TI/D03 - Crew Lounge

[Jane Fields]

==

[GM-Fields]

The crew lounge was a mess. Furniture was overturned, tables were piled up on the far side of the room and it looked like bodies underneath. A number of bodies lay strewn across the floor and there were walking wounded trying to help others or getting their bearings in the emergency lighting. Bulkheads had been torn open and sparks and small plasma fires issued forth from these gashes. There was a lot of smashed glass around the bar. The air hung heavy with smells of burnt plastic and plasma. The front viewing window was open to space and a forcefield was in place to cover the breach. Some crew had been laid out on the dancefloor to the left of the room and were receiving emergency first aid from other crew with more minor injuries.

== Layout of room here for more info: https://wiki.fed-space.com/index.php?tit...863_TF.jpg ==

[Darok]

SCPO Darok arrived with a small team of two other Security NCOs, prising open the malfunctioning door from deck 3 to get inside.

He stopped in front of the bar area to survey the scene. There was glass everywhere around his fleet. The first thing that drew his attention though was the emergency forcefield in place preventing everything from blowing out into space. Before this had kicked in, evidently people and furniture had been blow out towards it as they were piled up around the viewing area in front.

There were small fires and sparking cables spilling out from ragged tears in bulkheads or burst access panels, which had doubtless come lose or been blow out during the breach.

Life support was still working though the air had a choking, acrid quality.

"Greenridge, Poth..." He growled orders at the other two NCOs. "...start clearing the debris and free any survivors."

The two Security men responded immediately and began to move the furniture and other items.

Darok grabbed a hand held fire extinguisher from behind the bar and used it to put the nearest fires.

== GM input, for more info on what they find re injured crew etc ==

[Shione Kurasa]

While the SCPO was engaged in fire fighting his badge chimed and a somewhat familiar voice came over;

[Commander Kurasa to Senior Chief Darok, please confirm status of the lounge. Do you require any further personnel. over?]

==Tag==

[Darok]

Darok lifted a long twisted piece bulkhead metal aside and underneath was a male science ensign, his blue uniform torn in several places and darkened with blood. He looked in pain and was struggling to breathe.

"Medic over here." He called. A first aider ran over and administered a hypospray and began to attend the injured man.

The huge Klingon Security NCO's combadge then erupted with the CoS' voice.

[Commander Kurasa to Senior Chief Darok, please confirm status of the lounge. Do you require any further personnel. over?]

Darok surveyed the scene. They had cleared most of the debris and wreckage so that medical attention could be given to the wounded. There were bodies that needed taking to sickbay but it wasn't urgent.

He tapped his badge:

"Darok here. The situation is under control but more first aiders would be preferable." He replied.

Some walking wounded were helping to attend to those with greater needs than themselves.

[Shione Kurasa]

Darok did not wait long at all for the reply. A strong female voice replied immediately.

[Commander Kurasa here. Request acknowledged Petty Officer, I will make contact with Medical immediately, Kurasa out.]

[Jane Fields]

== Arrival of new crew time ==

== Promotion and medals ceremony/new crew mingle ==

The crew lounge was decked out with party decorations. Though not too overdone, there was a bunting, balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling and decorating the stage area. Soft jazz was playing. You could barely tell that not long ago this area was a scene of devastation after the attack of the mystery vessel in 99 Herculis. There were a few subtle scars here and there, but the decor was new as was the furnishings. you could almost smell the paint.

Glasses of synth sparkling wine were being proffered on silver trays by servers, and long tables were set out with nibbles and small snacks. Already crew were milling around taking advantage.

== Tag all crew. Please start arriving ==

[Nira Said]

>>>>Shuttlebay>>>>

Upon being informed by members of the Titania crew that the new arrivals were to meet at the lounge, Nira was instantly making a beeline. The momentary feeling of interest made it so that, if Nira was ten, maybe fifteen years younger, she would've been running.

She still had her bag of belongings on her, so she had to leave it next to the door; hopefully she'll be informed of where she will be having her quarters later. Once she dropped off her bag, she looked around the crew lounge.

For once, it wasn't a holo-party like how Geronimo always had whenever the crew took the holosuites at Starbase 105 or Delta or any starbase they docked at in the past. In fact, one such holo-party, when things went so wrong, had caused Nira to distrust holo-parties; being trapped in it would do that to anybody with a suspicious nature, like Nira. And Nira felt glad in that regard.

Observant as she was, Nira could tell they had been in a doozy at one point, for want of a better term. She could see some faint scars, and there was no doubt the decor and the scenery was new. So new, she was sure there was a whiff of new paint. Still, seeing a snack table on a Luna class starship did bring a reminder of the other Luna class she served on, the Callisto. She had been mingling in a party before following suspicious fellows led by a Bajoran pirate who blew a hole into her shoulder with a disruptor, and when she tried to fight, that arm was torn from her, a first blood before the Callisto was destroyed.

Shaking the memory from her, despite feeling the spot where she was shot before briefly rubbing the shoulder of the cloned arm (which replaced the one torn off), she got a plate of snacks and began looking for people to mingle with...particularly with any of the Titania crew she wanted to get to know.

[Nira Said]

==addendum to previous post==

Nira began looking for Jukish with her snack plate, wondering where her escort had gone.

==Tag Jukish, and also tag to any Titania crew==

[Jukish Keti]

<<<<Subplot area<<<


The three of them entered in style, and Keti was being the perfect gentleman, it was a side of himself he didn't bring out often but it was a lot nicer than his normal. As they made their way to a table, it appeared to him like the best one there, shy of the table that Command would be. "Ladies." He said while pulling out a chair for each, a gesture as a gentleman and an Officer.

"We may have hit asnag in the road, but a better future starts here." Life has shown him that if you apply yourself anything could happen. When you focus in on the negative that's all you see, it also has the ability to drag you down with it.

==Tag and here is the escort ==

[Sothrick]

Sothrick followed the group quietly. Looking like a hulking security to the party group. As they all entered in the room he scanned the room quickly.

It still looked as if they were the first to arrive which caused the Vulcan to take a deep breath.

He had hoped to see in particular the Captain. The room looked well adorned but there was something of the room that gave signs something serious had happened.
He began to wander if the new Captain was like his old and had other 'events' planned for their ceremonies.

He could smell fresh paint so whatever happened was recent and not holo-driven.

He moved about the room "Interesting" He simply gave then looked at Kier. "Commander what information were you given about us transferring here?" He asked

[Amila Ra'an]

Amila stepped into the lounge and unintentionally found herself scanning the room for one face in particular, and disappointed that he wasn't there yet. She shook the feeling off. It was a silly crush that she needed to get over anyway. Looking over the rest of the faces, she realized that it was mostly new crew who had arrived, as she didn't recognize many faces at all.

Amila took a glass of sparkling wine, and tried to make out who in the crowd might be most interested in mingling. She walked over to a group of officers who seemed friendly enough. Amila was fairly comfortable meeting new people so she approached the group with a warm smile. "Hey everyone, I'm Amila... Ra'an. Science. I don't think we've met yet, so I'm guessing you're with the group of new officers that just transferred in?"

== Tag new peeps ==

[Sothrick]

A new young and very beautiful officer walked up to the group. She was obviously part of the ship original.

Sothrick stood up and nodded.

"Please to meet you and feel free to join us. I believe we are your new recruits." Sothrick started as he made a gesture to an empty seat, his deep voice commanding and filling the room.

"This is Ensign Jukish Keti, Science as well. Crewman Samantha Reagan, Lieutenant Commander Nira Said, of Security. Lieutenant Commander Kier 77 Engineering, and I am Commander Sothrick. We came from the USS Geronimo but we are... pleased to be here." He stated 

"I also if you don't mind Ms Ra'an. I wanted to take a moment to say something, if I may. I am sure that this change has been...interesting, for each of us. I know it was a bit of a surprise as well. However, I am very, pleased that I am with each of you. I had wanted to give you a ceremony such as this." He said as he looked around.

"After our last mission I did not get a chance to let you all know how, proud I was of the work you had done." He began.

"Commander Kier, you were a great First Officer and I was proud to serve with you and pleased to still being able to work with you. You did well on not only tracking down the real issue of Gravesworld but you kept our crew on tracking while helping adhere to my request. Ensign you worked diligently in helping track down the ailment and worked well with the Medical team. You helped identify the disease which allowed us to begin treating the colonist."

"Crewman I know you were sanctioned as it were on the ship however I also know that you coordinated with helping get the colonist their medical supplies. And Commander Nira, you were my biggest challenge." He started and paused letting it almost set a sting.

"Not as I know you believe, since I donned the crimson color and more when I took the 'big chair', it has been, admittedly difficult for me to not be in the middle of 'the action' as most would say. I am a more hands on. However, I had to trust my team and more so trust my new Chief of Security. I know that you wanted me to send down more security but I needed you to have the same confidence I had in you. It was your job to help keep the people calm and our team safe which you did. And you did well. You just needed time for you to figure that out as well."

"We are here because they needed more of the best to join the best that is already here." He said with another nod to the young Science Officer that joined them.

"Congratulations to you all and thank you for allowing me to be your Commanding Officer, even for such a short time."

Sothrick took a deep breath as thoughts raced in his own mind. He had not intended for his words to become a whole speech but it seems that's what it had become. "If you don't mind I believe I will have a drink. I will return shortly." He said as he was still standing.

He stepped away heading for the bar. His thoughts were on his wife. It was strange to him as his thoughts filled his own mind. He remembered when he first joined Starfleet, how he longed for his own solitude. He even relished the idea of training and meditating alone was what he preferred was such times. 

Somewhere along the line he first made a best friend, then found a wife and finally a new sister. And slowly each were now taken away. He had not spoken with his wife in a long time. His once roommate that became his best friend was now shipped back to another ship and his new found sister which he became admittedly unnaturally close with was also moved to another ship.

Despite being on a new ship full of many consciousness and those from his last ship, he felt a little alone now.

He stepped to one of the tables and collected two bottle of the sparkling synth and 6 glasses and brought them back to the table.

"Anyone care for a glass?" He asked as he approached the table.

[Nira Said]

Nira looked around. The first of the Titania crew. Nira gave a nod in greeting and replied, "I imagine we are the new group that transferred in."

As much as Nira wanted to speak more, Sothrick then proceeded to speak to his officers. Speech or something... is he going to take this habit with him even though he's not our captain anymore? Nira thought to herself.

He began praising Keir and Jukish, but when he came around to Nira, praise was one thing she did not get. The fact that he started by calling her by rank and first name made her furrow her brow, and she began with the thought, why the hell can he not address me by my surna...?

"... you were my biggest challenge." Those words caused Nira to flinch. Those didn't seem to be words of praise at all. A series of negative emotions churned around like a whirlpool. Anger, of course, wasn't one of them. Despite the negative emotions churning, she kept her ears rapt.

"Not as I know you believe, since I donned the crimson color and more when I took the 'big chair', it has been, admittedly difficult for me to not be in the middle of 'the action' as most would say. I am a more hands on. However, I had to trust my team and more so trust my new Chief of Security. I know that you wanted me to send down more security but I needed you to have the same confidence I had in you. It was your job to help keep the people calm and our team safe which you did. And you did well. You just needed time for you to figure that out as well."

She was so shocked that she stood rooted, almost like she was taken in for a case of catatonia. Instead, she took deep breaths - although the breaths she took might as well have been those of trying to breath while trying to do an orbital skydive without the air suit - and took a moment to consider the words she wanted to say, as opposed to how she wanted to react. The fact that he said he trusted her as opposed to his actions took her by surprise.

As he returned with the glasses, she took one. "Gladly," she said, and given his speech and how potentially others would think about her, she pressed on. "I just want to point out that as much as our team was safe, it's near well a miracle. I mean, the people were hardly calm, and besides, it was two of us against two hundred or so panicked colonists that escalated from panic to mob hysteria, and it almost happened a second time, and I never dealt with mob hysteria before! 

"Would you feel confident if you were in the same shoes I was," Nira continued, "never having to face a situation like that before? Especially having to expect the crowd will come quietly? I mean, as trained as I am in one aspect, that of crowd control, the situation of the crowd getting out of control, or nearly...I can understand you didn't want to send more people. I was worried about the returning danger, it was a miracle that crowd didn't devolve back into a mob the second time...and among other things certainly didn't make me confident..."

She left the sentence hanging for Sothrick to know what she meant, remembering the report she had made, its status going classified, in her last debrief on Geronimo:

"It was two of us against two hundred or so panicked colonists that escalated to mob hysteria. I never had to deal with a mob before, and neither had Jez. Given we were both telepaths, and, again, given the numbers... yes, I was aware that we had to use telepathy in an attempt to calm the crowd, but I realized that we, and thus I, was going to make things worse, given how many people were reacting more angrily. That was why I felt my confidence waver, that I did wrong, and why I request more security to back me up.

"I mean, seriously, Captain," she continued, "I was wary that the mob would've returned with more armaments. And when I managed the line to the portable replicator, they threatened to go off again, the way they had been arguing. And after my attempt to calm the situation before, I didn't feel confident. They could've focused on me as the one behind getting into their thoughts. I mean, would you be confident if you were only one of two security officers against a mob that huge?!?"

She then admitted that before the debrief, she opened a comm with Counselor Tate for consultation, and she confirmed the circumstances. She had pointed out that such a use was unauthorized and such tactics often cause more harm than good, as Nira already recalled, and that such actions should not be done again. Tate did state that it can be allowable for such an extreme action on an individual as a form of self defense, much like using a weapon, but only for a last resort and it becomes increasingly hard to control, the more people it's used on, which is why it often only makes things worse.

"I'm sorry it had to happen, Sothrick," Nira then said, "and I know it should not be used at all, let alone used as a last resort. But believe me, I was panicked myself, and again, it was only me and Jez against a whole mob..."

She didn't mean to get this into a rant, but something about Sothrick set her off. And as much as she tried to appear friendly, she had a fierce light in her eyes as she looked at Sothrick. "And you said I did well?" she said. "I mean, how do you call that 'doing well?'"

She looked around. In all fairness, she didn't mean to be so fierce before Sothrick, but she had hoped, in her transfer, with her fresh start, it didn't mean Sothrick had to be the captain, but now here he was, and she didn't realize he had been demoted. It was all a...mixed bag of mixed feelings whenever she thought of Sothrick, and there had been something in his words in his speech the way he addressed her, and it was not praise, like he gave to Keir and Jukish, and she didn't care if he said she did well...even if there was praise, she couldn't hear it.

She looked around, back at Jukish and around again, but mostly at Jukish. Maybe it was time she gave him a chance. Other than that, she was going to be feeling extremely lonely.

[Amila Ra'an]

Amila felt as though she shouldn't be standing there, listening to what seemed like an awkward exchange and some seemingly unresolved conflict between the Geronimo crewmembers. There still wasn't anyone else there for her to excuse herself to, but there was a food bar.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on anything over here, if you all need to talk privately," Amila said apologetically. "I haven't checked the food out yet. I think I'll just go do that and get out of everyone's way." Amila backed away a couple of steps, and started to turn around. "Unless anyone would like to join me?" She added, realizing that maybe some of the group needed a little break from one another.

[Nira Said]

Once she was done with Sothrick, Nira withdrew and headed for the Oricon officer, Amila. "I apologize," she said. "My former CO...well, Sothrick is an...interesting man. I tend to have varied feelings regarding him. And I'm sorry if you had to see what I discussed with him...it's just, life on our last ship...well, suffice it to say, I hope things improve now that we're serving aboard a bigger starship."

==Tag Amila==

[Jane Fields]

The doors to the crew lounge swished open. Jane Fields took a step through and stopped to survey the room. This place had been the scene of devastation not long ago. The Engineering crew, assisted by the crew of USS Brunel, had worked quickly to repair the damage from the attack in 99 Herculis. It was remarkable how quickly they had repaired the damage. There were only a few signs left behind.

Many officers were already arrived and mingling. Her attention was most focused on the new crew. Titania had received a transfer of officers from the decommissioned Geronimo and Jane was anxious to meet with them. She was somewhat apprehensive on whether these officers would be pleased to join Titania or resentful. Having a group from the same ship arrive would pose a challenge of integration also. She had of course examined the records of all officers and they were impressive. But it was never clear if people would settle in easily, especially when the move was enforced. She hoped for the best.

Her cobalt blue eyes settled on a group that she recognised as the new officers, so she made her way over to them. The new Chief of Security was especially distinctive given he was a Vulcan.

The Captain held out a hand. "Commander Sothrick, pleased to meet you. I'm Captain Fields." It would be obvious who she was, but she thought it courtesy to introduce herself anyway. "Welcome to Titania. I'm happy to have you here."

== Tag ==

[Jukish Keti]

The time came when Keti snapped out of the trance he went into, a pretty young Science Officer caught his attention. He didn't mean to ignore anyone, more so when he was joining their crew. He was a little hungry and stood up. Everything happened so fast that he didn't have time to think things through, the Geronimo was his first ship and now this was his second.

"I would love to join you in a meal, we can talk about the future in our department. Or something a little more personable, get a better understanding of each other. Personally I prefer door B." He wanted to be more personable so he har an easier time making friends, he wanted to make more of.

"Is there something you like to eat the most?" He was attempting to break the ice.

==Tag==

[Amila Ra'an]

Once she was done with Sothrick, Nira withdrew and headed for the Orion officer, Amila. "I apologize," she said. "My former CO...well, Sothrick is an...interesting man. I tend to have varied feelings regarding him. And I'm sorry if you had to see what I discussed with him...it's just, life on our last ship...well, suffice it to say, I hope things improve now that we're serving aboard a bigger starship."

"Barely veiled insults couched in a rather self-indulgent speech at an inappropriate time, I don't blame you for holding your ground," Amila said. "I know Vulcans can be a little blunt, but I tended to think they had better public manners than that." Amila caught herself and looked quickly at Nira and tried to correct herself. "I mean, not that I'm stereotyping or anything. I'm sorry, that may have come out wrong."

The time came when Keti snapped out of the trance he went into, a pretty young Science Officer caught his attention. He didn't mean to ignore anyone, more so when he was joining their crew. He was a little hungry and stood up. Everything happened so fast that he didn't have time to think things through, the Geronimo was his first ship and now this was his second.

"I would love to join you in a meal, we can talk about the future in our department. Or something a little more personable, get a better understanding of each other. Personally I prefer door B." He wanted to be more personable so he had an easier time making friends, he wanted to make more of.

"Is there something you like to eat the most?" He was attempting to break the ice.

Amila smiled and nodded slowly as the Bajoran seemed to be getting around to a point. "Food, I enjoy food. Chips and salsa. Queso? They probably don't have that here. I didn't make it over there yet."

== Tah Nira, Jukish, Others = =

[Keir 77]

Keir and Samantha had been sitting quietly watching the others socialize. Samantha knew that Keir was still reeling from the loss of hir first command position and understandably was not feeling all that sociable. Keir knew it was unprofessional to react in this way, but the loss of the position and the ship where s/he first met Captain Adaran 225, had proven to be a blow to hir confidence in Star Fleet.

Being honest with hirself Keir knew the Titania was an excellent ship and was commanded by a veteran crew and as such it was a plum assignment, which virtually any officer would be proud to be given. The issue was that the opportunity to prove that s/he could command a starship was now likely gone.

Keir knew that Samantha was trying to cheer hir up, and for that reason s/he threw off the feelings and leaned in to give Sam a quick buss on her cheek. "I guess I should go over and introduce myself to Captain Fields, be right back."

Standing, Keir straightened hir uniform and put on a professional demeanor as s/he approached. The Captain was speaking with Commander Sothrick and as soon as it was polite to do so, Keir held out a hand to the Titania CO.

"Captain Fields I am Lieutenant Commander Keir 77, it is a pleasure to be assigned to your command."

==Tag Fields==

[Sothrick]

Somehow despite his attempt at sincerity giving praise to Nira she focused on, on presumed insults. Despite her rant he still was not sure how she took off his 'atta boy' attempt to feel she needed to hash out her non-confidence in the situation.

He let her conclude and then quickly interjected.
"Said, I am not sure how I have somehow miscommunicated myself to you. Please understand I absolutely know full well how difficult a situation you were in. I may not experience emotions like you understand them but I am well versed in fear. I was afraid for you and our team. However if I sent down several of our less experienced crew in the middle of such a situation it would have likely gotten worse. The young crewman that were left are not as trained or verse in such crowd control and you know as well as I that young officers, security officers, can be a little....quick to action." He paused allowing the thought to hit her.

"I had my had on the button sort to speak, to send me down there personally however I did not want to step on your toes and jump in and take over on a situation I knew you could handle." He added

"Said please look at me and in my eyes and hear me. I was most proud of your ability to handle the situation. You did well very well and I am glad to be working with you still." He said slowly then straightened back up. He was not going to get into the rest of how she did it or did he intend to chastise her for thinking of using her ability this wasn't the place or need for that right now.

"I have been in similar situations but to grow as a leader I had to succeed or fail, which I have done both on a mission, on my own. I do understand what you went through but you had to be the one to go through it. And you did it well. There is no back handed compliment, You may not have felt you did but it was a success." He stated.

It was then that the young Science Officer excused herself. He nodded apologetically he had hoped to be able to proudly boast the team but it had turned to something else.

As the two stepped away with Keti in tow he turned to his former CO. He could sense her emotions one that he shared but took a deep breath and let it out and addressed the Samantha and Kier. "I truly did mean to be a praise to you all. And I am pleased we get to serve here together." He gave apologetically.

Just then he noticed another young woman step into the room. He had familiarized himself with the Captains file and image so he recognized her immediately.

As she approached the table Sothrick stood.  "Commander Sothrick, pleased to meet you. I'm Captain Fields." She gave "Welcome to Titania. I'm happy to have you here."

Sothrick followed the typical terran exchange and accepted the offered hand and measured his grip to not be to tight. He was never comfortable with the simple handshake. Outside of Klingons most other races he felt he needed to be a little more...delicate with. As he took her hand his steel gray eyes locked into the Captains as if he was searching her sole.

"It is a pleasure, if not a what humans say 'bitter sweet' to be here. The Titania is an impressive ship and I am honored to be working with you Captain, your career is well known." He gave figuring she would understand his words of why he was saying it was bitter sweet.

"If I may," He continued quickly. "...This is, was my First Officer and one of the best engineers I have had the, pleasure, working along side." He said as Kier stood and introduced herself.

He and Kier had a rocky start, honestly because of him, but he truly came to very much appreciate and more so, respect hir as an officer, engineer and commanding officer. He only hoped he had expressed that enough to hir.

"Captain Fields I am Lieutenant Commander Keir 77, it is a pleasure to be assigned to your command." Kier reported

After Kier introduced hirself Sothrick added, "This is also Crewman Samantha Reagan one of my Security I was lucky enough to bring with us." He added gesturing to the young woman. "Some of my other crew are, mingling, with your crew." He said with a gesture to the others that had left the table. 

"Captain, I had sent a briefing our last mission and some recommendations had you received them?" He started

"If at all possible I would like to be able to speak with you for a moment as well" Sothrick added "However, it looks like you are preparing for a celebration, it can certainly wait until afterwards." He added

[Nira Said]

Nira was taken aback in surprise by Sothrick's quick interjection. Fast as it was, she hung onto every single word. How was she not aware of this? Was she so intent on being away from him she glossed over his better words? And his newer words made more sense to her now. Now that he mentioned it, she recalled that the other security officers were like; perhaps it was the anxiety of that moment that made her forget how experienced the other Security Officers on Geronimo were like.

She stared raptly into Sothrick's eyes. She nodded in relief, in a way. She was glad to hear those words from Sothrick. "Of course, Sothrick," she said. "And...well, I'm sorry for my words, and I'm sorry if I took your words in the wrong way." Once he moved on, she paused to let his words sink in.

The Orion science officer made some sympathies to her, but Nira only said, "No, no, it's easy to misunderstand him. And in a ship where more things go wrong than right, it's easy to think ill of him."

As she went back into the crowd, she saw Sothrick talking to...she suddenly realized that it was Captain Fields, the CO of the Titania. Nira approached, but realized there was a line formed of sorts. Keir and Samantha were already at Captain Fields. The best Nira can do is wave from behind the two.

"And my greetings to you, Captain Fields!" Nira called in passing. "Lieutenant Commander Said...Formerly Chief of Security of the Geronimo," she said, identifying herself. She said no more, but waited her turn.

==Tag to Fields and Sothrick and Amila, soft to Keir==

[Jukish Keti]

Keti wasn't sure if it was a joke or not, but it was funny. He let out a bit of chuckle at the joke, it was hard to argue as well. The food was over there, and they were not going to get closer standing there. "Let's go and leave them to... Whatever it is they are planning. After you."" He motioned forward.

When they got there Keti wasn't sure what he wanted. Then again he was confused a lot."Where should we beg?" He asked. It also occurred to him that he had never met anyone like her before.

==Darn writers block==

[Jane Fields]

Sothrick gripped her hand and replied with a firm gaze: "It is a pleasure, if not a what humans say 'bitter sweet' to be here. The Titania is an impressive ship and I am honored to be working with you Captain, your career is well known."

Jane Fields had her usual inscrutable, examining gaze. It was almost a trademark.

She nodded to acknowledge his words. She had had her own beloved Copernicus decommissioned, so she understood this, but of course she hadn’t lost her command and had been given a brand new ship. The sad fact was that newer command staff would often find themselves bumped down in these circumstances. But she had no doubt that they would rise again in future when positions became available.

"If I may," He continued quickly. "This is, was my First Officer and one of the best engineers I have had the, pleasure, working along side."

Jane offered her hand to Keir. *Welcome. I’m glad to have you aboard.” she said.

Sothrick intrudoced more of his contingent from Geronimo: "This is also Crewman Samantha Reagan one of my Security I was lucky enough to bring with us." He added gesturing to the young woman. "Some of my other crew are, mingling, with your crew."

Jane again greeted the other officer with a handshake and a welcome.

The Security officer Said came over to introduce herself too. Jane offered her hand. “Welcome to the ship.” She said, and to everyone: “I’m very pleased that officers of your experience are joining us. If there’s anything I can do to help you settle in, please let me know.”

Sohtrick continued: “Captain, I had sent a briefing our last mission and some recommendations had you received them? …If at all possible I would like to be able to speak with you for a moment as well. However, it looks like you are preparing for a celebration, it can certainly wait until afterwards."

Jane looked around to check what was happening in the room. She was anxious to get things over with on her part but in theory there was no rush and people were mingling freely.

“I’ve not seen any mission briefs yet, but if there’s something you need to discuss, please go ahead.”

== Tag ==

[Nira Said]

Nira was surprised but delighted at seeing Captain Fields extending her hand at her for a shake, despite the crowd. She approached and took it gladly. Her offer made her even more interested.

"Of course, Captain," Nira said. "I'll be sure to let you know." She then went back to the party, although looked back to see the Captain in discussion with Sothrick. Nira wondered if Sothrick was going to talk to Fields about how he can arrange security and all...

...then again, Nira never saw the Titania's security department yet, so she wouldn't know how things are arranged. Hopefully she'll get a look at the other Security officers soon. Meantime, she might as well enjoy herself.

She went back to Keti to mingle more just as he said... "Where should we beg?" "Well, I don't know yet," Nira said to Keti, and realized she was back to Amila. "I wonder where the rest of the Titania's major officers are. First Officer, Chiefs of Tactical and Medical...Nira wouldn't even mind seeing if there was a Ship's Counselor. She looked around, her brow furrowed in befuddlement.

==Especial tag to Captain Fields, Amila and Keti. Soft tag to Sothrick and the rest of the Titania crew==

[Sothrick]

Sothrick was please and relieved that Nira and him were able to come to the same page. He took a deep breath as she began to walk away and when he saw Nira start to comeback he started to introduce her as well but she quickly took care of that and Sothrick fell silent and allowed them to converse.

As the Captain gave permission for him to continue he looked about and found that he pressed a little to soon.

"I had sent some recommendations from our last mission that I believe those present deserve representation of.
The other half I would, if you don't mind, would like to meet with you more privately, or with your first officer of course, on some of your expectations of me and my department." He began

"However, It does not have to be right this moment." Sothrick had learned to appreciate allowing the crew some 'down time' as they called it.

[Amila Ra'an]

Keti wasn't sure if it was a joke or not, but it was funny. He let out a bit of chuckle at the joke, it was hard to argue as well. The food was over there, and they were not going to get closer standing there. "Let's go and leave them to... Whatever it is they are planning. After you."" He motioned forward.

Keti and Amila walked over to one of the long tables arranged with various appetizers, Amila even noticed an Orion dish and hoped that someone hadn't put that out because of her. As they approached the table, she heard Keti ask, "Where should we beg?" Amila thought for a moment about how to answer the question, and as she was about to open her mouth another voice spoke up. Amila turned to see that Nira had rejoined them.

"Well, I don't know yet," Nira said to Keti, and realized she was back to Amila. "I wonder where the rest of the Titania's major officers are. First Officer, Chiefs of Tactical and Medical..."

Amila scanned the room again. It was unusual that Commander Ameen wasn't present yet. "I'm guessing Commander Ameen must be finishing some assignment of some kind. I would have expected that he'd be here by now, but we have been down some crew and he's been filling in a lot to pick up the slack. In engineering in particular. I think he might enjoy it," Amila offered. "Our medical staff rarely makes an appearance at these things. I really only know who they are in passing."

"We were just about to get some food. Hungry?" Amila asked. She picked up a plate from the end of the table and handed one to Keti. "We start down here."

Amila

[Nira Said]

Nira looked around in interest. "Commander...Ameen? That's the First Officer? Is...is he a Muslim?" It piqued her interest in particular, since Nira was also a Muslim, having been raised by a human family in Dubai, hence her surname Said (pronounced "say-eed.")

Nira highly doubted this Commander Ameen was from her same neighborhood, let alone the same region on the Arabian peninsula as she was raised in, not with how many Muslims there were on Earth even in the 25th Century.

"And...also, was he doubling as Engineer?" Nira asked Amila curiously. "If he is...well, it's just as well Keir is here with us from the Geronimo, now that he can be free for First Officer duties." She was still curious, and she hung onto Keti's arm again.

==Tag Amila and Keti==

[Amila Ra'an]

Nira looked around in interest. "Commander...Ameen? That's the First Officer? Is...is he a Muslim?"

"And...also, was he doubling as Engineer?" Nira asked Amila curiously. "If he is...well, it's just as well Keir is here with us from the Geronimo, now that he can be free for First Officer duties." She was still curious, and she hung onto Keti's arm again.

Amila smiled and shook her head. "I really have no idea if he's religious or not," she said with a shrug. Amila thought about that for a moment. They'd worked together a lot and seemed to have a good rapport, but she didn't really know much about him outside of the Titania, and his ability to bluff his way through a shady market.

"He's been doing a lot with engineering," Amila nodded. "I really don't think he can help it. We were on shore leave and he was replacing chairs on the Bridge. I don't know how much it's necessity, or if he just enjoys it." She started to open her mouth again and quickly shut it. Why was she standing here talking about the First Officer so much to the two newcomers. He'd show up anytime, and the last thing she'd want is to for him to walk in to her practically gushing about him.

"Anyway, it is great we're picking up another engineer... And scientist," Amila added gesturing to Keti. "No offense to all of the security and tactical officers, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't a little curious about what our next mission was that Starfleet thinks we need the extra manpower there. I mean, I'm glad to have you. I just don't particularly like getting shot at. I've had enough of that already in the last few months."

==Tag Nira Keti ==

[Jukish Keti]

It was understandable that she didn't like being shot at, heck no one enjoyed being shot at. He would be shocked if anyone said they enjoy it, he was willing to allow them to do it too. They were also in a profession where it's practically in the job description, travel to exotic places get shot at. 

"Having more Security and Tactical officers are here to make sure you don't, I feel safer knowing Said is here with us. She is a true professional, and a great asset to the team. Sothrick is a great leader who has alot to offer, between these two they are an unstoppable force." He didn't take much time to talk to either of them, but planned to in the future.

There were also one fear that he needed to put aside, or it could be a self forfilling prophecy. By fearing this it might just happen and Keti would hate that. "I went into Science to avoid violence like that, I would rather be helping someone." The general purpose of Starfleet stood for. 

==Tag==

[Torok Powl]

The doors to the Crew Lounge opened once more. Although they normally had a very distinctive noise upon opening, it was barely noticeable with the hubbub of the crowd gathered inside. There was a memo circulated to all Departments that the Geronimo had been decommissioned after what had been a very fine tenure as a ship of the line for Star Fleet. There was always a bit of sadness mixed with excitement when a ship was retired, but this also meant it was time for a new beginning in a different place with new people. Further, it often meant a new ship was ready to begin its life. In this case, the crew of the Geronimo was joining the Titania. Titania, while a fine ship already and crewed with adequate staffing, was made better today by adding some of the best and brightest that Star Fleet could offer.

Through the doors Powl walked through to see quite the collection of officers from both Titania and Geronimo. Although there was a great amount of discourse occurring, Torock rarely had any desire to participate. Instead he would rather observe the fray and gather information about the behavioral patterns of his shipmates. Powl observed the decor and noted that this was a welcoming event to usher in the transfers. The need for such displays never quite reached an understanding in Powl's mind, but was enough to know that the reactions of the crew were positive enough to justify the social event.

It seemed that the crew of the Geronimo was exchanging both a toast to fairwell to the previous ship, perhaps some admonishment, and compliments for the completion of their last mission. Powl took one of the red wine glasses and sat at an empty table to observe.

[Jane Fields]

Sothrick replied: "I had sent some recommendations from our last mission that I believe those present deserve representation of.
The other half I would, if you don't mind, would like to meet with you more privately, or with your first officer of course, on some of your expectations of me and my department...However, It does not have to be right this moment."

The Captain nodded. "Yes, of course. We'll discuss this privately later." She looked around again. It seemed like most people had arrived. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I have things to officiate." 

She sighed inwardly. She didn't enjoy standing up in front of an audience.

Jane left the group and made her way onto the stage. Her yeoman was reading with several black boxes laid out on a table.

The Captain stood at the front of the stage and waited for quiet to settle over the crowd.

"Good evening everyone. May I welcome the new crew joining us especially. I would firstly like to say that you all performed your jobs admirably on the last mission in a very difficult situation. Following on from that, I would like to invite certain crew onto the stage to receive recognition. Firstly, please step up Ensign Ra'an and Midshipman Powl."

== Tag Ra'an and Powl ==

[Amila Ra'an]

"Good evening everyone. May I welcome the new crew joining us especially. I would firstly like to say that you all performed your jobs admirably on the last mission in a very difficult situation. Following on from that, I would like to invite certain crew onto the stage to receive recognition. Firstly, please step up Ensign Ra'an and Midshipman Powl."

Amila looked startled to hear her name as she looked around quickly to find a place to leave her wine glass. "That's me," she said she said bashfully to Keti and Said, as she found a table to leave her glass behind before straightening her uniform and walking toward the stage where the Captain was currently speaking. She looking up at Captain Fields briefly before ascending the steps and watching for direction as to where to stand. She didn't mind the stage, she was just surprised to be standing up here.

== Tag Captain Fields ==

[Sothrick]

Sothrick nodded as his new Captain excused herself and took center stage as it were.

There was another hint in his eyes as he watched her begin the ceremonies. He had hoped to be able to do such a thing for his crew. He did give one mission ceremony but he was just acting captain then. This would have been a chance to thank his crew!

He sat back in his chair and in a rare instance for the Vulcan he took up a glass of the champagne and took a small sip then kicked back the drink.

He placed the drink back firmly on the table and gave his attention to the Captain speaking.

He was ready to get to work.

[Nira Said]

Nira looked up at hearing Captain Fields making an announcement, and when she called two of her crew members up, Nira realized what was coming. She had seen that sort of thing before, even had it happen to her.

The only difference: This was a real lounge. All her last two promotions took place on Starbase 105's holosuite, every one of them arranged in a different holographic setting like a beach. It was another thing Nira came to appreciate, that she was in a party in a lounge; even after the temporal effects and the holosuites were fixed, Nira still never trusted them. Even the last party she didn't want to go to, primarily because she was suspicious she would get trapped in there.

I need to figure out a party of my own, Nira thought to herself, suddenly realizing, in reflecting of the past parties she had been to, the only party she attended that did not have a promotion ceremony was the one she got captured by Orion slavers in; that particular party was a clever trap, with spiked drinks. When she came to, she was in an Orion slave master's yacht with two other crew members from the Geronimo, and they worked together to fight the Orions, hijack the yacht and escape.

She shook herself out of recollecting and went back to watching...well, Nira was sure this was a promotion ceremony coming up, why else would Captain Fields call them forward, unless it was a medal...nonetheless, she already knew what was coming.

==Tag==

[Torok Powl]

"Good evening everyone. May I welcome the new crew joining us especially. I would firstly like to say that you all performed your jobs admirably on the last mission in a very difficult situation. Following on from that, I would like to invite certain crew onto the stage to receive recognition. Firstly, please step up Ensign Ra'an and Midshipman Powl."

Not expecting to be called forward, Powl swallowed the wine he had sipped and placed the glass down. He stood sharply and straightened his unform before joining Captain Fields and Ensign Ra'an at the podium. On his way to his to the podium he observed that the lounge had suddenly grown very quiet despite that large amount of attendees. Unaware of any reason that he should be summoned to the front, Powl complied but definitely proceeded with a good dose of curiosity. Once he arrived at the podium, he was not sure of the reason, so he stood at attention once he stopped. As he stood pondering the purpose of being called up, he could still taste the tannins from the wine he had just before being called forward. He looked forward at Captain Fields and noticed her stance was a combination of business and casual.

While this was a gathering to welcome the newly transferred crew from the Geronimo, but this seemed to add a note of business to the occasion. Upon coming to attention, he stood and raised his right eyebrow.

==Tag Fields==

[Jane Fields]

The Captain's yeoman handed over two boxes to her. Jane took them and approached Ra'an first.

"Ms Ra'an, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade with all of the rights and privileges thereto. Congratulations."

She opened one of the boxes and placed a new pip on Ra'an's collar.

"In addition I award you the Star Fleet Achievement Medal in recognition of actions above the norm on the previous mission." With this she handed over the other black box and smiled. "Excellent job."

Turning back to her yeoman she retrieved another two boxes.

"Mister Powl, I hereby promote you to the rank of Ensign with all of the rights and privileges thereto. Congratulations." The Captain approached the Vulcan and replaced his single hollow pip with a solid one. "In addition I award you the Star Fleet Achievement Medal in recognition of actions above the norm on the previous mission." She handed over the other box. "Welcome back Torock." She gave him a surreptitious wink.

She gave them both an open palm gesture that they could return to the floor. The Captain's yeoman handed her a PADD, and Jane scanned over it quickly and then nodded, handing it back.

"Commander Sothrick, Lieutenant Commander Keir, Lieutenant Commander Said, and Lieurtenant Keti, please step up to the stage."

== Tag Sothrick, Keir, Said, Keti. ==

[Nira Said]

Just as Nira thought. It was a promotion ceremony. She watched as two officers, one of them the Orion girl she just met, got promoted. And then came the call for the new officers from the Geronimo, Nira included.

Nira remembered the ceremonies in the past. She wondered what medal she'll be getting this time. If the promotions were finished already, the next thing had to mean medals. She stepped forward and awaited.

==Tag==

[Jukish Keti]

Proud to be there Keti was happy for everyone who were recognized, it was a proud day for them. Well deserved no doubt, and now he was part of their crew. One where he wasn't going to be the only one there, and he valued her company. The merger of them into the crew seemed to be going well, and Keti was enjoying himself. Than he heard his name to join them on stage, and he was curious about it. 

Getting up on stage, Keti stood exactly where he was told, right at the end. He was there with pride, a member of their crew. There was just so much out there for him to learn. It also gave him comfort that people he knew were there, also he was making friends. Every now and again he was going to poke his head out, and do something fun.

==Tag everyone ==

[Keir 77]

Keir had been sitting at the back of the room. S/he was still kinda shell shocked after hir position and ship had been mothballed, leaving hir leaning heavily on Samantha. S/he was not sure what s/he would be doing if the transfer had been without PO Reagan, and didn't like to think about it.
Still not sure what hir role here was though s/he did understand that the FO had been doing double duty and given that Keir had just been in the same position s/he understood, but the USS Titania was a much larger vessel, which meant a larger team.

As s/he sat there mulling over things s/he heard hir name mentioned and with a push from her lady Keir made hir way to the front of the room and nodded in respect to Captain Fields. "Lieutenant Commander Keir77 as requested Captain."

Not wanting to make a big deal of it but Keir77 Was hir name and not simply Keir. S/he was the 77th person to be thus named, and it was important to hir.

==Tag Fields==