A Small Ceremony - Part #1

Posted on 18 Apr 2025 @ 3:12pm by Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt & Sergeant Major Christopher "Chris" Kildare & Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Lieutenant Leland Hawksley & Lieutenant Lamia ‘Mia’ Kildare & Lieutenant Vivian Corsair & Lieutenant Matthew Thompson & Lieutenant Paul Winchester & Lieutenant JG Faith Benson & Lieutenant JG Thex sh'Zoarhi & Lieutenant JG Shoniara T’ghann Dex & 1st Lieutenant Cassandra Mathews & 1st Lieutenant Gavin Ross Dr. & Lieutenant JG Margeurite "Maggie" LeFebvre & Ensign Alexi Michelle Brevet & Chief Warrant Officer Glenn Stone Mr & Warrant Officer K'Muss & Master Sergeant Thomas Zang

3,290 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: General Sim Postings
Location: Starbase 51 - Auditorium
Timeline: Current time

OOC Somers: Please add signatures to this post, and those who need to respond to tags, please do so. Thanks

[ON]

They were back from Arth, and the crew was on extended shore leave, but things had to be done, so Jasmine got Lucy to organize things. That was two days ago, and her Yeoman reported back that all was set up, as were the Awards and Promotion boxes.

The next day from her quarters =/\= Captain Somers to all Tomcat Crew will report to SB51 Auditorium at 1500 hours today, this is a have to be there situation, so all active Tomcat Crew are to attend, Dress Uniform is required, that is all =/\= she closed the link and went to get dressed into her Dress Uniform, she got one unique award and the Admiral had been the one to award it to her. So now it was just the crew; she was sure some of them would be surprised by what they would be getting.

Faith tilted her head a little bit. Raising an eyebrow, she was actually on duty. That meant she was going to have to head back to her quarters and change. That wasn't much of an issue, to be honest. She put her hair up in a bun this time before heading over to the Starbase. Stepping into the Auditoriu, all snazzy and sharp looking,

Having some hours off, ACMO Shoniara T'ghann-Dex had spent the day meditating and catching up on sleep and the latest research papers from Starfleet Medical. Realizing the time, she showered and dressed in her dress uniform. Not wearing it much she was not used to seeing herself spick, span and, she told herself looking good. She was hoping to see Gavin there as she arrived at the Auditorium.

Gavin Ross the Second turned as if sensing her approach, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He wore a dress uniform as well. "Shoniara," he greeted warmly, his voice carrying the same steady cadence she’d come to associate with Dr. Gavin Ross, the original. "You look striking tonight. I’d almost forgotten how well you pull off the dress uniform."

Dex nodded her thanks..

Remington had spent the day in a secured holodeck doing his favorite activity, Naked Hiking. He got he message to report at 1500, and so he cut his hike short. =/\= Acknowledged. The captain will report to the auditorium on time. =/\= He went to his temporary quarters on SB51 and showered and dressed in his finest dress uniform. As he arrived in the auditorium, he acknowledged the others already there, but he went to his designated seat as XO and prepared his mind for the ceremony. He was dealing with some mental stress as he felt he let his crew down on this mission.

Vivian had just completed a spa session, and so she reported to her quarters and got dressed in her dress uniform. She was looking forward to the completion of the ceremony so she could get on with some recreation, for she was going to take a few days to visit the medical facilities on a Vulcan colony to take in new knowledge and visit with old colleagues. She reported to the auditorium and started to mingle with the others there. She noticed Dodd was alone near his designated post and could tell something was bothering him. But she respected him enough not to question it, as he would likely open up to Lamia in time.

K'muss reported to the Auditorium, glad to be there on business for the Tomcat. Also glad to bust out his dress uniform. He went in and took himself a seat close to his fellow marines.

Thomas was running on the raised track in the gym when the announcement came through the comms. He slowed to a walk as he listened, his breath still even though heavy. He had been enjoying the burn in the muscles of his legs and the feel of his feet hitting the floor as he had run. He stopped by his bag that sat on a bench on one of the straightaways and picked up a towel. He wiped the sweat from his forehead as he gathered his gear. He could always finish the run after whatever the captain had planned. He walked out of the gym on SB51 and headed to his quarters.

Thomas arrived at the auditorium at 1450, freshly showered and changed into his dress uniform. He stepped through the doors as they opened for him and glanced around the room. He made his way over to the Marines' section. He nodded his head to Warrant Officer K'muss as he took his place.

K'muss nodded back with a friendly smile.

Thex, having just gotten off her shift, had enough time for a quick shower before changing into her dress uniform Now she stepped through the doors, nodding to her friends before taking her place.

Dr. Gavin Ross, First Lieutenant, stood in his dress uniform, blue eyes lighting up as Thex approached. A warm smile curved his lips. “Thex,” he said softly, taking her hand, “you look incredible. This might actually be bearable now.” His teasing tone belied the quiet intensity in his gaze, pulling her close with familiar affection.

Thex smiled as warmly as she pulled him closer, gently placing the side of her head against his. "I'd give you a kiss ,my playmate, but I'd hate to get lipstick on your dress uniform," she said into his ear.

Gavin chuckled softly, his voice subdued. "A modest application of lipstick has never detracted from a well-presented uniform; however, I sincerely appreciate the sentiment, my dear." He offered Thex a gentle embrace, cherishing the warmth of the occasion.

Cassandra had been going over the equipment assessment reports for the week as well as working through the quarterly personnel updates to be turned into SFMCC Star Fleet Marines Command Center back on Starbase 51. As per her duties as the acting MCO, along with all the other various tasks that kept her continually busy. The announcement made her frown. She still had so much to get through. Still, a break couldn't hurt.

Sliding out from behind the desk, she headed to her quarters and got ready. It felt like no time at all when she entered the Auditorium, her eyes drinking in the familiar faces of her comrades.

- Kildare Quarters -

Lamia was sitting feet up on the sofa of the Kildare family quarters on Starbase 51. Being back gave her a chance to spend more quality time with Chris than when they were aboard ship. She was looking through some baby books she had when the call to attend the ceremony came through. “So much for time off.” She offered Chris a wry smile.

"Well, my experience awards usually follow a Mission, but the Captain does like the ceremonies. should have done them all individually, but it is her command, and she seems to like doing such things," he said, shrugging as he stood, turned and held out his hand to help his pregnant wife stand.

Lamia smiled warmly as she took Chris’s hand. At 4 months pregnant, she was starting to show thanks to her petite figure. “I’ll get away with my dress uniform this time, but next time, I’ll have to replicate a maternity size one.”

Smiling, you will still look good in it "Also, my parents have agreed to move to the Starbase to look after the little one when we are on Mission", Chris said.

“They have?” Lamia smiled; she was starting to feel a little more reassured. “At least I wouldn’t have to worry as much, not that it’s going to make it any easier.”


"Well, even after the 6-month period when the child has to be moved to the Starbase it would still be hard to leave a young on,e but families have been doing it for generations", Chris said.

With that, both finished getting dressed and headed to the Auditorium.

- SB 51 Auditorium -

Both finally arrived...

A while later, she stepped through the doors of the Auditorium alongside Chris, offering a warm smile and polite nod of her head to those present. Her attention immediately drew to Remington, sensing how stressed he seemed to be. She made a mental note to speak to him later.

Lilli had been making the most of time with Leland, that and organising all the baby shopping and equipment they had. She had no doubt Lamia was doing the same thing. She was holding onto Leland’s arm as they stepped through the Auditorium doors together, her maternity-sized dress uniform fit her just right. “How’s about we sit over there?” She motioned to some nearby seats.

Leland glanced at Lilli with a tender smile, his sharp engineer’s mind briefly distracted from the world around him as he focused solely on her. “Over there sounds perfect, love,” he said, his voice warm and steady. He gently tightened his grip on her arm, guiding her toward the seats she had pointed out.
“Let’s get you settled—don’t want you straining yourself any more than you already have.”

As they moved, he instinctively shifted his weight to support her, his free hand hovering near her lower back just in case. “You’re doing amazing, you know that?” he murmured, his eyes softening as they traced over Lilliana's maternity dress uniform, tailored just right for her glowing, expectant form.

Lilli smiled warmly. “Thank you, Imzadi. to be honest, I’m starting to really feel it in my back now; another 2 or 3 months and the wait will be over.”

Leland leaned and began to rub her back gently in circles around Lilli's spine and back, as she indicated. He offered a soft, non-vigorous, slow massage with his free hand on her back. "Baby. You can take as long as you need, my dear." He rubbed slowly.

Chief Stone, who was part of the command staff, had to attend the ceremony. He was not a big fan of ceremonies and did not like being in them, but this was an opportunity to see all the officers he would be working with. He tugged on his uniform one more time before entering the doors. With the last mission over, he felt like he had underperformed.

He did not have to do much, but there was some stress now and then and even a close call. It was nothing like his last assignment, and he could not talk about that either. The CO knew about his previous assignment and was informed he had been picked. The Fleet Admiral made it quite clear what an honour it was to serve on the Tomcat and that his skill set would be valuable to the CO.

He walked in, looked at the others, nodded, and greeted anyone who greeted him with a greeting of the day. He looked around for the XO, Lieutenant Commander Dodd. He had not had a chance to talk to the XO yet.

Sensing someone about to approach him, Dodd pulled himself in from his thoughts. "Hello, Chief Stone. How's it going for you?" Dodd asked as he turned to greet the chief warrant officer.

"Another day in Starfleet, Sir. With another Ceremony. I just thought I would talk to you face to face. I got on board this ship and joined the crew. Then they left the next day on a mission. We have not talked yet," explained Chief Stone, his tone respectful. His posture relaxed somewhat.

"I noticed you checked in while the mission was just getting underway. I missed a personal welcome, so I apology for that." Dodd replied. So here is my official 'Welcome to the crew. I know you joined us while on a temporary ship, but we will be back on our beloved Tomcat soon. Glad to have you on the crew."

"There is no need for an apology, Sir. Our mission and tasks have been given to us, " Chief Stone replied respectfully. "It is interesting that I got a look at the Tomcat before I left. Interestingly, I got to see the Tomcat before you and the Captain." Stone said with a smug grin. " I do hope to meet you and the Captain's expectations," added Stone. He was not sure what to think about the OX. Yes, he knew about the XO's telepathic abilities. Usually, he did not trust telepaths much. Even if they say they only look at surface thoughts.

"Well, I think you will work out fine as a member of the Tomcat family." Dodd replied, "And you can rest assured that I do not probe the minds of my crewmates, I do readily feel the emotions and surface thoughts and can tell a lot by that, but I have learned to drown those out and do my best to let my crew come to me about issues without reacting ahead of that." Dodd added that comment based on the surface thoughts that Stone was emitting.

That is good to hear, Sir," replied Stone, tugging on his dress uniform. It looks like the Captain is about to arrive. Let us get into our positions," suggested Stone. "I look forward to working with you and the crew if you need anything. Just call, and I will be there," he added, waiting for the XO to start walking.

"Good to know, and feel free to come to me about anything work or personal. I can help you out." Dodd replied, realising Stone was waiting for him to move. "Now let's get this party started." And then he turned to take his seat.

'Yes, Sir," replied Stone, taking his seat after the XO. Stone wondered what adventures were in store for him with this crew, and they would not be dull. That was evident. He would do his best to make this a success, like all missions and assignments.

Cassandra watched as everyone milled around. Most looked happy to be there. Others were indifferent to the honorary ceremony at hand as they mingled. It was strange not seeing Mazal here. The ceremony reminded her of the celebration Cassandra had done not too long ago for her friend's promotion to Commanding Officer. Now she was gone. So was Patrick, as well. She felt an aching that seemed to reach into her very soul. What would she do without their guidance? Without their strong presence, that feeling of safety and friendship is gone. So Cassandra remained aloof, lost in her thoughts and feelings.

Lieutenant JG Aiden Kennedy lingered near the auditorium’s edge, his lean frame shifting with restless energy in his crisp dress uniform. His hazel eyes scanned the crowd until they locked onto Cassandra, and a bright, surprised grin broke across his face. “Cassandra!” he called, weaving through the throng to reach her. “I didn’t know you’d be here—talk about a lucky break.” His voice brimmed with genuine delight, hands gesturing animatedly before settling at his sides. “This ceremony just got a whole lot better.” His warm, eager gaze held hers, clearly thrilled to see her.

"Hey! Peacekeeper!" Cassandra returned her own face, broken from her military bearing to smile warmly at him as he approached. His energy was contagious, and she found herself now brimming with a strange excitement similar to what she had felt with Thex during Karaoke. 'So this is happiness,' she thought to herself. Happiness untainted by the brush of worry or grief or pain. She might have hugged him if not for the formal setting. However, this was not the time or place for such a display, so she instead extended her hand to him to shake in welcome. "Of course I came, Somers would have my ass if I didn't come. Besides I'm a sucker for public get togethers. Caitians are very social creatures, and it rubbed off on me growing up." Her eyes turned curious as her head gave that familiar tilt. "Are you getting honours today?" Her blue eyes searched his face as she asked.

Ensign (brevet) Michelle had put on her dress uniform and that of enlisted personnel. She was still not comfortable with being an officer, but nothing she could do about it. She entered the room and glanced around, moving slightly to the side of the doorway. She chuckled inwardly, thinking to herself that she would probably always act like a security Investigator and stand at the back of the room and watch.

Aiden flashed a cocky grin as he swaggered up to Cassandra, her warm smile hitting him like a rogue plasma burst. He grabbed her hand and gave it a firm shake, eager to pull her into a bear hug. Forget the formal vibe—but Somers’s glare kept him in check.

He sat quietly beside Cass, remaining silent, not wanting to disrupt the ceremony.

Cassandra also took a seat. Glad to have found a friend to sit with now. It made the ceremony more enjoyable.

Having left Davina with the kids, Paul and his wife entered the room filled with fellow officers from the Tomcat. Paul looked around the room and looked for a good table for them. He said to Serina," I have found us a table."

Serina nodded and allowed her husband to pull out a chair for her to sit.

TBC in Part 2...

[OFF]

 

RSS Feed