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

SNIP

“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)

Liz had slipped into the back of the room as the announcements had begun. This was the Cadets’ day, not hers. The Captain had things well enough in hand, she would only get in the way. A smile and a nod to each and every promotion was what she gave as her own applause joined the others. She and the CO had sat up half the nights in the last week making sure every mark and rank was set and worthy of it being given. There had been hard decision, and easy ones, but in the end, this was exactly what she had expected. The surprise on some faces was worth it, and the tickle in her mind that in a couple days, when promotions, ranks and positions truly sank in, these self same newly pipped officers would find themselves truly in their elements, albeit slightly at a loss on more than one occasion, made her smile even more.

Liz
XO
(Proud of each and every one on the ship)