Posted by Captain Alex Becket (Commanding Officer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel

Posted by Ensign Walter G. Gibbs (Science Officer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel

Posted by Lieutenant Izak Waryn (Chief Engineer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel
Posted by… suppressed (8) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Lieutenant Alex Cross stepped into 17/18 Forward a little earlier than most, taking a moment to admire the transformation that had taken place.

The officers’ lounge had been carefully prepared for a very special occasion. Starfleet banners and the Ark Angel’s insignia adorned the bulkheads, while holographic displays quietly cycled through photographs and memorable moments from the ship’s missions under Captain Alex Becket’s command. The normally subdued lighting had been softened, bathing the lounge in a warm, welcoming glow that replaced the familiar atmosphere of duty with one of celebration and reflection.

Along one side of the room, a long buffet table offered an assortment of refreshments from across the Federation, ensuring there was something to suit nearly every species aboard. Comfortable seating had been rearranged to encourage conversation, while an open space near the forward viewport provided room for the crew to gather together.

Positioned before the stars stood a simple podium, its placement overlooking the vast expanse beyond the ship—a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to honoring a captain whose career had been defined by exploration, leadership, and service.

Cross made one final circuit of the lounge, straightening a chair here, adjusting a display there, and checking that every detail was ready. Satisfied, he paused beside the refreshment table, taking in the room with a small smile.

He glanced toward the entrance, knowing Lieutenant Waryn had generously offered to help with the preparations. There were still a few finishing touches that could benefit from another set of hands—whether arranging refreshments, greeting arriving guests, or ensuring the holographic display continued cycling through the Captain’s years aboard the Ark Angel. Cross was more than happy to share the responsibility.

Captain Becket had guided the Ark Angel through triumphs and hardships alike, earning not only the respect of his officers but their genuine admiration. Tonight was not about rank or duty reports. It was about allowing the crew to thank the man who had led them and to celebrate the legacy he would leave behind as he departed for Starfleet Academy.

With everything ready, Cross clasped his hands behind his back near the entrance and waited patiently as the first members of the crew began to arrive, allowing the evening’s celebration—and whatever contributions his fellow officers wished to make—to unfold naturally.

Lieutenant Alex Cross
Chief Counselor
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Commander Dr. Charlotte Kelley arrived at 17/18 Forward shortly before the official start of the celebration, stepping out of the turbolift with the quiet confidence that had become familiar to those who served alongside her.

For a moment, she paused just beyond the entrance, allowing herself to take in the sight before her. The lounge had been transformed from a place of routine conversations and off-duty moments into something far more meaningful. The Ark Angel’s insignia and Starfleet banners stood proudly among the decorations, while the holographic displays captured years of memories—missions completed, challenges overcome, and moments that reflected Captain Becket’s time in command.

Her eyes moved across the room, taking in the carefully arranged seating, the refreshments prepared for the crew, and the view of the stars beyond the viewport. It was a fitting setting for a farewell—not one of sadness, but of appreciation for a career of service and leadership.

Charlotte allowed a small smile as she spotted Lieutenant Cross near the entrance, clearly having overseen the final preparations. She knew the effort that went into an event like this was about more than arranging a room or organizing a gathering. It was about creating a moment where a crew could come together and recognize the person who had guided them through countless hours among the stars.

Adjusting the front of her uniform, Charlotte stepped fully into the lounge, offering a respectful nod to those already present before making her way further inside.

Tonight was about Captain Becket.

Not the command chair. Not the rank. Not the reports or decisions that came with it.

Tonight was about the legacy of a Starfleet officer who had dedicated himself to the Ark Angel and the people who called her home.

Charlotte looked toward the podium overlooking the stars, already knowing that when the time came, she would have a few words of her own to share—words that came not just from the Executive Officer of the ship, but from someone who had had the privilege of serving beside him.

Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

Lieutenant Mark Callous arrived at 17/18 Forward with the same quiet presence that had become his trademark since coming aboard the USS ArkAngel.

The doors parted, and the towering Starfleet Medical officer stepped into the lounge, his massive frame momentarily filling the entrance before he moved inside with deliberate, controlled movements. Despite his imposing appearance, nothing was intimidating in his manner. His expression remained calm and composed, his gray-green eyes taking in the room with the same careful observation he brought to a medical bay.

He paused briefly, allowing himself to appreciate the effort that had gone into the gathering.

The banners. The displays. The carefully arranged space overlooking the stars.

This was not a medical briefing, a crisis response, or another emergency where lives hung in the balance. This was something different—a chance for the crew of the Ark Angel to honor the man who had stood at the center of the ship for so long.

Mark’s gaze settled on the holographic displays cycling through Captain Becket’s years of service. He studied the images quietly, reflecting on the legacy of a commanding officer who had earned the respect of those who served beneath him.

Adjusting the sleeve of his uniform, Callous stepped further into the lounge and offered a respectful nod toward those already present. His deep voice carried softly as he acknowledged the preparations.

“Lieutenant Cross.”

He gave a brief glance around the room before returning his attention to the counselor.

“Excellent work. The Captain will appreciate this.”

For someone who had spent much of his life surrounded by disaster zones and moments of uncertainty, Mark understood the importance of occasions like this. Starfleet was not only defined by its missions, discoveries, or battles fought among the stars.

It was defined by the people who stood together when those moments were over.

And tonight was about honoring one of those people.

Lieutenant Mark Callous moved toward the gathering, ready to take his place among the crew as they celebrated Captain Alex Becket’s service and the legacy he would leave behind aboard the USS ArkAngel.

Lieutenant Dr. Mark Callous
Medical Officer
USS Ark Angel NCC- 98729

Soral T’Varan entered 17/18 Forward with his customary measured pace, dressed in the pristine white uniform of a Starfleet diplomatic officer. His eyes surveyed the lounge, taking in the decorations, the holographic displays chronicling Captain Becket’s command, and the careful attention that had clearly gone into preparing the gathering.

The effort was… considerable.

In the past, Soral might have questioned the efficiency of allocating personnel and resources to such an occasion. Experience aboard the Ark Angel, however, had demonstrated that ceremonies served a purpose beyond mere tradition. They acknowledged shared achievement, reinforced the continuity of a crew, and marked transitions in a manner that allowed those involved to move forward with clarity. From a diplomatic perspective, such rituals possessed undeniable utility.

He observed Lieutenant Commander Cross, Commander Kelley, and Lieutenant Callous already present, each having arrived for reasons of their own, yet united by a common respect for the ship’s departing captain.

Captain Becket had proven to be an uncommon individual. From the outset of Soral’s assignment, he had shown an understanding of Vulcan customs and culture that had eased what might otherwise have been a difficult transition. Such consideration had required neither explanation nor accommodation; it had simply been offered. Soral regarded that as worthy of acknowledgment.

Approaching the refreshment table, he selected a cup of spiced Vulcan tea before moving to a position near the forward viewport. From there he quietly observed the gathering as more members of the crew arrived.

He was not present because such occasions held personal appeal.

He was present because it was the logical thing to do.

And, Soral reflected, because some individuals deserved to have their service recognized—not for the rank they held, but for the example they had set.

With that thought, he took a measured sip of his tea and continued to watch the lounge gradually fill with officers, waiting for the evening’s proceedings to begin.

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer

Charlotte noticed Lieutenant Soral T’Varan, the ship’s Chief Diplomatic Officer, arrive from across the lounge as she continued greeting members of the crew. As expected, he carried himself with quiet dignity, taking in the carefully prepared setting before selecting a cup of spiced Vulcan tea and moving toward the forward viewport.

A small smile touched her lips.

Over the course of serving together aboard the ArkAngel, she had come to appreciate Soral’s perspective. While his approach was grounded in logic, she had learned that he also understood the importance of traditions that strengthened the bonds of a crew.

Making her way across the lounge, Charlotte stopped a respectful distance away.

“Lieutenant Soral,” she said warmly, inclining her head in greeting. “I’m glad you could join us this evening.”

Her gaze briefly drifted to the stars beyond the viewport before returning to him.

“Captain Becket has always believed that a starship’s greatest strength isn’t found in its technology, but in the people who serve aboard her. It seemed only fitting that we gather to recognize his years of service together.”

She offered a courteous smile before allowing a comfortable silence to settle between them. Nearby, Lieutenant Dr. Mark Callous, the ship’s Medical Officer, had already joined the gathering, while more members of the ArkAngel’s crew gradually filtered into 17/18 Forward in anticipation of the evening’s celebration.

Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

Soral inclined his head in return, the gesture conveying both greeting and respect.

“Commander,” he said evenly. “Thank you.”

He held the warm cup of spiced Vulcan tea comfortably in his hands before allowing his gaze to follow hers briefly toward the stars beyond the viewport.

“I must admit that, when I first entered Starfleet, I found gatherings such as this to be… perplexing. They appeared to serve little practical purpose.”

He paused for a moment, considering the observation before continuing.

“Experience has demonstrated otherwise. Rituals of recognition provide continuity during periods of transition. They reinforce shared purpose and preserve institutional memory. From a diplomatic perspective, they possess considerable value.”

His eyes briefly settled on one of the holographic displays depicting Captain Becket during an earlier mission.

“Captain Becket afforded me a professional courtesy that was neither expected nor required. His understanding of Vulcan customs allowed me to integrate into the crew with considerably less difficulty than statistical probability might have suggested.”

The words were spoken matter-of-factly, without sentimentality. They were simply an acknowledgment of fact.

“It is, therefore, logical that his service should be recognized.”

Soral took a measured sip of his tea before returning his attention to Commander Kelley.

“I suspect this evening will prove beneficial not only to Captain Becket, but also to the crew. It marks the conclusion of one chapter while allowing another to begin with clarity.”

He inclined his head once more.

“That is a purpose worthy of the occasion.”

He allowed the conversation to rest there, content to stand beside the Commander in companionable silence as more officers filtered into 17/18 Forward. The quiet murmur of conversation gradually filled the lounge, while the stars beyond the viewport continued their endless journey—unchanged by the retirement of one captain, yet ready to witness the beginning of another’s command.

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

Mark stood quietly near the forward viewport, a glass of sparkling water now in hand as he watched the gathering continue to grow. His attention shifted as Commander Kelley approached Lieutenant Soral T’Varan, exchanging a few quiet words before allowing the conversation to settle into a companionable silence.

It was, he reflected, the sort of moment that rarely found its way into official logs.

No emergencies.

No triage.

No frantic calls from Sickbay.

Just officers taking the time to acknowledge the service of a captain who had earned their respect.

Mark’s gaze drifted once more to the holographic display as another image of Captain Becket and the ArkAngel’s crew appeared. Though his own time aboard had been brief, he had already seen enough to understand the kind of command Becket had fostered. Professionalism was expected aboard any Starfleet vessel; genuine loyalty had to be earned.

Taking a measured sip of his drink, he quietly moved toward the refreshment table, leaving ample room for others as more officers entered the lounge. He offered a polite nod to those he passed before settling into a position where he could observe the room without becoming its center of attention.

For now, there was nothing to diagnose, nothing to repair, and no crisis demanding his attention.

That, Mark decided, was a welcome change.

He simply waited with the rest of the crew, ready to honor the captain whose example had helped shape the ArkAngel long before his own arrival.

Lieutenant Dr. Mark Callous
Medical Officer
USS Ark Angel NCC- 98729

Charlotte listened attentively as Soral spoke, allowing the Vulcan’s words to carry the weight they deserved. She had learned over time that beneath his precise observations and logical assessments was a deep understanding of the people and traditions that shaped Starfleet.

A faint smile appeared as he finished.

“I think that is one of the things Starfleet teaches us best, Lieutenant,” Charlotte replied. “Not every important moment can be measured by efficiency or immediate results. Sometimes the value comes from what it represents.”

Her eyes moved briefly toward the holographic display of Captain Becket, watching the images cycle through years of missions and memories.

“Captain Becket understood that. He knew a crew was more than a collection of officers carrying out assignments. A starship becomes a family because of the experiences shared between its people—the challenges, the victories, and the moments where we stand together.”

She turned her attention back to Soral.

“And I believe you are correct. Tonight is not simply about saying farewell. It is about acknowledging what has been accomplished and reminding ourselves that while command changes, the mission continues.”

Charlotte glanced around the lounge as more members of the ArkAngel began to arrive, each bringing their own memories and experiences of serving under Captain Becket.

“I think Captain Becket would appreciate that distinction. He never struck me as someone who wanted recognition for himself. He valued the crew, and that is exactly why this gathering matters.”

She offered Soral a respectful nod.

“Thank you for being here, Lieutenant. Your presence means more than you may realize.”

With that, Charlotte allowed the conversation to settle naturally, standing beside him as the lounge continued to fill with officers and the celebration slowly began to take shape.
Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

Izak slowed down as he approached the entrance to the lounge. There never seemed to be enough time in the day for the young Department Head and today was no exception. Still, he made sure to walk the last fifty meters down the corridor and straighten his uniform before he arrived. He ran his hand through his hair to make it as neat as he could, then walked through the door with a few other officers.

A few dozen of the Ark Angel’s crew had already arrived and started mingling, and more were arriving all the time. A knot of senior staff stood off to one side, including Lieutenant Cross. The Counselor had done most of the work… and the young Brekkian was sure his assistance was more of a hinderance than an asset. As he’d recently learned himself, that was all part of leading. The Academy trained cadets on honors and ceremonies, or engineering and maintenance procedures, but more tacit knowledge needed to be passed down from one officer to the next.

With that thought in mind, he walked to the console on the wall and updated the reel of holographic displays that highlighted Captain’s Becket’s moments onboard. This was Izak’s seventh revision to the file, minor changes really, but the Chief Engineer wanted to give his first CO the best sendoff possible. Once that was done, he moved on to his final addition to the festivities.

=/\=”Computer, activate holo-communications stations.” A dozen blue octagons appeared on the floor… holo-communication pads… spread throughout the lounge. It was an affectation really, since holo-emitters were already built into the lounge, but they would let people know that they were talking to somebody remotely. A moments later, one or more Starfleet Officers or Crewmen appeared atop each of those holo-communication pads. Most were previous officers from the Ark Angel that had served under Captain Becket, but there were a few old shipmates from his time on the Saracen as well.

Lieutenant Waryn let out a tense breath when he saw some of the Crew go and greet the various guests in holo-attendance. Izak had scrubbed the files for people Captain Becket had worked with previously and extended the invite. He was surprised how many people were able to attend on such short notice.

On his way to the refreshments, he took the time to admire everything Lieutenant Cross had put together. The lounge really was transformed. Not the way a holodeck could transform a barren room, but there was a definite shift in tone. The space and layout seemed to bring people together. It was a place that naturally lent itself to gathering and commiseration better than many more formal receptions he’d attended.

He grabbed a drink… his normal Bajoran Ale… and approached the area the Executive Officer and Department Heads were gathering. “I’m sure it’s been said already Alex, but you really did a great job with this.” He flashed a grin at he Counselor before the took another look around. “I’ve definitely been taking notes for when I need to coordinate one of these myself.”

Lt Izak Waryn - Chief Engineer - U.S.S. Ark Angel

Gibbs had just come off shift and had not had a chance to change out of his standard duty uniform. Looking into the large recreation area and the amassed crewmen made him a bit nervous. But Captain Beckett had seen something in him. Recognized him out of dozens of others. There was no way he would not take a chance to be at a memorial celebration for him.

Taking a drink from one of the serving tables, he went to follow his late father’s advice about being in a similarly crowded room.

‘Walt, here is what you need to do to get through these kinds of parties. Get a drink…find a spot…and just people watch. Eventually someone will come up to talk to you. Engage with them. Have a real conversation. Then when you need to excuse yourself…find another spot…and repeat.’

Giibs took a spot by the large windows and stared out into the stars.

Ensign Gibbs

Captain Becket had finally gotten off shift and thought going to the mess would be a good idea, but instead, a drink would be better in the 17/18 Forward. He then went to it and entered.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Soral’s attention shifted toward the entrance as Captain Becket stepped into 17/18 Forward.

The room subtly changed. Conversations quietened for a brief moment before resuming, the crew’s attention naturally drawn toward the officer whose years of service had brought them together.

Soral set his cup carefully onto a nearby table.

As Chief Diplomatic Officer, he understood that recognition was most meaningful when offered sincerely and without embellishment. Excessive praise diminished its value.

He approached the Captain at an unhurried pace, stopping at a respectful distance before inclining his head.

“Captain.”

His tone remained calm and measured.

“It would be inappropriate to allow this occasion to pass without expressing my appreciation.”

He paused briefly, choosing his words with characteristic precision.

“When I first came aboard the Ark Angel, I anticipated that integrating into a crew composed primarily of non-Vulcans would present certain… challenges. Your understanding of Vulcan customs and your willingness to extend professional courtesy from the outset significantly reduced those difficulties.”

The observation was offered simply as fact.

“You demonstrated that effective command requires not only knowledge of regulations, but an understanding of the individuals entrusted to one’s care.”

Soral inclined his head once more.

“I believe the crew assembled here this evening reflects the respect you have earned throughout your command. That is a legacy of considerable value.”

He allowed a brief silence before concluding.

“On behalf of myself, I thank you for your leadership, Captain. I wish you success in your next assignment at Starfleet Academy.”

With that, Soral stepped back, allowing other members of the crew the opportunity to greet the departing captain without interruption.

He retrieved his tea and resumed his quiet place among the gathering, content to observe as the evening unfolded.

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel