Posted by Lieutenant Eshrallias zh’Vheris (Chief Science Officer (Outgoing)) in Nine Forward - Graduation Ceremony (Everyone welcome to join!)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Kanto (Chief Science Officer (Incoming)) in Nine Forward - Graduation Ceremony (Everyone welcome to join!)

Posted by Lieutenant Eshrallias zh’Vheris (Chief Science Officer (Outgoing)) in Nine Forward - Graduation Ceremony (Everyone welcome to join!)
Posted by… suppressed (27) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Cassandra observed the set up, pleased at the progress they were able to make. It was quite something, becoming Captain of this ship not too long ago and already she was going to graduate two of its cadets. She had earlier clandestinely sent invitations to much of the main crew and senior staff so now it was simply time to invite the men of the hour.

=^=Captain Rixan to Cadets Omtala and Buckingham, report to the Nine Forward lounge please,=^= She tapped her badge. The rest of the invitees would soon show up and they could have a nice little get together as a brief respite from the mission. Though it wasn’t too bad a mission thus far.

~Cassandra Rixan~

Ang walked in and smiled at the Captain. “So another page to turn, eh?” She said as the woman finished her comm call. “Thought you may want a hand before everyone arrives.” She glanced around thinking maybe she wasn’t needed after all.

Ang
CE (outgoing)

“Duty calls Riley, we’ll have to finish this mission another time.”

=^=Acknowledged Captain. Heading out.=^=

“Computer. Save and end program under practical experience three.”

Rexar turned and walked ahead of NC. Riley as a dense, tropical landscape vanished behind them. Cleaning the dirt from his hands with a few broad strokes, he stopped at the archway and spun about in search of his colleague.

Standing as the centre of the room, her slight frame sagged heavily as she stood. Facing the floor, Rileys’ walnut brown ponytail bobbed as she shook her head whilst her eyes laid on her boots. Taut and reserved, she spoke softly.

“I’m not get the hang of this one Rex. Let’s just go back to the hunting, that’s more my speed.”

A short smile broke over his pale blue face as he hastily walked over to her, grabbed her by the arm and began to leave.

“You’re nearly there, don’t quit now. Besides, you can eat your kill if your can’t start a fire.”

He laughed a moment, boisterous chuckle, then parted ways with Riley. Moving at pace towards his quarters, Rexar hurried along to make up for his lost time.

A quick sonic shower, a prefabricated uniform off the hook and he was in the turbolift for Nine-Forward in three minutes seventeen second flat. Something he’d been working on since he came aboard. Moments later Rexar paraded into the lounge, oblivious to the surrounding decor and advanced to meet Rixan where she stood.

Coming to a full stop he stood at attention and addressed his Captain.

“Cadet Omtala reporting as ordered Ma’am.”

Cdt. Rexar Omtala (Engineer)

Barvan was already in the lounge when the ceremony began. He was standing at the back of the room clearly out of sight of most people as to not cause any fuss.

He did this specifically because he wanted to conduct a little experiment. In fact, he wanted to use a telepathic technique he tested and created earlier, that technique being emotional monitoring.

This technique involved monitoring a subject (or several subjects’) level of perceived emotion like a graph or a stock ticker. It meant analyzing the stresses and stimuli around them that might move it up or down as well as analyzing other people’s emotions.

It would be interesting to see how it would work. The two lab rats for the experiment would be Captain Rixan and whichever graduate would come up to get their graduation award.

Cadet Barvan, Security

Buckingham strode neatly into Nine Forward, slightly quizzical about the reason his colleague and he had been called together. Nevertheless he joined Rexar in formally addressing his commanding officer. “Cadet Buckingham reporting, Ma’am.”

Thomas Buckingham - Medical

Cadet Kanto was eating a bowl of plomeek soup at a table by himself in one of the corners when the graduates arrived. He had always shirked away from social gatherings such as this, but Counselor Liadra recommended that he take the time to meet and ‘hang out’ with his fellow shipmates. So when he got the invitation, he arrived fairly early and decided that it was a good time to consume sustenance. He finished his bowl, took it back to the replicator station, and found a spot to stand where he could observe the ceremony.

Cadet Kanto, Science

Entering the room later than she had expected, Eashrallias slid into the space beside Kanto, offering a quiet nod in acknowledgement. She had not expected to see him here. Then again, she didn’t know the cadet well enough, yet, to determine his plausible whereabouts. Brushing down her uniform, scarred hands coming together before her hips, she watched in curiosity.

“Well, I think we’re all here, so let’s get started. For those who don’t yet know me, I’m Captain Cassandra Rixan, your recently assigned Commanding Officer,” Cassandra remarked, standing on a little dais that had a small table with some boxes on them, “We’re here to celebrate the completion of two cadets and their training journey. First up, Cadet Buckingham, step forward.” She beckoned with a smile.

~Cassandra Rixan~

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO

As Captain Rixan began her speech, Barvan immediately began monitoring the new CMOs psyche. He attempted to take note of everything going on within him, and would likely be able to find out most of it.

Cadet Barvan, Security

Calmly, Buckingham smiled and stepped forward. He stood up straight and saluted the CO before returning his hand by his side again.

Thomas Buckingham - Medical

“Cadet Buckingham, it gives me great pleasure to announce that you have met the requirements of graduation from the Academy,” Cassandra responded, opening up the rank pip box on the table, well, one of them, “As you have excelled at your studies, you are hereby promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade and assigned as Chief Medical officer, here on the Endeavor. Congratulations, Lieutenant Buckingham.”

~Cassandra Rixan~

Rexar brought his hands together with a mighty clatter as he called out to his shipmate in a riotous bellowing.

“We’ll done Buckingham. Deserved of course. “

He continued to celebrate his friend as the others did and then juggled the idea of his own predicament. He had found a sense of purpose on-board he was unaware he could attain. He could say in honesty that his work here was something he would care to further and that those he’d met here made that possible. Staying seemed…right.

LT.JG Rexar Omtala (CE)

Barvan would be clapping loudly. He kept perfect eye contact with Buckingham’s person to keep monitoring his mind.

Cadet Barvan, Security

A smile, as rare as the sight of a supernova, inched across the defining lines of Vheris’ trained features. Bringing her hands together, she praised the Lieutenant with a congratulatory clap.

Lt. Eshrallias
CSO

Feeling incredibly proud, humbled and grateful, Buckingham looked at the rank pips in the box a moment before speaking. He took a brief moment to think about his Wife and the journey he had been on to the this moment. Before returning his gaze to meet the Captain’s. Quietly he said “Thank You, Ma’am” before stepping back.

“And thank you, Rexar” Tom smiled

Thomas Buckingham - Medical

“Now, Cadet Omtala, you’re next,” Cassandra beckoned with a smile.

~Cassandra Rixan~

Rexar shook Tom’s hand briefly as he walked pasted reaffirming his congratulations with a firm nod. He then took up his position next to Captain Rixan and stood at attention after greeting her with a salute.

Rexar fought dearly to retain a straight faced gaze. In truth he himself was a little overwhelmed at the prospect of a promotion even though he was certain of his own abilities. The fact still remained that he demanded a level of excellence at a standard much higher than was necessary. Perhaps it was time to redefine what he expected of himself against what was required of his place, here and now.

Rexar Omtala (Engineer)

“Cadet Rexar Omtala, you have exceeded the expectations of the Academy curriculum, it gives me great pleasure to also confer to you the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade and assign you as the Endeavor’s Chief Engineer. Congratulations,” Cassandra smiled, pinning the new rank pips on her new Engineering Chief.

~Cassandra Rixan~

Barvan would detect warmth in Captain Rixan. Now he would see how this would evolve as a means of understanding Trill emotion.

Cadet Barvan, Security

“Thank you Captain. I’m honoured.”

Rexar was gentle as he spoke. His tone notably softer than usual as he stood duranium ridged with his fists clenched and jaw sealed tight. He almost mumbled the words but managed to force out the syllables enough to sound more appreciative than resentful. In truth a sentiment of pride enveloped him wholly but he was restricted by the fact that this had now put him in a position of authority. He wanted to believe it was something he’d aspired to but now as he stood before his fellow officers and crew his mind focused heavily on the greater duty now placed on his shoulders.

After shaking hands with Rixan. Rexar struck up a brief salute and stepped down beside Tom.

LT.JG Rexar Omtala (CE)

“I’ve got one more graduation to complete,” Cassandra spoke, “And then I’ll let you all mingle and have a good time. Cadet Kanto, please step forward.”

~Cassandra Rixan~

From his private corner, Kanto arched an eyebrow and his ears seemed to twitch. He was surprised to hear his name called, but he stepped forward to acknowledge the Captain just the same. If a Vulcan could appear nervous, the now-former cadet reeked of nervousness. “Of course, Captain. Thank you, Captain,” he blurted out without even thinking. He was glad that he was not accustomed to sweating, but this would have been an appropriate time if his apprehension level was an indication…

-Lt. Jg. Kanto, Science

A smirk painted itself upon azure lips, reaching her eyes before she even realised it was there. Kanto was ready, Eshrallias knew that even if he didn’t. He had been a valued member of the crew, and now he would continue on to be a valued member of Endeavour’s senior staff. Brushing off her uniform, a small box hidden behind her back, Vheris watched as the notably nervous man stepped forward. If she was proud, Vheris wasn’t very good at showing it, but her smirk was the equivalent of swelling with pride.

Eshrallias
CSO..But not for long.

“You too have met the rigorous requirements needed to graduate and earn a coveted department head spot,” Cassandra smiled, “You are hereby promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade and assigned to the USS Endeavor as Chief Science Officer. Congratulations, Lieutenant Kanto.”

~Cassandra Rixan~

Kanto’s face flushed slightly greener than normal, the only visible sign that his resolve was shaken. He had not expected to be promoted so soon, and to become the new CSO as well was an honor that he was unsure how to take. He glanced over towards Vheris, and noticed the smirk that played across her lips. Kanto nodded to her, then back to the Captain.

“Thank you, Captain. I will endeavor to make you and this crew proud and I accept this position with gratitude for those that have come before and will come after me.” If Kanto was attempting to make a joke, it did not show across his face as he remained completely stoic.

-Lt. jg. Kanto, CSO

Since when did he start making jokes? Vheris brushed off her suprise, rolling her shoulders in a meager shrug. Toying with the lid of the small box, Eshrallias awaited the opportune moment to start clapping. Social cues had never been a strong suit, but she’d learned enough in the precense of her frivolous companions to seem less awkward than she truly was.

Shoving the box into her pocket, Vheris threw her hands together in congratulations to the new Science Chief. Too soon? She couldn’t care less.

Lt. Eshrallias
Science Officer

After the applause died down and he congratulated the others that shared the stage with him, when it was appropriate, he made his way to Vheris.

“I am not that good with social niceties, Lieutenant, but I just wanted to say thank you. For everything.”

-Lt. jg. Kanto, CSO (incoming)

“Kanto, you don’t have to thank me.” Vheris waved a hand, “You had what it took before you ever got to me, I just helped you encourage that spark.” Sentiment was not her strong suit; her strong discipline shaking most frivolous emotions from her.

Opening her mouth to say more, the words died on her tongue, leaving the mark of a dumbfounded woman. A sigh stifled, Vheris promptly searched for something to say. Oh! Her eyebrows shot up in sudden recollection. The gift!

“This is for you,” Eshrallias pulled a box from her pocket, extending a hand forwards. “Don’t open it until your first day on shift, whenever that may be.”

Kanto nodded in appreciation as she handed him the box, then arched an eyebrow as she told him when to open it. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“You may be taking my job, Kanto, but you’re always welcome to send me a communique if you ever need anything.” She smirked. “We scientists have a tendency of sticking together, even light-years away from each other.”

Lt. Eshrallias
Science Officer

“Of course. If there is ever anything you need as well, do not hesitate to send me a message. My lab will always be open to you.” He extended his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute, “Live long and prosper, Lieutenant.”

-Lt. jg. Kanto, CSO (incoming)

Eshrallias struggled to replicate the gesture, glaring at her hand in disappointment. “Peace and long life, Chief.” She hoped she’d said that right.

“Don’t let me keep you. There’s many others who should wish to congratulate you.” She smiled, stepping to the left. “I’ll see you on the flip side, Kanto. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be my boss.”

Lt. Eshrallias
Science Officer

Kanto arched his eyebrow and his face twitched ever so slightly as he said, “We never know where the galaxy will take us, lieutenant.” Just as quickly as the twitch appeared, it had vanished as if it had never been there at all. He turned and approached a group of officers and engaged in what appeared to be small talk.

-Lt. jg. Kanto, CSO (incoming)