Welcome Aboard!

Posted on Tue 11th Feb, 2014 @ 7:47pm by Colonel Marcus DeSalle & Commander Brian Windsong & Lieutenant Colonel Tallus Karikkar & Lieutenant Adam Keller & Commander Jasmine Collins-Keller & Lieutenant Samantha O'Dell & Lieutenant JG Lys Greystone & Lieutenant JG Giellun Hitchins

1,643 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: http://sb109.sim-station.net/index.php/sim/missions/id/6
Location: Promenade
Timeline: Present

ON

It looked like things had livened up on the promenade the next morning after Marcus' late night arrival. A crowd of officers and civilians was socializing near a restaurant. Orchids & Jazz. Sounded interesting. As he got closer, he saw a banner prominently displayed: "Welcome aboard, Colonel DeSalle"

He approached the group, smiling.

"It does appear that our esteemed new Commander has arrived." Tallus said looking to the Colonel.

Jade looked up to see a tall, good-looking man with piercing blue eyes and, currently, a smile. "Then it's time to move the party inside. The balcony has a breakfast buffet laid out for anyone who's interested." She held her hand out to the Colonel. "Welcome aboard, Sir. I'm Jade Lantz, owner of Orchids & Jazz, and president of the Promenade Merchants Association."

Marcus gallantly took the proffered hand. "Enchanté, mademoiselle," he said smoothly, "Marcus DeSalle. The pleasure is mine."

Nyx stood near Kell. She loved parties, but hated crowds. She loved to watch from a distance, safe and out of the hustle and bustle. It probably came from being so petite and being shuffled to and fro in the crowds of taller people. Kell squeezed her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Come on, we'll meet the new Colonel and then we'll find a seat. I'm sure Jade saved us one that is out of the crowd." She always had. It was like she knew that Nyx was uncomfortable in large crowds. There was always a seat along the perimeter where Nyx could watch without being smothered by the crowd. He led his wife toward the man that had arrived only hours ago and the pair waited their turn to be introduced to the new Commanding Officer.

Lys watched from a distance for a few minutes as people gathered. Then she stepped in front of Seri's Art Gallery and started to place few plants in front of one of the displays. She was unsure of what to think about a new commanding officer but she like most people seemed to feel a excitement in the air that had not been felt for months.

"So Lys, are you going to join the festivities?" Lys looked up at the woman who helped moved the plants into their new location on the promenade."Hi Seri, I'm not sure yet. I thought about simply going home and having a hot bath. You?"

"Oh no, I'm too shy and I have a painting to finish but I think you should go as you like to eat at Jade's place." Lys nodded and shifted a plant and then stood. "I suppose you are right, I should go and at least say hi." Lys flashed a grin at Seri and headed over to join the rest of the crowd.

Brian and Giellun arrived together, which was of course not unusual they were in the same department with each other What was unusual was that Brian had his sight back, it still wasn't 100% but it was better than his previous condition. What was also unusual is that neither of their love interests Gelliun's Xavier and Brian's Sam were with them. They were both away on a trip together but were expected back at any time.

"Hey," said Gelliun in a conspiratorial whisper, "The new guy is kinda hot don't you think?"

"You have a boyfriend already and I'm betting that the Colonel doesn't play on the same team that you do."

"I know," came the good natured reply, "I was just making an observation and checking your eyesight."

Marcus proceeded inside the restaurant, and sampled almost all the dishes. He found them to be quite tasty, and made a point to add this place to his list of favorite eateries. There was a podium set up at the far end of the room. He wondered if he should make a speech. He figured he'd wait a few minutes. He finished his meal and approached the only other Marine officer at the gathering.

"You must be Lieutenant Colonel Karikkar," he said pleasantly. "I'm Colonel DeSalle. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine sir." Tallus said with a nod at the Colonel. "Your reputation proceeds you."

Samantha had arrived back on board only hours ago, sleep deprived was a bit of an understatement but never the less she was dressed in her uniform and walking onto the promenade. Orchids & Jazz was busy, and she could see why with the welcome banner. She wasn't usually one of the busy atmosphere of the stations workings but with rumors of a new CO having arrived only hours ahead of her she was naturally curious. Heck, it was her job to be curious. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Brian and Gelliun whispering back and forth, she was sure it was about Gelliun's favorite subject... men.

There were plenty of people and getting lost in the crowd could be easy. She started towards Brian and Gelliun.

Checking the buffet supplies was one of Serena Alia's tasks this morning. Jade was busy circulating among the guests at the welcome party, and Serena was more comfortable dealing with food anyway. Let Lantz do the socializing. She smiled at herself as she made notes on the PADD and then sent an update to the chef in the kitchen. Jade would be mortified if the food supplies were not well past adequate. Serena knew for a fact that the chef had made a dozen lemon cheesecakes with a variety of toppings, and at least as many large pans of quiche for this little welcome breakfast.

Jade worked her way through the crowd to the side of the new commander. "Would you like to say a few words to everyone?" she asked, smiling. "You have to know that we are all extremely curious about you, and your plans for the station. Col. Ashton was well liked, and we were both saddened and surprised to see him transferred away. There's a little uneasiness, nothing major, about changes that you'll make. That's to be expected, and I doubt you are ready to deal with all of that, but if you'd like to address your adoring fans," she grinned, "here's the perfect opportunity. I have an excellent sound system."

Marcus thanked her, smiling genially, and making a mental note to come back here often when he needed to keep his finger on the pulse of the station, then he got up and approached the podium.

He paused a moment, then began. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Colonel Marcus "Sniper" DeSalle, and it is my pleasure to assume command of this starbase. I thank you for the warm welcome, the hospitality and the food." He smiled. "I feel like the amnesiac who was released from the hospital, to be welcomed home to a place he'd never been to before, by a group of total strangers." He smiled, hoping the humor carried across.

"I'm sure it won't take me long to call this place home, and that we won't be strangers for very long, either. Having spent most of my life moving around a lot, I never really put down roots. My family has a long tradition of military service, and so even as a kid, I never stayed planetside for very long. Each place I have lived and served has taught me something new and valuable.

As a Marine, I have a simple rule which I follow: I am not willing to die for my government, my quadrant, or even my WORLD! I am willing and able to make some other poor S.O.B. die for HIS! This mindset has allowed me to thrive in areas most others would shy away from. We on this station are the head of the spear! We are the impenetrable force against which the enemy will break itself! That's why we're called 'the PROTECTOR!'"

He paused, then continued.

"Enough with the Ooh-Rah speech. You all want to know what I'm like. Fair enough. You will find me tough, but fair. I can be your greatest ally, or your worst enemy. It all depends on how you approach it. If you're pulling your weight, doing your best, and making a difference, I'll go to bat for you. If you're not, then you're on your own, and I'll come after you like a Capellan Power-Cat. I don't play politics, and I don't play favorites. I don't care if you're Fleet, Marine, or civilian. Everyone here has a job to do. I trust you enough to allow you to do them. I have high expectations of all of you. Every unit I've served with has unique and individual talents, skills, and abilities. I'm sure you all do, too. Show them to me over the next little while. Now I know that running a station is a bit different than running a non-civilian outfit, and I'm willing to learn more about that.

To those of you who have the responsibility of serving without a uniform, I hope that you will come to me with any issues or questions you may have. For both military and civilian entities, I will have an open-door policy. Now, I'll be spending the next few days getting to know you all a little better, familiarizing myself with day to day operations, and settling in. But if you want to talk, contact me, and I'll make time if I can.

I want to thank our charming hostess for the lovely welcome, the great food, and the opportunity to meet all of you. I want to thank you all for being here. Now please, enjoy the party, the rest of your day, and the pleasant company. I'll begin individual interviews with each of you tomorrow. Thank you."

He stepped away from the podium, and went to the bar. He ordered Kafarian Apple Juice.

 

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