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

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel

Posted by Lieutenant Soral T’Varan (Chief Diplomatic Officer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
~~>>Posted by Lieutenant Izak Waryn (Chief Engineer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel
<Snip>

Izak was happy to fade into the background and enjoy himself as other people spoke of Captain Becket and what he meant to them. And there were a lot.

After finishing his bajoran ale he opted for a glass of water and some food. He felt… content. He was still a bit anxious to see what their new CO would be like, but he’d come to terms with the fact that Captain Becket leaving. As many had pointed out, the crew was the CO’s legacy. It had built year after year by Captain Becket and the ship’s previous COs.

The crew wouldn’t simply change overnight. Their new Captain would undoubtedly instill a bit of herself on the ship, but would only add to what was already there, not overwrite it.

Nothing would erase the marked impact that Captain Becket had left on the Ark Angel.

Izak Waryn

Gibbs stayed in his spot, near the glass gazing out at the stars. His drink had been refilled a few times already but as of yet no one had come to seek him out. But why should they? He had only been aboard a few days. No one knew him. His Department Head was on a mission off ship, so he had been working the Bridge at Captain Becket’s suggestion.

He raised his glass to join in the various toasts given in Captain Becket’s honor. But he felt almost unnoticed. Alone in a crowd.

Ensign Gibbs - Science.

After the toasts had concluded and everyone seemed to continue doing what they were previously, Soral noticed what looked like a science JO not talking to anyone, gazing at the stars with a drink in hand much like what Soral was doing himself , It wasn’t really in his character to socialise. however tonight wasn’t any normal night , so he decided to talk to the Ensign.

He walked over to Gibbs , stopping at a reasonable few steps away from him

“Good evening Ensign , are you enjoying the festivities?”

Gibbs was lost in thought when he heard a voice addressing him. Turning in the direction of the voice, he saw a Vulcan male in diplomatic attire. Where did he come from?

“Yes.” He answered raising his glass slightly, “I did not know Captain Becket well, as I have just recently come aboard. But it would be impolite to not attend his farewell party.”

Gesturing with his free hand, Gibbs asked, “What about yourself?”

“Where are my manners? Ensign Walter Gibbs. I’m assigned to the Science Department.”
—-
Ensign Gibbs

“Pleasure to meet you Mr Gibbs , I’m Lt Soral T’Varan , as you may have noticed by my attire I am the Chief Diplomatic Officer on board, I was formally the Chief Science Officer”

Soral said offering his hand as humans usually do, although he wasn’t human himself, he had learnt to be more human as he served on a vessel that was made up of predominately humans.

Gibbs took the offered hand. “Not to be rude, Lieutenant, but what does a diplomatic officer do aboard an explorer? Do you specialize in First Contact missions?”

“I’ve been working on Starbase 47 for the last few years, so if this is an obvious question please forgive me.”

Soral accepted the handshake before returning his hands to a relaxed position behind his back.

“There is no offense taken, Ensign. It is an entirely reasonable question.”

He took a measured sip of his spiced Vulcan tea before continuing.

“While first contact is certainly one aspect of my duties, it represents only a fraction of a diplomatic officer’s responsibilities.”

His tone remained calm and instructional.

“I advise the commanding officer on matters of interstellar relations, cultural customs, political sensitivities, and established diplomatic protocols. Prior to engaging with a foreign government or civilization, it is my responsibility to ensure the command staff possess the necessary cultural context to avoid misunderstandings that could jeopardize negotiations.”

A brief pause followed.

“In many cases, diplomacy begins long before formal discussions take place. A single gesture, an inappropriate form of address, or an overlooked cultural practice can influence an encounter before the first substantive word is spoken.”

There was the faintest suggestion of academic curiosity in his expression.

“I also serve as a liaison during negotiations, mediate disputes when required, and assist in maintaining relations with Federation member worlds and independent governments encountered during our missions.”

His gaze settled on Gibbs.

“An exploration vessel frequently ventures into regions where no prior diplomatic relationship exists. Scientific discovery and exploration often precede political engagement. Consequently, diplomacy and exploration are complementary disciplines rather than separate ones.”

He inclined his head slightly.

“Your question was, therefore, quite logical.”

Taking another measured sip of his tea, Soral continued.

“I have found that understanding another culture is often as valuable as understanding its technology.”

After a brief pause, he regarded the young ensign thoughtfully.

“You mentioned serving aboard Starbase 47 for several years. That assignment would have brought you into contact with a considerable number of visiting species.”

His head tilted almost imperceptibly.

“Did any particular culture or encounter leave a lasting impression upon you?”

It was a sincere question. Understanding what others found noteworthy often proved as informative as the cultures themselves.

Lieutenant Alex Cross lingered near the podium for a few moments after the final round of applause faded. The warmth of the farewell still hung in the air, carried in quiet conversations, soft laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses. Looking around 17/18 Forward, he allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.

This, he thought, is what Captain Becket built. Not the decorations or the speeches but the people.

The Counselor had spent enough years studying crews to recognize the subtle emotional currents flowing through the room. There were officers laughing a little louder than usual to keep melancholy at bay. Others stood quietly with drinks in hand, replaying years of memories. A handful of the newer arrivals observed from the edges, trying to understand the significance of a captain they had barely known.

Cross decided the best thing he could do was simply be present.

With a fresh glass of iced tea in hand, he began making an easy circuit around the lounge. He stopped first beside a pair of operations officers discussing one of Captain Becket’s more infamous diplomatic successes, listening with genuine interest before sharing a brief story of the captain’s uncanny ability to calm an anxious crew with nothing more than a few well-chosen words and a reassuring smile. The tale drew a few chuckles before Cross excused himself to continue on.

Near the refreshments he exchanged greetings with several engineers, complimenting the department on the remarkable state of the Ark Angel despite the constant operational tempo. He caught Lieutenant Waryn’s eye from across the room and lifted his glass in quiet appreciation, grateful for everything Engineering had done to help make the evening a success.

As he continued through the crowd, Cross made a point of speaking with ensigns and junior officers who looked as though they weren’t quite sure where they belonged. A handshake here. A welcoming smile there. Asking where they had transferred from, how they were settling aboard, and whether they had found their footing yet.

Eventually his path brought him near the forward windows where he noticed Ensign Walter Gibbs deep in conversation with Lieutenant Soral T’Varan.

Seeing the young science officer no longer standing alone, Cross felt quietly pleased.

Good, he thought. Exactly what tonight should be about.

Rather than interrupt, he simply offered the pair an encouraging smile and a respectful nod as he passed before continuing his slow circuit around the lounge, content to let friendships begin naturally while ensuring no member of the crew felt invisible during Captain Becket’s final evening aboard the Ark Angel.

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel