Posted by Lieutenant Commander Soral T’Varan (Chief Diplomatic Officer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel USE THIS THREAD

Posted by Lieutenant Izak Waryn (Chief Engineer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel USE THIS THREAD

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel
Posted by… suppressed (15) by the Post Ghost! 👻
~~>>Posted by Lieutenant Izak Waryn (Chief Engineer) in 17/18 Forward – USS Ark Angel
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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.

Gibbs listened attentively to the Vulcan diplomat as he explained his duties. If he didn’t know better, he sensed that Soral was bragging a bit. He wasn’t sure because his interactions with Vulcans were limited on Starbase 47 and the group tended to stay with their own at the Academy.

“The Science Division at Starbase 47 was not the first place visiting species want seek out when they arrive.” Gibbs added with a chuckle, “But after hours I did meet some interesting Denobulans that were there to attend a conference. I was able to learn much about their family life and domestic customs. It was very different from my own upbringing. That would be the one species that had the most effect upon me.”

‘Ok, Walt. Let’s try to come out of your shell…’ He mused to himself.

“Also, Sir, you seem to take great joy in discussing your duties. Are you trying to impress a young officer or are you bragging just a bit?

Ensign Gibbs

Soral realised after Gibbs said what he had, that he must have come across as arrogant and egoistical

“My apologies Ensign, it was not my intention to “brag” as you put it , merely to explain my duties, It would be Illogical to try to impress a junior officer”

He ha hoped Gibbs understood what he was saying , he was trying to not be arrogant , he just wasn’t sure he was being successful .

“”Not to worry Lieutenant. You explained your duties in exacting detail, and I added my own personal take to what you had said.”

“On the subject of Denobulans , I myself have never met one, Is it true they have more than one spouse?

“The one I met, Carlex, had duplicate mates but I only met one that travelled with him. They were generous hosts and invited several of my colleagues to join them after their conference was over for the day. It was interesting to see them socially.”

---

Ensign Gibbs

Soral gave a single, almost imperceptible nod.

“I appreciate the clarification, Ensign. It would appear I interpreted your observation more literally than you intended. Such misunderstandings are not uncommon when conversing across cultures.”

There was no embarrassment in his expression, merely an acknowledgement of the fact.

“I shall regard it as an opportunity to improve my communication.”

His attention returned to the subject at hand.

“Your experience with the Denobulans is consistent with the cultural studies I have reviewed. Their family structures differ considerably from those found on Earth, Vulcan, or Andoria. While such arrangements may initially appear unusual to outsiders, they are entirely logical within the context of Denobulan society.”

He took another measured sip of his tea.

“I understand that many Denobulans maintain several spouses, each of whom may also have additional spouses. The resulting family networks are… extensive.”

There was the faintest pause before he added,

“It is a fascinating example of how a civilisation may arrive at social stability through methods very different from our own.”

Soral regarded the young science officer thoughtfully.

“I have observed that many scientists focus primarily upon understanding how a species functions biologically or technologically. Yet you chose to learn about their domestic customs instead.”

He inclined his head slightly.

“Was that curiosity born from your scientific training, or from a personal interest in understanding people?”

For Soral, it was not an idle question. The answer would reveal far more about Ensign Gibbs than any service record could.

Gibbs nodded his head understandably as Soral explained himself and his meaning.

“My curiosity comes from my family upbringing. My father was pasted away at an early age, so I was raising in a single parent Starfleet home. Because we are a military family and have no real place to call home, I find it interesting to see how other species feel about that concept. A place of security and stability. A place you can always return to and find comfort and peace.”

“I have known peers who have lived in the same place their entire life until they entered Starfleet. I find that fascinating since it is such an alien concept to me. My family moved, more or less, every three years following the assignments of my parents.”

“Also, my grandmother is an avid genealogist and can trace my maternal line back several hundred years, to the Terran Third World War. So many nonmilitary or political records were destroyed at that time.”

“So, to answer your question, I enjoy studying inter-species relations because of my upbringing,”

Ensing Gibbs

Soral listened without interruption, giving Gibbs his full attention. When the ensign had finished, the Vulcan remained silent for a moment, considering the significance of what had been said.

“An insightful answer.”

His tone was calm, but there was unmistakable sincerity behind it.

“It would seem your experiences have led you to study cultures not merely from scientific curiosity, but in search of understanding. That is… a commendable motivation.”

He folded his hands behind his back once more.

“Vulcans possess a strong attachment to our ancestral homes. Many family dwellings remain occupied by successive generations for centuries. Continuity is regarded as a source of stability, and our history is preserved with great care.”

A slight inclination of his head followed.

“Your experience is almost the converse of my own. Rather than remaining rooted in one place, your family found continuity through service. Though your surroundings changed, the values your parents instilled remained constant.”

He allowed the observation to settle before continuing.

“In that respect, perhaps Starfleet itself became your home.”

The statement was offered not as an emotional sentiment, but as a logical conclusion drawn from Gibbs’ own words.

“The preservation of your family’s genealogy is also noteworthy. Records dating back to Earth’s Third World War are not common. Your grandmother has demonstrated considerable dedication.”

For a brief moment, Soral’s expression softened into what, for a Vulcan, was almost a smile.

“Vulcans maintain similarly extensive genealogical archives. Knowing one’s lineage is considered valuable, though we place greater emphasis upon the lessons inherited from our forebears than upon the names themselves.”

His dark eyes met Gibbs’.

“I suspect those experiences have made you particularly well suited to scientific exploration. A scientist who seeks to understand the people behind a discovery often learns more than one who studies only the phenomenon.”

He paused before posing another question.

“Tell me, Ensign… when your tour aboard the Ark Angel eventually concludes, do you envision remaining within the Science Division, or do you aspire to specialise in a particular field? Starfleet offers many paths to an inquisitive mind.”

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

Becket came over without overhearing things. “Mr. T’Varan. I never forgotten about you I did want to say thank you for being here. But as a final act as Commanding Officer before I disembark the ship I want to do this.” He smiled. “Attention everybody attention. I know as Commanding Officer I see fit on those who are good to be promoted and or demoted. However, in this case Lieutenant Soral T’Varan. As my final times here on he Ark Angel before I disembark on this vessel I wanted to say thank you for being here as our Diplomatic Chief. I’ve known you for some time. And I feel like this is a better time as ever.”

Becket held up a pad with a speech for T’Varan. “As time comes and goes, you have been a great officer. Being the diplomatic officer in charge means you are there to help with diplomatic ties between one species to another with the federation. As such an act from our last mission, I have noticed you did extremely well. I however, will never forget it. Lieutenant T’Varan you are here by promoted to Lieutenant Commander and continue your duties there of. May God protect you.” He said standing up putting T’Varan his Lieutenant Commander pip on his collar. “Congratulations Mr. T’Varan.” He added.

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

Soral had been awaiting Ensign Gibbs’ response when Captain Becket approached. The Vulcan turned his attention toward his commanding officer as he spoke, listening carefully.

The announcement came as a surprise. Soral had not anticipated recognition during what was intended to be Captain Becket’s farewell gathering.

As the new pip was placed upon his collar, Soral remained composed, though the significance of the moment was not lost upon him. He looked briefly at the insignia before returning his attention to Captain Becket.

“Captain Becket.”

There was a brief pause as Soral selected his words.

“I am honoured by your confidence in me.”

He gave the Captain a respectful nod.

“However, I believe it is important to recognize that this promotion reflects not only my own efforts, but the cooperation and trust of the crew I have had the privilege to serve alongside.”

His gaze briefly moved across the assembled officers and crew.

“Diplomacy is not conducted by one individual. It is achieved through the willingness of many individuals to listen, adapt, and seek understanding. The crew of the Ark Angel has consistently demonstrated those qualities.”

He returned his attention to Becket.

“Your command has provided an environment where those principles could be applied effectively. It has been a privilege to serve under your leadership.”

Soral inclined his head slightly.

“I accept this increased responsibility with gratitude, Captain. I shall continue to uphold the standards expected of a Starfleet officer and serve this vessel and its crew to the best of my ability.”

After another respectful nod, Soral allowed the moment to return to the celebration around them. His eyes briefly moved back toward Ensign Gibbs.

“My apologies, Ensign. It appears our discussion was interrupted.”

He glanced around the room before continuing.

“I believe you were about to answer my question regarding your future within the Science Division.”

A slight pause followed.

“Though I suspect this evening has provided a rather unexpected diversion from our conversation.”

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

Lieutenant Alex Cross had been making his way through the lounge, exchanging quiet conversations and offering congratulations to various members of the crew, when Captain Becket’s voice rose above the pleasant hum of the celebration.

“Attention everybody…”

Cross turned instinctively toward the Captain, curiosity giving way to a broad smile as he watched the familiar figure call Lieutenant Soral T’Varan forward.

A promotion? He hadn’t expected one final surprise this evening.

As Becket spoke of T’Varan’s service, Cross found himself nodding. It was well deserved. The Vulcan had navigated difficult diplomatic situations with unwavering professionalism, balancing logic with a genuine respect for those around him. It was precisely the sort of quiet excellence that often went unnoticed until someone took the time to acknowledge it.

When the new lieutenant commander pip was fastened to T’Varan’s collar, Cross joined the room in enthusiastic applause, raising his glass in salute.

“Hear, hear!”

He listened with appreciation as T’Varan accepted the promotion with characteristic humility, giving credit to the crew and to Captain Becket’s leadership rather than claiming the achievement as his own. It was quintessentially T’Varan.

As the applause subsided, Cross stepped forward with a warm smile.

“Congratulations, Commander T’Varan.” The new rank rolled naturally off his tongue.

“You’ve earned every bit of that pip. Your calm judgment, professionalism, and ability to find common ground—even when everyone else thinks there isn’t any—have made this ship better. I have no doubt you’ll continue to serve with the same integrity you’ve always shown.” He then looked toward Captain Becket.

“And, Captain… thank you for making this your final official act aboard the Ark Angel. Promoting deserving officers is one of the finest legacies a commanding officer can leave behind.” Cross raised his glass once more.

“To Commander T’Varan… and to Captain Becket. May one continue the example, and may the other enjoy a well-earned retirement.” He smiled before taking a sip of his drink.

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

“Thank you Counsellor , I couldn’t do my job without the great work this crew does”

He said with his usual courtesy nod

“Rest assured I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability”

Izak clapped along with everybody else at the unexpected peomotion.

There were so many well wishers approaching the new Lt Cmdr that he decided to wait and offer his congratulations later.

Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of well wishers that suddenly descended upon their conversation, Gibbs took the opportunity to ease away. He would send Soral a congratulatory message from his quarters. There he would be able to craft an appropriate response.

Gibbs then left !8 Forward to return to his cabin.