aides, which he quickly handed across to the Commodore, "Your orders, I expect them reviewed, signed and on my desk by the time you break orbit, a copy will be forwarded to Admiral Red to warn her of your arrival."

Taking the PADD, she was quick to flick it on merely out of habit. While the night was one of fun and festivities, she couldn't help but quickly assume the role of officer at the drop of a hat. A look from Cecil quickly told her that he'd make sure she had time to read and sign it at another juncture, most likely shortly after the party dwindled to a close. "Yes, sir. I'll see to it that you have this back in hand within forty-eight hours." The Vindicator wasn't due to leave for another two weeks.

"Now, I will let you return to the festivities, as you were Commodore." Hark replied as he took a step back and headed towards the door he had exited, "Congratulations to you and the Vindicator."

"Thank you again, sir." Rochelle finally found it within herself to smile, allowing the surprise to fade away and wash into a sense of pride and joy that came hand in hand with such things. "You heard the Admiral," She said as she turned to face her crew, "Off to the festivities with you all!" Cecil was quickly on hand to pluck from her the new shiny and her orders, their orders and to shoo her off towards the party as well. It was his sworn duty, after all.

=/\= Congratulations to All! Here's to a great 2015 of simming! =/\=

Admiral Alexander 'Xander' Hark
Commander In Chief
Starfleet Command

Commodore Rochelle Ivanova
Commanding Officer
USS VINDICATOR, NCC 78213-E

Commander Amelia Waterhouse
Executive Officer
USS Vindicator, NCC-78213-E

Commander Almar Dahe'el
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Vindicator, NCC-78213-E

Captain Landon Neyes
Former Commanding Officer
USS VINDICATOR, NCC 78213-E

Commodore Andrea Levine-Grant
Liaison, on Sabbatical
USS Vindicator, NCC-78213-E

Commander James M. Archer
Star Fleet Intelligence
USS VINDICATOR NCC 78213-E

Commander Tristan Neyes
Chief Counselor
USS VINDICATOR, NCC 78213-E

Lieutenant Commander Rotek
Chief Medical Officer
USS Vindicator 78213-E

Lt (jg) Saia Roswell
Chief Science Officer
USS Vindicator

Commander Logan Grant
Counselor
USS VINDICATOR, NCC 78213-E

Lieutenant Chloe Ebonheart
Security Officer
USS Vindicator

Lieutenant JG Lily Charlson
Security Officer
USS Vindicator

Petty Officer 3rd Class Cecil duPont
Commodore's Yeoman
USS Vindicator, NCC-78213-E

Danielle Atarah
Cardello Syndicate
Sol System

 

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