Dedication Message from the TFCO Part 2
Posted on Sat Oct 31st, 2020 @ 9:23am by Captain Jasmine Somers & Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant JG Nishu Yalet & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry 'Hank' Keitel & Emergency Medical Hologram (Dr. Pierce) & Lieutenant JG Samantha Blake, Ph.D
Edited on on Mon Nov 2nd, 2020 @ 12:19am
Mission:
The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Recreation Deck
Timeline: Mission day 6
[ON]
=/\=Attention all hands, please report to the main recreation deck tomorrow at 0900hrs. Captain Thrix we will need a full-color guard. The TFCO wants to give a speech and we will extend her every courtesy. Senior officers full dress uniforms.=/\=
Maia was on the bridge making final preparations to leave space dock, the Leto was fully supplied and crewed. True the TFCO was aboard at least until her dedication speech which would send the Leto to strange new worlds. Boldly going as most of the fleet would say.
Meanwhile, Doctor Tamara set down the PADD s/he was reading the Starfleet Medical Journal on and rose to hir feet. S/he looked to Sylestia where she was curled up. “Do you want to come along?” s/he asked. Sylestia followed hir into the other room where s/he entered their specifications and restrictions into the replicator and ordered brand new dress uniforms.
Senior Chief Keitel made a final adjustment to his dress uniform before heading to the sonic shower. He applied the beard repressor lotion after cleaning up and let it sit for the prescribed two minutes before wiping his face clean. He donned the uniform and made a final check to ensure all his awards were displayed in accordance with the uniform regs. He gave a satisfied sigh and then headed out the door.
Sheena stepped from the shower and dried off. Slipping into her dress uniform, she made double sure that her uniform was up to snuff. Fixing her hair so that it looked just right, and within regulation, she stepped back to look again in the mirror. It was also the first time she was dressed like this as an Executive Officer. Still wondering how she got the appointment, she left and headed to Ryan’s quarters to see if he was ready.
Ryan was double-checking the gig line of his dress jacket and trousers to see if everything lined up. It did of course. He walked for the door to his quarters to head out and open it to find Sheena about to ring the chime. He gave her a warm smile as he stepped out next to her in the deserted corridor. “We best hurry.”
Taking his hand, they hurried to the recreation both together. Sheena’s mind was whirling with all kinds of ideas as they arrived together. “Ryan let’s go in together. I do believe that it will get out that we are involved, but slowly. I am not ashamed to admit that we are involved,” Sheena said squeezing his hand.
Ryan gave a loving squeeze of Sheena’s hand. He leaned and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go Imzadi.”
Samantha made a half twist in both directions to give one final look at herself in the full-length mirror of her quarters. She gave an approving nod, satisfied with her look. Her shoulder-length hair was pulled back in a tight bun. Makeup was kept to a minimum, just enough to add a little color to her normal pale complexion. Dangling Amethyst earrings that matched the color of her eyes.
She wore a royal blue formal dress with intricate lace patterns and matching flat shoes for comfort if the ceremony lasted any time. She walked to the door and grabbed a royal blue handbag that also went with her outfit. She stepped out into the corridor and headed to the turbolift and the Rec Hall.
The next day Maia went for a run. For the last week she had been inspecting every bolt. and every system on her ship as well as familiarizing herself with her crew. She had a boatload of some of the finest people she had the privilege of meeting and serving with. She ran most mornings usually between 04:00 and 06:00, then had a light breakfast and some coffee. Old habits were hard to break but she was quite fit. She had made sure that a podium was set up for the Fleet captain, then went back to her quarters and changed into her dress uniform. Jasmine was not only her boss/supervisor/mentor, but she was also her best friend. It wasn’t that she wanted to impress the Fleet Captain as extend as much courtesy pomp and circumstance in these proceedings as possible.
She arrived on the recreation deck 15 minutes early to mingle a bit.
–Crew Quarters–
Jamie just got back from her run, since the ship was on external power, she used the holodeck to give herself a challenge, and go on a good North Carolina mountain run near Mount Mitchell. She untied her mass of red curls and ran her fingers through them so it wouldn’t be matted down. She was clad in workout pants and a heavy-duty sports bra with sneakers, which were soaked through. She set the environment with extra heat and humidity and later would run through an extra cold and extra dry Clingmans Dome to make sure she was acclimated and ready for more extreme environments.
“Oof,” she said as she stripped down to shower. “That was a good run. Man, I’m sore, and that takes a lot.”
Rather than the typical sonic shower, she had made sure to requisition a water shower for mornings, and most definitely enjoyed the nearly hot water and washing the dirt and sweat off. ~Best part of a run is cleaning up~ she thought to herself as she finished. The hair was the worst part, taking twenty minutes alone. ~I could cut you, but you’d be back in a month…~ she thought as she finished getting clean and toweling off.
Tossing the towel on the towel rod, she walked over to the dresser and got her dress uniform on. Pressed and white, she got her tunic zipped up, and put the jacket on. Jamie had a small issue with details and made sure her shirt seam was in line with her pant seam and did a quick job of putting her hair up in a tight bun, which was tough considering the amount of hair she had. Several curls fell out, but she finally tamed it for the ceremony. Her uniform did follow her curves, but she often couldn’t help that.
Luckily, her face didn’t need make-up, since her skin tone was naturally even, and finding herself presentable, she left for the ceremony.
When Doctor Tamara and Sylestia emerged and moved for the nearest turbolift Tamara had made sure hir uniform was immaculately clean and neatly arranged. Sylestia had donned a smart dress-white vest with a prominent teal stripe.
–Rec Deck–
Lieutenant Dougherty entered the rec deck a good fifteen minutes early, as she wanted to make sure to make a good impression on her new captain.
“Good morning captain, a pleasure to see you again,” she said with a smile.
“Good Morning Lieutenant Dougherty, a good day for a launch wouldn’t you say? Maia asked.
“Good morning, Captain Sterling,” Jamie replied with a smile and a nod. “That it is. I’ve got the warp core warmed up and ready to take us out on your word.”
Tamara and Sylestia arrived together, the doctor scanning the milling crowd of uniformed people. S/he waved off the first drink offered to hir, there would be time to enjoy hirself later. Seeing that the Captain was busy speaking to a caped individual, S/he stepped out of the doorway and took a moment to survey hir crewmates.
“Come in Doctor,” Maia said.
Senior Chief Keitel aka COB entered the Rec Hall and proceeded directly to Maia. He stopped a couple of meters away and gave her a single nod of his head. He then headed off to the side of the small stage installed for today’s ceremony and took up position by the ship’s guide on the banner and waited for the ceremony to commence.
“Good morning Senior Chief” Maia greeted him pleasantly.
“As Chief of the Boat and senior enlisted advisor, it falls to you to announce the arrival of Fleet Captain Jasmine Somers. Are you ready?’
Senior Chief Keitel nodded. “No worries Captain. I know my part.”
Lieutenant Brannon was early for the ceremony and set up security for it as required. She then went about other duties and making sure everything was set up and there were no problems. She pulled out a tricorder and checked to be sure everything was safe for the crew and dignitaries on board. She saw the Captain come in and called “CO on the deck.” and went over to report. “All security measures are in effect Captain.”
The door opened to the Recreation Deck and in walked Marine Captain Thrix in full dress uniform complete with a sidearm, and sabre. Behind him, a Color Guard complete with an armed escort, and everyone in Marine full-dress uniform. The Color Guard carried 4 flags. From left to right, it was the Flag of the United Federation of Planets. Then the Flag of Starfleet. Then, the flag of Task Force 11. Followed by the Banner of the USS Leto. The armed escort carried the standard combat phaser rifles used by Starfleet Marines. By the look at the Marines carrying them, you knew the weapons had to be spotless. Master Sergeant Tovin Hex in the front center of the Guard. He had a sidearm and his sabre. He was taking his place as Color Party Commander. Thrix walked up to Commander Sterling.
“Marine Color Guard reporting as ordered Sir,” he said as he properly saluted with his sword.
Maia returned his salute.
“Thank you, Captain Thrix! The Color Guard looks fabulous, as do you,” Maia said pleased.
“Thank you, Sir. Always ready to do our part,” Thrix said with confidence.
The Color Guard took their place on the podium and Thrix took his place among the Senior officers.
Ryan stepped into the already filling Rec Hall alongside Sheena. He hadn’t seen this many dress uniforms since his Academy Graduation four years ago. It was going to be some ceremony.
Still holding his hand, the number of dress uniforms was incredible. “Jesus……they really went all out on this. I haven’t seen this much dress uniforms since graduation,” Sheena exclaimed.
Ryan lifted Sheena’s hand and kissed her knuckles as they walked through the threshold of the door. He glanced about at those already gathered. “Let’s say hi to the Captain and then we’ll mingle until the ceremony is ready to start.”
Samantha arrived at the Rec Hall about 30 seconds after her brother and Sheena. She grinned and moved to a relatively obscured area. She had been waiting all week to make a surprise visit to him, but he had been especially busy with preparations for the launch and subsequent mission. She decided to surprise him finally after the ceremony was over. She did, however, take an interest in the woman he had arrived with.
Lieutenant Brannon walked over to Sheena and Ryan, “This will probably be done a lot on the Leto. We are a diplomatic ship and will be hosting a lot of dignitaries as we do our missions, and those situations will require dress uniforms a lot. Especially when a planet leader is signing a treaty or is agreeing to a situation to become aligned with the Federation, or actually joins the Federation.
Also be ready for even higher ranks on the ship as well during high levels of diplomacy such as Admirals and Ambassadors as well.”
Ryan glanced across the Rec Hall at Hank before turning back to Angelina. He shrugged his shoulders. “Par for the course, I guess. I’m just glad to be finally on a starship and not cooling my heels on a space station anymore.” He gave a gentle tug on Sheena’s hand and continued on to greet Maia. “Good morning Captain.”
“Good Morning Mister Blake, Number one. Great day for a launching ceremony.” Maia said.
“Yes captain, it is a wonderful day for it. I am quite excited to hear that our Task Force 11 Flag Officer is here for our launch ceremony. It will be a pleasure to meet her,” Sheena said smiling.
Ryan nodded in greeting before glancing about. He was feeling a little anxious to get on the way. He was ready to boldly go on his first real deep space mission.
“My last security assignment was a space station and being security, it was anything but boring. I was constantly breaking up disagreements, break up fights or dealing with short-range patrols around the station.”
Marine Captain Thrix walked up to the Security Chief. “Lieutenant Brannon, I just wanted to let you know, all my Marines that are armed are ready forbear. Every weapon we are showing is charged and ready just in case.”
“Understood Captain Thrix, a pleasure to have you aboard the Leto for the ceremonies. as are all my security personnel, pass the word quietly that they are on level 3 stun. That way we can take the hostile into custody and place it in the brig for questioning in case they may not be alone.”
Tag: Marine Captain Thrix
She looked up as Ambassador Langley came in. She tapped her communications badge to the security channel. Lieutenant Yalet, you are to be close to Ambassador Langley in case of anything going on that may need the security detail may need to handle.
Nishu tapped back as she got close to Ambassador, “I’m by the Ambassador now.” she said to her chief.
Looking at Ryan, Sheena led him to greet other individuals that had gathered for the ceremony. “So many people here Ryan. All, or most of the dignitaries and brass, damn, it’s a gathering of who’s who,” she exclaimed.
“That it is,” Ryan responded. He spotted a familiar face entering the Rec Hall. “Here comes one now.” He was a bit surprised by the arrival as well.
Ambassador Henry Langley stepped into the Rec Hall in his navy-blue formal suit with high back red ambassador’s cape. He grabbed a drink from the tray of a passing steward and looked about at the gathering of officers and crew. He finally spotted Maia and strolled over to her. “Captain Sterling, I presume, Henry Langley. A pleasure, privilege and an honor to meet you.”
“Ambassador Langley a pleasure to finally meet you and on such an auspicious occasion. I am deeply honored to be able to convey you in this vessel of peace to establish an embassy on Thorion IV.” Maia said
Ambassador Langley took Maia’s hand and bent slightly to give her knuckles a brief kiss. “You do me the honor Captain. I hope we have the opportunity to dine at least once together on our journey to Thorion IV.”
“We will have many opportunities for pleasantries Mister Ambassador,” Maia stated pleasantly.
Ambassador Langley spotted two of Maia’s senior officers approach. While the woman was unknown to him, he did recognize the man. “Ryan Blake. I don’t believe I have seen you since just before you started at the Academy. How is your mother these days?”
“She is doing well sir.” Ryan shook hands with the Ambassador. “She is now part of the Earth delegation on the Federation Council.”
Ambassador Langley turned to Sheena. He gave her a cursory once over. “Hmm. Lieutenant Commander rank. You must be the First Officer.” He took Sheena’s hand, giving it a light kiss as well. “I must say. The most attractive Command staff of any ship in Starfleet.”
Blushing bright red, “Thank you, Ambassador Langley. Yes, Lieutenant Commander Sheena Tora, at your service,” Sheena said.
Lieutenant Brannon took up her position on the left side of the podium and watched as Lieutenant (j. g.) Yalet took her place on the left side. They were in the position to be able to see everything going on and to also be able not to interfere with the ceremonies going on. She checked to be sure her phaser was secure but still not readily seen by everyone else.
With that done she stood by and was scanning the crowd for anything out of the ordinary in those assembled in the Hall.
Jamie might be a little more sociable than Nicci, but she was still a professional and prided herself on her attention to detail and was enjoying some small talk with her new crew. Despite her unique situation, she was an engineer and a damn good one and wanted the chance to show it in deep space.
Not being one of the illustrious senior staff of the ship, Bailey had been standing milling about with the troops. A monumental occasion such as this warranted a big crowd, and Master Sergeant Hex had made it abundantly clear that young officer’s attendance was effectively mandatory.
Standing around in marine dress uniform was always an uncomfortable affair for the 2nd Lieutenant, but the novelty factor of wearing something other than the duty uniform that everyone spent almost every waking minute in made up for it.
The chatter to fill the time before the ceremony starts effectively consisted of making comments about various people they’d not had the chance to meet yet, between Bailey, his Platoon Sergeant and one of the other senior NCOs. Looking about the room there was nothing but unfamiliar faces in a big crowd and a rabble of senior staff clustered together with a short distance away.
“That man’s wearing a cape.” Joseph loudly blurted, taken by surprise by the ambassador’s attire.
“What, you’ve never seen one before?” The Platoon Sergeant replied in a more hushed tone, in the hope that no one had heard them. “They’re all the rage with ambassadorial types.”
“Of course, I’ve seen one before, but not on a live person in the real world,” Bailey said to his marines, staring at the Ambassador. “Can I get a cape?”
Nishu looked around for any suspicious happenings that would harm the Ambassador, hoping it would not happen.
Ambassador Langley glanced about and noticed the young Bajoran woman shadowing him. He nodded with a slight smile. “I gather, due to the presence of your sidearm, you are my personal protection detail.”
“One of them Mister Ambassador, Lieutenant JG Nishu Yalet, Sir.” Nishu said.
Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll was in the background making sure the sound system worked.
Steeling herself in the wings Jasmine straightens her ceremonial rifle officer’s pouch cross belt which was a temporary fix as she did not have her dress uniform with her. So making sure everything was in place, she walked into the light and heard the ship’s company come to the attention, so with back straight she stepped up to the podium and noticed that she was the only other officer on the ship with a white band around her shoulders.
Senior Chief Keitel had repositioned himself by the entrance. He kept a close eye on those coming in. He bellowed in a loud and clear manner as Fleet Captain Somers crossed the threshold into the Rec Hall. “Attention!!! Task Force Eleven Commanding Officer on deck!!!”
The group came to attention.
Fleet Captain Jasmine Somers entered and walked over to the podium. She placed both hands on either side of the dais and looked around the bay and activates the voice amplifier device “Ships Company at ease” she said, and all relaxed a little. She looked over to Maia and smiled before returning her attention to the gathered. “I know a few of you know of me and even a fewer of you have actually spoken to me” she looked at Chief Keitel with a smile “I am Fleet Captain Jasmine Somers. Task Force Commanding Officer Eleven and I want to thank Captain Sterling for inviting me to speak to you before you set off on your first mission.”
“First off, I want you all to know that you have a very capable Captain. She was my First Officer for over twelve years and she started off as my Chief Science Officer, she served me well and loyally and dealt with issues before they reached me, I will expect her First Officer to do the same for her as a ship Commander has a lot of other stuff to deal with so Commander Toran I hope you will help your Captain out in the missions ahead of you,” she paused. “Captain Sterling is an exemplary officer, and I will freely admit that I will miss her as my First Officer, but everyone has to move on, and this ship is a fine ship.” Again, she paused and took a sip of the glass of water allowing for those assembled to react.
Maia nodded.
Ryan glanced at Sheena when Fleet Captain Somers mentioned her. His expression conveying the unspoken words You got this as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
Sheena nodded. Squeezing Ryan’s hand back.
Lt Brannon stayed vigilant and was continuously scanning then she always took her duties with great pride and always went above and beyond. She saw someone move to the stage and watched. They stopped and were just getting in a place when they could see better. She was carrying several transporter tags. If activated the chief in room 1 was ready to send the one tagged to the brig to making sure there were no unnecessary interruptions with the ceremony. She did not let her guard down.
Jamie nodded and smiled. Her new captain seemed like a good commander for a ship, and she was eager to stretch her space legs again.
When there was little reaction Jasmine continued “I run all of what I was going to say through my head, but now I am here and I am at a loss, but before I end this speech with a blessing, you may have noticed a White band around your Captain’s and my shoulders, this is what is known as the White Cord of courage, it is primarily given to the 95th Rifle Regiment of which a small detachment is on this ship. There are currently only three Fleet Officers with this white band, Captain Sterling, myself and my Chief Engineer, so when you see your Captain with this white band, know that she had shown courage and achieved great things to warrant such an honor” she pauses as she takes another drink.
“For some time I have been badgering Starfleet command for the Rifle regimental officers to have this belt pouch thing I am wearing,” she said indicating the item that was worn like a sash over her shoulder, I have brought a stock with me for this ship and all officers of the 95th on the Leto will get one, the Captain will also get one, so if Commander Maia Sterling could step up here I will officially give her one of these and after that, she has the guidelines on what it is to be a Chosen Man, so Commander Sterling please step forward,” Somers said and started clapping.
Lieutenant Brannon heard the announcement and began to clap; as she went by, she replied. “Congratulations Captain.” Then resumed watching things going on around the room.
Maia stepped up to the podium.
Picking up the belt/pouch combo Captain Somers puts the accessory over Commander Sterling “Finally, Do the Regiment proud Captain for you will be continuing on its good standing and traditions during your time commanding the Leto“ she said then leaned forward “all other such supplies of this have been delivered to your quartermaster, use the guidelines you have been given” she said and stepped back congratulations Captain Sterling, now if you will remain on the stage” she added and stepped to the voice amplifier again.
“To the crew of the USS Leto I am proud to officially welcome you to Taskforce Eleven and before I leave you with Captain Sterling I will impart upon you a blessing, it is an old Egyptian bless in from old earth. May the Gods always stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk good luck and Bon Voyage to you all,, Captain Sterling” she said calling the Commander forward and stepping away from the podium.
“So, say we all!” Captain Sterling said.
Lieutenant Brannon sounded off with a whistle and applauded the awards to the Captain also for Fleet Captain Somer’s speech. She was also keeping an eye on the crowd. With all the dignitaries on the ship. It was a possible target for a number of groups that may have something against each of them.
Standing along with Ryan at her side both started clapping strongly. Sheena was especially pleased with what had transpired. Maia earned it and deserved it in more than many ways.
Joining in the applause, Bailey turned to the man beside him. “Between the ambassador’s cape and the Fleet Captain’s sash, I never expected uniforms to be so well accessorized!” he half-shouted over the clapping. “Report to my tiny office at 0800 tomorrow to take on additional duties of my wardrobe assistant, Sergeant” to the unimpressed look of his platoon’s lead NCO.
[OFF]
A post by:
FCapt. J. Somers
CO – USS Tomcat
TFCO11
Cmdr. Maia A. Sterling
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Leto NCC-80916
Lt. Cmdr. Sheena Toran
Executive Officer
U.S.S. Leto NCC-80916
Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Blake
2XO/Strategic Ops Officer
U.S.S. Leto NCC-80916
Lt. Angelina Brannon
CoS/Tactical Officer
U.S.S. Leto NCC-80916
Doctor Ayasha Tamara Laith D.V.M., M.D., OB/Gyn
Chief Medical Officer
U.S.S. Leto NCC-80916
2LT Joseph Bailey
Platoon Leader
U.S.S. Leto NCC-80916
