Posted by Captain Aaron Foley (Commanding Officer) in Post Sim - End of Sim Get Together

Posted by Commander Pilar Halcyone (Executive Officer) in Post Sim - End of Sim Get Together

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sorazo Dar (Counselor) in Post Sim - End of Sim Get Together

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“Never mandatory, just highly encouraged,” Aaron said as he walked up towards where Kylie and Demil were talking. “While I know it’s hard to relax when you are mixing junior and senior officers, it is important for the crew to have a chance to relax from time to time. But if it will help, you can always think of this as another exam. As an officer in Starfleet, you never know when you may be called upon to attend a state function, or entertain a guest, on a future assignment.”

Aaron stopped for a second to take a look at Kylie’s dress uniform. “I would say full marks on your uniform appearance. Though the dress uniform makes you pretty conspicuous in this room. Which may not be a bad thing depending on what your goals are.” He paused to take a drink from his own cup, and couldn’t quite hide the grin on his face.

Capt Foley - CO

“To be fair Captain, you did not specify whether or not this was a casual event,” Pilar said with a smile as she looked at Cadet Brecker. “I assure you Kylie there is nothing to be nervous about. You are amongst friends. It’s an opportunity to connect with your colleagues before....” She stopped abruptly and looked at Aaron because she didn’t want to ruin his surprise.

Halcyone, XO

A grin slowly spread across Aaron’s face as he was about to open his mouth to ask what Pilar was going to say, but he was interrupted by Dar walking up.

Pulling up with the food cart. “There is truth in what you say captain. However a lady like Miss Brecker here, from what I know of her, will always do the right thing and still go to these functions. But like you said that it was not mandatory, just “highly encouraged”, coming from someone of your rank, most juniors are compelled to come and take it as a literal order. You need to be careful and how you say things like that captain.” Turning to look at Cadet Brecker. “But what he says is correct madam. You will have to do things that you will not like in this job and others. They are trying to help prepare you. Even if it is a half-tempted forceful one.” He said flatly and looked at the Captain then smiled producing a plate. “Cake?”

Lt. Commander Sorazo Dar, CNS (For now)

“Ah, but a point to the contrary here dear Counselor. In my message I said that casual dress was encouraged. So by then your logic wouldn’t we expect Cadet Brecker to be wearing casual dress, and not her dress uniform?

“Though I’ll concede the point that when I said ‘I hope to see you there’ would come off stronger then it was intended with our particular ships complement.”

Aaron couldn’t help laughing. “I’m sorry Cadet, we aren’t picking on you. There is always one cadet at these types of events who ends up wearing their dress uniform. Some may even say it was appropriate for the occasion,” he said with an added wink.

Stepping back slightly Aaron looked around the room. It looked like almost everyone was here. He picked up a spoon from the food cart, and swapped out his coffee cup for a champagne flute on a passing server.

“If you will excuse me, I do believe we have some business to conduct before we get much further.” He nodded towards Pilar as he gently tapped the glass with the spoon as he walked over towards the windows at the front of Nine Forward. The sound drawing everyone’s attention, the room quieting as people turned towards him.

“I want to start by thanking everyone from coming this evening. I know that after the recent events I could use some time to relax,” Aaron said with a chuckle. “I want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication during a definitely tense time during our visit to Jupiter Station. We were very lucky to get everyone out a live, and that is something I will always be thankful for.

“That is in the past, and it is time to look forward towards what our next adventure will be. But before we can do that, I do have a little bit of business to conduct here this evening. While we were on the station I received notice that we had 2 cadets who have successfully completed their time here on the Challenger.

“Would Cadets James Black and Kylie Brecker please step forward.” Aaron couldn’t help but grin as he called out there names.

Capt Foley - CO

Kylie blinks as the captain walked over addressed her. She blinks her face turning red. The normally cool and collected cadet seemed to be out of it today. As anyone who has worked with her knew about her ability to remain steely offstandish calm in most any situation seems to have failed her this day. She had not entirely expected to get the captains direct attention as a cadet, even if she was currently sort of the most discernable person, or as she feels, due to her dress. She nodded at his words. When he mentions her uniform she reflexively adjusted it. “Thank you sir.” She muttered softly, seemingly the cadet lost her voice as well.
When the commander started to speak Kylie’s attention snapped to her, as she tried her best to make sure she showed that she had paid complete attention to each person speaking, as each person around her was higher in command than she was, and their own dedications, and sacrifices earned them the merit they had. She was making sure that she paid them the due attention and respect she felt they deserved. She blinked and looked up her face scrunching in thought for just a moment. She thought she remembered something about the captain saying that casual dress was recommended. But she remembered her choice as to why she had chosen what she had.
Briefly she thought back to the last bit of morning into the afternoon when the announcement had come over the comm. Hearing it she thought originally going with what many had seen her wear when she was off duty which was a tank top, a pair of lose and comfortable jeans, and a pair of very well worn combat style boots. But as she thought about the events of Jupiter station, and how it was a small remote possibility that she would be recognized for her calm and aid in getting out her fellow cadets and the personnel of the station she decided against her normal casual wear. Thus she dug out the dress uniform out of her closet. In the end she wanted to make sure she was prepared for whatever the possibility and went with the uniform. Deep down she hoped that she was wrong, and that it would blow over, but her father often reminded her to always be prepared for anything. Even if she didn’t want it at all.
Coming back to the present she blinked as she saw Lt. Com Dar come over with the sweets cart again. Her face flushed again as she recognized that she was being talked about again and nodded in agreement with his words. She spoke again this time in affirmation, and gives him a thanks. Though it was likely that her nerves that caused her hushed tone caused her words to be washed over in the gaggle around her. When he offered the cake she nodded again and took the slice on the plate. Anyone that could see her, and that had paid attention could see that the plate and the slice of cake were shaking slightly as she took in that she was surrounded by people high up on her ship. She wasn’t use to being around important people. And this frightened her deeply down to her core just a little. She could never see how she could amount to these people. She had a little faith in herself, though she knew she would have to work hard for it.
She listened to the captain again and nodded. “I understand sir.” She said when she was addressed again. She blinked and nodded. “Great to be the oddball…” She said slightly self condescendingly. She blinked as the captain stepped back, which made her worried that what she had said may of offended him. She blinked and let out a breath as he banged on the glass, glad for once that it was just an overactive imagination that she had. Her eyes like everyone elses followed him as he began his speech. She felt glad and relieved instantly that the attention was off of her and on the captain. She listened to his words as she calmed down feeling better now. She blinked as he spoke some of his last words. Her face twisted to show a deep reflective thought. She counted on her fingers and blinked once more. “Holy....”
She stepped forward her face in astonishment. She didn’t think her time was near completion. It didn’t feel like her academy tour had been that long. Though she stepped forward, and was immediately thoughtful, now her fear and concern crept back towards her suddenly. She was starting to become slightly overstimulated from the flow of emotions she had. Though she faced it trying to power her brave face back on.

Cadet Kylie Brecker (Engineer)

Seeing her shake slightly he knew he was just as much as the problem even though he was trying to help. HE really had to get back into the swing of things. He smiled at Brecker and in a low voice, “I am sorry child. Please forgive me.” Then he nodded to her and moved out of the way with the sweet cart and started giving it to other crew that was assembled.

Lt. Commander Sorazo Dar, CNS

Pilar clapped and whistled as the cadets’ names were called. This was the surprise she had almost ruined a moment ago.

Halcyone, XO

Aaron walked to a small side table while the cadets walked up to the front of the room, and removed the black cloth that had been covering the table. He took two of the three little wooden boxes in hand and walked back towards them. He stopped in front of the two and paused for a moment.

“Please come to attention. Upon the recommendation of the senior staff of the Challenger, and with the confirmation of the Commandant of Starfleet Academy, I am pleased to share that you have successfully graduated from the Academy.”

Aaron snapped open the first box. He reached out and pulled the cadet rank from Kylie’s collar. Setting it in the box, he replaced it with the Ensign pip.

“So by the powers invested in me by Starfleet Command, I hereby promote both of you to the rank of Ensign. With all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of the rank.” As he spook Aaron closed the first box and opened the second box. He repeated the rank exchange with James.

“Congratulations Ensigns!” He paused there, and walked back over to the table to pick up two PaDD’s while the crew had a chance to congratulate the new ensigns.

“Ensign Brecker, you’ve been assigned to the USS Genesis,” he said holding out a PaDD towards her.

“And Ensign Black, you’ve been assigned to the USS Wolverine. I wish you both fair winds and following sails as you take your first steps as Ensigns in Starfleet!”

Capt Foley - CO

Dr. Rahm Vesta stood and applauded for the two cadets. The Genny and Wolverine were both great ships, and cadets Brecker and Black were primed to do big things on them. She closed her eyes and bade the Prophets send them off on fulfilling new journeys.

-CMO Rahm Vesta