You Are Hereby Requested And Required...

Posted on Thu Nov 23rd, 2017 @ 8:50pm by Commodore Jason Myers & Captain Michelle Bartlett & Commander Rostra Tang & Commander Johnathan Wade & Lieutenant Commander J'Loni Mo'Bri & Lieutenant Cor Cordale & Lieutenant Renee Salchin & Lieutenant Roger Stevens & Lieutenant Valeria Mordin & Staff Sergeant Nyx'e'Trixe Valentine & Major Hailey Weston

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/4
Location: Crew Lounge
Timeline: June 30, 2399 @ 1200

It had been a couple weeks since the explosion of the Captain's Yacht that took the lives of the Senior Staff, and the subsequent murder of Commander Meru and Ensign Copeland. The service had been held and as much as they could, things were settling back down. Lo'Mah and Kasella were off the ship for their own safety, although Kasella had been seized and transported mid-warp by the Cardassians and freed. Her whereabouts were unknown. The real Olivia Bowman? Reported missing and presumed dead. There was no chance in the tense climate in the Alpha Quadrant that Starfleet was going to go deep into Cardassian space and try a rescue mission, which incensed Admiral Marquette. But she understood. Feeling it was time to make the crew changes official, an official ceremony marking the change of command was called for by Jason and by Michelle.

"William, for god's sake...will you come on please", she said, as she finished dressing Jenna. She had not worn her dress uniform in a good many years and it felt a little snug in places as she looked again in the mirror. She still had the decorations from her past still pinned on them. Decoration for Valor, the Distinguished Service Medal, UFP Medal of Honor, Axnar Humanitarian Medal, Star Cross, Silver Palm, another UFP Medal of Honor, and the Purple Heart. One would think she would be an Admiral by now with all her decorations pinned on her dress uniform, but she had turned down the captain's chair offered to her half a dozen times just to stay in engineering. No, you could promote her to Admiral but don' t take her out of her beloved engineering. It was second only to her family now.

"Jesus Mary and holy god!", he exclaimed as he came around the corner of the room. Damn, you look great in that uniform...good lord you wearing all those too? Wow...", he said as he brought Jenna with him.

"Come on darling, we are going to miss the ceremony", she said, taking Jenna from him, as they headed for the Crew's Lounge.

Entering the Lounge she put Jenna on the floor and they moved to mingle with who ever was there.

Cordale was already present, dressed in his best dress uniform. No accolades, no medals, no decorations, just a uniform and the Thux that wore it. Unlike his traditional daily uniform which was missing the left sleeve to let his prosthetic free, his dress uniform had both sleeves. Sure, it constricted the movements of his prosthetic but he hardly ever wore it, so that made it slightly less terrible.

As J'Loni and her family entered the lounge, Cordale gave her a nod. "Hey chief." He said after giving the young Jenna a bit of a wave with his living hand. He found that children might be intimidated by things like mechanical parts. He also made it a point not to show teeth when he smiled.

"So, I gave it a bit of thought, and I can't rightly say I'd be keeping my word if I didn't give it a chance." he said to J'Loni after a moment, "I'll take the Assistant position, if it's still available."

"Nice seeing you here Cordale and yes the job is yours if you still want it", she said, smiling, and this time she offered her hand first.

"Take it Cor...you are the right man for it", William said, slapping him on the back.

"Mommy...I have to go peepee badly mommy", Jenna said, dancing her little bathroom dance. "Daddy please I gotta go real bad...Daddy....!", she almost screamed this time.

"William...would you take her please", she said, blushing badly. William picked up the squirming 6 year old and beat a hasty retreat for the bathroom. J'Loni thought she would die after the way Jenna came out. Embarassed and still blushing she made her apologies to Cordale. "Cor...please excuse my daughter...she blows our minds with her timing of things.", she said to him.

When William gave Cordale that friendly 'pat' on the back he'd discover two things. One, Cordale's shoulder on his left side wasn't flesh and blood. Two, Cordale was an incredibly sturdy and solidly built being. At Jenna's antics and William's departure, the Thux turned to J'Loni. For a solid moment he looked at her hand, and recalled when his hand went unanswered. Just before that moment when one would think he wasn't going to take her hand, he did. He had a strong grip, though he wasn't trying to impress her. Just the hand of a being who did a lot of work with his hands before this life. The hands of a craftsman, a builder, or a laborer. "There's a saying that kids will be kids. I'll never have any, so I guess it applies here?" he asked quizzically. "In any case, she's a kid. You're completely off the hook."

The next through the doors was the new first officer, Rostra Tang. Twins by appearance, but such was the nature of the Dalacari. Her dress uniform was simple and elegant, with aspects of the Federation uniform and her own culture's uniform woven together nicely. As expected, she complimented herself nicely. A simple part in her hair, a braid or three here, and she looked fantastic. She gave a wave to Michelle and Jason as she entered. Red certainly wasn't her color, but she wore it well.

J'Loni walked over to Michelle and the Commadore", Hello again. I hope you didn't mind me in bringing the family for this", she said. Shore leave was too short, but my grand father was happy to see his great grand daughter. William brought Jenna back and set her on the floor next to her mother. "Congratulations commander on your promotion to Captain", she added.

"Mommy who is...Commander...Bart...lette?", she asked, as she looked up at the Commander and the Commodore.

(Tag Bartlett)

"I'm right here." Michelle said as Jason and her let out a smile. "And thank you very much." she said.

Next in was the resident science rabbitess, Valeria Mordin. The gentle blue of the science department's dress uniform actually complimented her rather nicely. It didn't clash with her cream-colored fur, and it matched her eyes nicely. Though truth be told, Valeria had a way about her that could make any outfit work. She gave a soft smile as she saw so many others here, being something of a social creature. Though, when she saw Jenna, the rabbitess couldn't resist giving the child a wave.

"Oooooooo, Mommy look...a rabbit...can I play with her?", Jenna said as she waved back. J'Loni turned bright red in the face. Embarrassing moments were going to be a part of her new social family functions and she would have to get used to it fast.

The rabbitess padded her way over to the Engineering Chief and her family, and offered a slight smile, a ghost of a grin really. "Sir, Ma'am." she greeted William in addition to J'Loni. "Don't worry, I take no offense." she offered first, just a whisper meant for J'Loni, before she turned her glance towards the child. "And hello, it's nice to meet you. What's your name?" Valeria said with a cheerful tone. In truth, the Ts'usugi was bracing for the worst. A tug on the whiskers, perhaps even a pull on the ear. What did these Alpha Quadrant parents teach their children these days?

Jenna started to pet Valeria on her head as she leaned down to speak to her. She played gently with her long ears. "Oohhh mommy her ears are so soft and fluffy. Mommy can she come home with us please mommy...please...please? I promise to take care of her. Please mommy...please...PLEASE!", she nearly screeched in delight.

J'Loni turned bright red brown, while William turned beet red as he scooped Jenna up, "Jenna honey, this is not a pet. This is an officer of this ship dear. Her name is Valeria", she said to her daughter, who was now frowning. "Mommy I want one. I want one just like her", she said, and started to cry.

Valeria smiled softly as Jenna gave a soft pet, then started to gently mess with her ears. At least the child was gentle. The rabbitess even giggled at the child's pleas to have her as a pet. Though, as Jenna started to cry, Valeria brought a finger up to dry away some of those tears, "No tears. I can't be your pet, young one, but I will be your friend." Valeria said softly, figuring this was a decent compromise.

Jenna looked at J'Loni, "Please mommy?", she said, giving her the puppy dog face. All J'Loni could do was smile and say, "Yes". Jenna practicality jumped into Valerie's arms and whooped, "Yippie!". J'Luni turned red and vowed never to bring her to another social function again.

Valeria caught the jumping youngster just in time, and hoisted her up to a comfortable holding posture. "You know, I have a younger sister about your age and size." she mentioned with a smirk. "Maybe one day you'll meet her." the rabbitess distracted Jenna with talk of far off stars and the prospect of an entire people of rabbits. To J'Loni, though, Valeria gave a quick nod, giving the officer perhaps some much needed time to relax.

"Thank you!", she said finally. Now she looked at William, " Next time she stays home. No more social functions for Jenna", she said, kissing him softly. Taking Jenna from her, "We will see her again sweetheart", she said to Jenna, as she put her on the deck, looked back at Valeria. "See you again soon", and moved off.

"Until then." the Ts'usugi gave a nod.

After a lot of soul-searching, Charles had decided to ask Karen to accompany him to the change of command ceremony. He wasn't sure where their tryst the other night would lead - or if it would lead anywhere at all - but he figured at this point it couldn't hurt to see what happened. After all, they were both adults. As they walked in, he looked around and spotted one person he was infinitely glad to see back among their midst - Valeria Mordin. So, ignoring the look he felt he was sure to get from Walker, he headed in Valeria's direction.

"Hey Val..." he said as they approached her, "...good to see you back with us."

The rabbitess turned and gave Charles a nod in greeting, "Thank you. It's good to be back." she offered before continuing. "Often times, people have some form of soul redeeming vision or something while incarcerated." she started, then just shook her head, "All I learned is those brigs are not comfortable. I'll get back to work as soon as the ceremony is over. I imagine I've missed a lot."

"A bit," Charles agreed, "but not a whole lot." He studied her for a brief moment, then added "After these proceedings are concluded, I'd like to discuss something with you concerning the science department - in private, if you wouldn't mind."

She gave him a nod, "Of course." then she gave him a smirk, "Secret projects already?" she teased.

"Something like that..." he said cryptically. "Just something we need to discuss."

To that, she gave a nod, "Until then." and then a smirk, "You should head back. I don't want you getting in trouble for chatting." she offered, not looking at Karen but certainly implicating.

Jack and Roger where toward the back of the lounge, setting up tables of light snacks and drinks. They wearing matching black chefs uniforms with a "L57" stitched in white onto onto the left breast.

"Why are we setting up snacks at a promotion ceremony?" Roger asked.

"We gotta get screen time somehow" states Jack matter of factly.

Roger looks at him like he has two heads.

Two women walked in together, one in a dress red uniform with the pips of a Lieutenant while the other was in Marine Dress Greens with the two silver bars of a Captain but the Caduceus of a doctor next to each. "Cally, stop fussing with that." She smacked the younger woman's hand down from where it was messing with her collar. The red uniform of Calypso was decorated with the medal of Distinguished Flying Cross with V device for valor in actual combat, along with two silver oak leaf clusters denoting a total of three awards. It was a complete contrast to the uniform of the Marine that appeared to be riding herd on her, a 'fruit salad' that denoted time served in several combat zones along with medals, the first being the Federation Medal of Honor, the Silver Star with three silver oak leaf clusters in lieu of additional stars and a Bronze Star with four oak leaf clusters, both Stars with 'v' devices for awards earned under fire. Next to those was a Combat Medical Badge with three repeat devices attached as well. Lots of medal for one young woman, "Good. You are going to behave and act as if you like it, Calypso."

"But Hales!" Calypso whined, then pouted, "I promise... I won't even get drunk, much." She pushed away from Hailey and towards the buffet line. The Marine looked over at her and shook her head. looking around for anyone who might seem interested.

Cally wasn't even the first person at the line. Technically, she was the third. Second. Third? Dalacari made things so difficult.

"Oh, hi!" the twin forms of Rostra Tang turned to address Cally as she stepped in for the buffet line. Each of the bodies before her had a plate at the ready, though since the buffet was still being set up, those plates were sadly empty.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Rostra Tang." one spoke, while the silent twin offered a hand in greeting. "This is my favorite part of traveling, meeting new friends and..." and then the speaker stopped talking. Like just up and shut up. Though, the previously silent twin started exactly where the first one stopped.

"...getting to hear about their tasks and goals. Sorry, getting a little ahead of myself." the speaker paused, and took a sniff of the air. "Are those pork chops?" as the speaker turned towards the setup. The other twin at least had the courtesy of keeping her attention on Cally. "Sorry, food may be the universal language, but it's also quite the distraction."

"It is indeed." Cally agreed, shaking hands and startled a bit at the seamless switch of speakers, the sniffed, "And it does smell like pork." She half grimaced and reached up to fiddle with her collar, stopping at a pointed look from the Marine talking to another officer, "I hope they have sushi. Crisp, clean, just... tasty, to be honest. But you might have seen me on the bridge, I'm the chief of Flight Ops, best shuttle pilot on board too, if I might toot my own horn."

Rostra gave a pair of smiles, "You know, Seventy Five Delta has a perfect record BUT it technically isn't a pilot so that still holds water." the Dalacari said with a pair of giggles. "Is there something wrong with your..."

"... collar? I never really liked wearing my dress uniforms. I mean, collars with fur, never a fun day." Rostra admitted. "But it's great to meet you, and I guess if I ever have..."

"... to go anywhere a transporter can't get me, it's good to have a great pilot on board." then one of the bodies paused, as though realizing something, and moved around to stand behind Cally. "You DO look familiar now! Sorry, it's an ..."

"... odd perspective from the chair."

"Well, Hailey over there, I mean, Captain Weston, has this notion that she can make me respectable in the eyes of everyone, hence this stuck up piece of garbage." She shared a conspiratorial smile with Rostra, "But she doesn't know that I brought something to make things-" She patted one of her pockets where she had secreted her special stash, then patted it again, then the other side, "Hey, where did?" She spun and glared at the woman in the Marine dress uniform who was watching her and slipped her hand in a pocket and peeked out the flask Cally had brought with her, tucking it back in without missing a word of her talking companion's comments. Cally mouthed a bad word at her, then turned back, "Well, I guess that plan is out.." She hung her head for a few seconds.

Rostra turned a glance towards Hailey, then her other form glanced towards Cally. Then a smirk spread across both forms, "Well, I suppose the positive of this is I won't have to worry about getting Half Drunk." the form looking towards Cally said, amused. "It's the worst, really. Just..."

"... terrible, really. Dalacari don't like asymmetry, and that applies to our diet too." Rostra offered. "Besides, there's tons of fun to be had while sober and besides..."

"... being respectable isn't such a bad thing. Is it?"

It didn't take long for little Jenna's eyes to spot Cordale, "Oohhh...MOMMY...look...who...what's that animal...no wait...MOMMY...LOOK", Jenna said, now pointing, and yanking the daylights out of her fathers pants. Talk about those embarrassing momments...this was the worst!.

It took the Thux a minute to realize that the little girl was talking about him, and he turned towards that little kiddo and gave his best smile. "Hey you." and he came over and stooped to Jenna's level. He had met the little girl briefly before but she seemed distracted by needing to know where the restroom was. Now she seemed a lot more ready to interact, and potentially embarrass, her mother, "What's up kiddo? You joining our crew today?" he teased. There was a stark difference between Valeria's interaction and Cordale's. Valeria was ephemeral, like a fairy tale with as much substance as fog in the morning. Cordale had a big ole' heart, and treated that kid like, well, a person. "My name's Cor." and he offered Jenna his living hand, much like he'd offer any one his hand to shake in greeting.

Jenna shook his hand..."Hello...how are you?", she said trying to be a big girl now.

"I'm doin' okay." he said, letting his accent out a bit. "So, you looking to join up? All the departments could use some help. Some more than others..." he jabbed, but knew it would go over a child's head.

Jenna shook her head up and down vigorously, nearly falling down. "Yes, when I get bigger ", she said finally.

"Cor, I am glad you said yes you would accept the job. You will do a great job in engineering. Now if you would excuse us we will have to introduce Jenna to the others", she said and moved off.

Damian looked around as he and Walker made their way through the group. "Looks like science is well represented with the two of us and Valeria here..." he said to Karen.

'Yeah, and evidently so is engineering..." she said in a somewhat irritated tone."

"Oh?" he asked. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, for one thing, Commander Mo'Bri is here with a couple of her people - including the chick with the slug in her belly..." she answered with a nod and a bit of a sour look at Christine Zen.

Christine walked around the room looking for people she knew and spotted Charles and Karen. Waving to both, she said, "Hello Lt. Damien, Lt. Walker. Nice to see you here. Have any idea what this is all about?", she asked?

"No clue," Charles answered. "All I know is I was told to be here, so here I am."

"And Charles asked me to come with him..." Karen grinned slightly at her semi-intended double entendre' "...so here I am too." Walker gave Zen a somewhat haughty look as she stepped even closer to Charles. "So what are YOU doing here?"

Looking at Walker and realizing that this was not the place for attitudes, "The boss is here and she told most of the MUSKETEERS to be here, other than that I have no idea either ", she said calmly.

Karen looked around as if she was looking for someone, then turned her attention back to the other woman. "Alone, I see. Couldn't get a date, hmm...?" she asked with a smirk. "I know how that is. Oh, wait - no I don't. I NEVER have a problem getting a date," she said to her.

"I am waiting for Eric to arrive. You look good Karen and so do you Charles. How long have you two been going together?", she answered with a nasty smirk that one could take as a smart ass remark. Clearly, Christine was a little put off by seeing them both together.

"I see..." Walker said, clearly not believing her. Then, linking her arm in Charles' she said "Come on Charles, let's mingle..." as she began to lead him away.

Laro was waiting for Jason and Michelle, who were in a room off the stage waiting for everything to begin. He seemed listless, and reminded all too much of the fact that Paul should have been here. His successor, Ensign Laro, approached him. "Looking good." she said.

"Thanks." he said. "These things are so uncomfortable. I swear they're like a secret kind of torture device."

"You're telling me." Laro replied.

Thomas sauntered in looking around the room to see if Renee was there. Not seeing her at first, he just wandered around.

Renee glanced at the chrono on her wrist as she half walked, half trotted to the door of the lounge. Yes, she was only running twelve minutes behind what she had planned, but still... Since she had shown herself at her true rank to the Captain and the engineering team, she'd been swamped with paperwork, authorizations and the other minutae. So she'd run late and had donned her idea of the dress uniform, the jacket was still the stiff collared abortion of a design, but she'd had hers altered to fit her form better and her skirt would be considered scandalous by anyone who didn't know her better. It was more formal of a tight fitting skirt, but didn't quite make it to her knees. Two and half inch heels in the traditional black completed the look. She glanced atound the room, glittery eyeshadow and lip gloss being the only makeup she'd allowed herself for this function. Then she spotted her target and in an effort likely to fail, tried to sneak up behind Thomas, but managed to throw her arms around him from behind, "Hey, you!"

"Jesus woman! You scared the hell out of me ", he said. Turning around, he gave her a kiss on the cheek." Who invited you here as well? ", he said,looking deeply into her gorgeous eyes.

"You mean I don't have to be here? I'm wearing this for no reason?" Renee's eyes flew wide in mock shock, "Since I'm no longer a 'lowly Chief PO', I do have to keep up appearances, such as wrll..." She gestured around them, "Besides, usually there's good noms at these things!"

"No, I was invited by the boss and I guess the brass told her that she could invite her department", she said softly, as she kissed him on the cheek and took his and," Come on lets minge with the rest of the crowd said Pulling him gently with her. He went with her willingly.

The door slid open again and Nyx slid in, her own uniform perfect, but she just entered and just about into the shadows next to the door. She'd been ordered here and despite being exonerated, still just wasn't comfortable yet. If she could be there, be in the corner, unnoticed, all the better.

Eric walked in and grabbed some and while he was eating, he started to scan the cowd for is people. Seeing Christine he towards her. "Hey Christine how are you?", Christine smiled, looking at Karen. "Hi Eric, Glad you made it."

J'Loni sensed the presence of Nyx, leaving William with Jenna she walked over to her, "Hello Nyx. How are you feeling", she asked.

The Tialan didn't move from her spot in the shadows, but inclined her head to J'Loni as she aplroached, "I'm... Finr, My Lady." After all of the events, she didn't regret her actions. They had been performed as she'd trained: efficient and with prejudice. But she still felt like she didn't belong as much as she could.

Once Jason indicated the change of command could begin to Gervais, he went to the centre of the platform. "Attention to orders!" he called out as the crew suddenly went silent. He paused, waiting for the final dins of discussion to end.

"Commanding Officer arriving!" Gervais said as he blew the whistle and as everyone came to attention facing on opposite sides with an aisle down the middle. A Marine honour guard from the starbase entered, and came to attention with 5 on each side as two others carried the Federation and Starfleet flags to the rear of the platform and inserted them into the hold, then joined the rest of the honour guard.

As the Federation Anthem played, Jason and Michelle walked into the room, inspecting the honour guard and nodding at those present. They stood on the platform surveying the crew before Jason nodded to Gervais and stepped forward. "All hands, at ease." he called out as everyone ceased to be at attention. He then grabbed a PADD placed on the platform, and read the first proclamation.

"Whereas Captain Owen Ross perished in service to the Federation on the 15th of June 2399, and that his death has been pronounced and certified by a competent medical authority on board in accordance with all relevant General Orders, and whereas the command of the late Captain Owen Ross must be declared vacant, it is so declared under the same General Orders. Be it also ordered that a new commanding officer shall be appointed to the vacated command in a permanent capacity. Signed, Admiral Elizabeth Marquette, Commanding Officer Delta Quadrant Fleet and dated June 30, 2399." he paused for a moment. "I hereby declare the command of the late Captain Owen Ross to be relinquished by this order. May he rest in peace. Captain Michelle Bartlett, step forward."

Michelle rose, and came to attention in front of Jason. "At ease." he said, reading the second order. "To: Captain Michelle Bartlett, Acting Commanding Officer, USS Wellington. You are hereby requested and required to assume permanent command of the USS Wellington as of this date. Signed, Admiral Elizabeth Marquette, Commanding Officer Delta Quadrant Fleet on the 30th of June, 2399. Computer, transfer all command codes of a non-emergency nature to Captain Michelle Bartlett, authorization Myers Alpha 5 4 9."

"Transfer complete. All command codes now transferred. USS Wellington is now under the command of Captain Michelle Bartlett."

"Permission to assume command is granted." Jason replied. "Congratulations, Captain."

Michelle grinned and shook his hand before reading the third and final order of the ceremony as the shipwide comm system was engaged. "Now hear this, by order of Admiral Elizabeth Marquette, I have assumed command of this ship. It is ordered that all crew posted to this vessel are required to take note and give their ready obedience accordingly. Signed, the 30th of June 2399. Admiral Elizabeth Marquette, Commanding Officer Delta Quadrant Fleet. All standing orders aboard will remain in effect. Good luck. Bartlett out." she said before turning to Rostra. "Commander, you may instruct the crew to remain as they were."

The resident Dalacari cleared her throat. Then cleared it again. No wait, the other one. No, not that one, the other OTHER one. Okay, that got it. She was good now.

With a smile, and a nod, both forms that comprised Rostra Tang turned to the general assembly, "All hands." one started, and paused, "As you were."

"All right. That's enough of all the formality. I don't have much more to say than I did when I took command unofficially." Michelle said. "With the change of command official, I will only reiterate that we will continue the work we were doing. I know that you will do the Federation proud as you always have. And I look so very forward to seeing you all do so. But now that I've had centre stage, it's time for a few of your fellow crew members to have their moment"

(Tags for Mikey's characters, and Jim's characters above. Post ends here.)

------
Commander Rostra Tang
Strategic Operations Adviser
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Charles Damian
Acting Chief Science Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Karen Walker
Science Officer/Astrometrics Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant JG Valeria Mordin
Science Wabbit
USS Wellington

Lieutenant JG Cor Cordale
Engineering HandiThux
USS Wellington

Captain Michelle Bartlett
Commanding Officer
USS Wellington

Commodore Jason Myers
Task Force Commanding Officer
Starfleet Command

Ensign Andrew Gervais
Adjutant To TFCO
USS Wellington

Lt. Cmrd. J'Loni Mo'Bri
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Renee Salchin
R&D Engineer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant Calypso Skyie
Flight Control Officer
USS Wellington

First Lieutenant Nyx'e'Trixe Valentine
Acting Marine CO
USS Wellington

Marine Captain Hailey Weston
Trauma Surgeon
USS Wellington

Lt. Christine Zen
Communications Specialist/Engineering Officer
USS Wellington

Lt. Jg. Eric Matherson
Computer Systems Specialist/Matter/
Energy Systems Specialist
USS Wellington