Moving Up (Part 2 of 2)

Posted on 23 Aug 2016 @ 7:27pm by Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Commander Langdale Wiggins & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Commander Luke Wyatt & Lieutenant Benice Gyce Ph.D. & Lieutenant JG Lenaris Marika & Chief Warrant Officer 3 Greg Mitchell
Edited on on 23 Aug 2016 @ 7:28pm

1,172 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 12 - Recluse
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 7, Observation Lounge
Timeline: MD -07 - 2025 hrs

[CONTINUED]

"Congratulations, commander," Lirha smiled and nodded before moving down the line. The next person in order was the security officer she'd come to know throughout the course of shoreleave and Galileo's previous mission. Though somewhat vertically-challenged at 5' 8" -- at least compared to Klingons -- he was robust in build which made him a formidable sight for the occasional criminal.

"Chief Mitchell," she motioned for him to step forward then looked down into her box to retrieve a specialized warrant pip for him: a hollow pip with two gold chevrons on either side.

Greg stepped forward and stood at attention while looking down at the box. It was an understate to say he was speechless. He had only been on the ship for a relatively short period of time, and he hadn't thought he had done anything noteworthy. All he could do was stand there, mouth agape.

"For your service aboard Galileo and your commitment to your duties, ability to follow orders under pressure, and professional conduct...you are hereby promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer third class with all the privileges and rights therein. Congratulations," she smiled, then handed him his new rank pip in one hand and offered her other hand for him to shake.

After he snapped out of his shock, Greg reached out and received the pip while shaking the Admiral's hand. "Thank you ma'am. I just....I don't know what to say." After she released his hand, he stood back and saluted, before stepping back into line.

Standing next to chief warrant officer was his fellow gold-collared department head, Gyce. As Lirha moved down the line and stepped in front of her, thoughts of their private adventures together swelled through her mind. She smiled softly at the Bajoran who'd been nothing but an asset to the crew since her arrival. "Lieutenant Benice, step forward," she instructed.

"Ma'am." Cordial, dutiful with her signature head-bod, Gyce maintained that shell of privacy.

"For your continuing service aboard Galileo for many months, your duties to your department and to Galileo, and for your exemplary performance, you are hereby promoted to the rank of full lieutenant with all the rights and privileges therein." It was long overdue, in Lirha's opinion, and she was happy to see her friend get the recognition she deserved. Lirha retrieved a single solid rank pip from her box and presented it for Gyce before offering her other hand to shake. "Congratulations."

Gyce did not hesitate. Though the shake was that of perfect strangers showing mutual respect. Either Gyce was compartmentalizing a little too much, or she was just really uncomfortable coming into contact with Lirha again. Either way, the security chief gave an appreciative nod and awaited her dismissal command.

Perhaps one of the longest-serving members aboard Galileo, the winged Akkadian standing next to the Bajoran had long-since earned the rear admiral's trust and confidence from her years of duty on their Nova-class starship. So, it was with pleasure that Lirha had the chance to step in front of Allyndra and motion for her to come forward.

Allyndra had smiled and nodded congratulations to the others. It became obvious to her that she had been called as acting Executive officer to bear witness. What she did not expect was the Admiral was now calling for her to step forward. She hesitated for a moment but then got her mind to signal her feet.

"Commander Warraquim," Lirha began, "You have been aboard this vessel serving as her chief medical officer and second officer for many moons. During that period, I have seen nothing but the most professional attention toward your duties with the best interests of the crew always at the forefront of your mind. You have helped save countless Federation and civilian lives during your posting here which has added to an already-stellar career. I can think of no one more deserving to be promoted to the rank of full commander than you." Lirha reached back in her pip repository and pulled out a new, shiny solid gold pip. "Congratulations, commander. You are hereby promoted to your new rank with all the rights and privileges therein.

Allyndra almost made her customary curtsy as had been ingrained since childhood but caught herself and made and nod of the head. "Thank you Admiral. It has been my pleasure to serve here."

Last in line but certainly not least was another Bajoran, this time a blue-collared one who'd served within Galileo's science department for many months. Lenaris was the same height as Lirha when she stepped in front of her, and possessed a pair of alluring blue eyes to accompany her brown hair. "Ensign Lenaris," the Orion nodded. "Please step forward."

Marika Stepped forward with the fresh discipline of a cadet, even though that was a few years behind. Her smile though present as always, seemed that of someone who doesn't exactly comprehend what is going on.

"For your dedicated service aboard Galileo, time served, and contributions to the Federation science community, you are hereby promoted to the rank of lieutenant junior grade with all the rights and privileges therein," Lirha said before procuring an additional hollow rank pip for the woman to place on her collar. "Congratulations," she smiled, then offered her green hand to shake.

As she listened to the admiral's words, the Bajoran's eyes darted around, as if the answer to the questions going through her head lie somewhere else in the room. When the hand was offered she shruged and took it, shooking it with vigor.

"Thank you!"

Wiggins had stayed quiet up until now, but his excitement for the crew had bottled up till it burst out, "Congratulations every one!" Wiggins cleared his throat and prepared himself to deliver what he thought would have been a stellar congratulations speech but figured he'd wait to get the know the crew better before subjecting them to a long winded (though entertaining) speech. Instead he clapped his hands and looked at Lirha with a cheeky grin, "Please tell me there's a party for these wonderful people?"

"I believe there will be a small gathering at the bar this evening for a few drinks," Lirha replied with a wink. "On the house, of course. I hope to see some of you there around zero-hundred." She looked over the newly-promoted group one last time before motioning for them to depart. "Dismissed."

Allyndra waited and then spoke up. "Congratulations everyone, well deserved, and I shall see you all later."

[OFF]

--

RADM Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Junior Grade Lenaris Marika
Archaeologist/Anthropologist
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Commander Luke Wyatt
Chief Strategic Operations Office
USS Galileo

Lieutenant Benice Gyce
Chief of Security/Tactical
USS Galileo

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Chief Medical and Second Officer
USS Galileo

Commander Langdale Wiggins
First Officer
USS Galileo

CWO3 Greg Mitchell
Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

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