Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade James Rowe (Scientist) in The Parthenon - Post Mission - All Welcome

Posted by Captain Orvos Legen (Commanding Officer) in The Parthenon - Post Mission - All Welcome
The Parthenon was bustling. People meandered about. Drinks were served. And a table of unique snacks was situated for all to see to partake in. It was essentially a massive charcuterie board.

The platform was decorated for officer recognition. All gathered knew how these things went. Orvos set a small box on the table he sat at on his own. His feelings were mixed this evening.

He was here, as captain of the Athena. It was the one position he had fought to obtain, despite his clear experience in command giving him the edge to obtain it. He had been pushed to a point though. Janna had been that motivation to him. She had pushed, and he semi-reluctantly took it. And after some time in the center seat, he grew accustomed to it.

So many years on the Athena had gone by. He thought he would be used to it by now. Being El Aurian gave him an exceptionally longer lifespan than most present. He had spent centuries watching people enter and leave his life. He always held on to memories, to the stories. But these days were harder now. He had allowed Janna closer than any had ever been outside of his own deceased wife. He knew her reasons for having to take leave. She had insisted he stay, that the crew needed him. Maybe their paths would cross again, but this leave was going to be longer than most.

Others had left too. Stark Nightstalker. Laraan. Marishka. Just to name a few. The stories always stuck though. The memories would always be cherished whenever he decided to look at them again.

Right now, however, he had to pull himself together. Because the crew needed him. And they would need him in times to come. He toyed with his beverage for a moment, swirling it about as the time ticked closer to ceremony.

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

James entered the Parthenon after finishing up his shift, the allure of food and drink never seemed to fail him. Looking around he noticed that it was filling up. He moved to the refreshment station and got himself a collection of the assorted goods before making his way to a table at one side of the room. He flagged down a server and ordered and Old Fashioned and simply took a moment to people watch.

Rowe

Stone stood facing the viewports, a glass of champagne or something resembling it perched but forgotten between her fingers. She’d been standing there fro who knew how long. It was good to be back at Starbase 157. Better to have cracked the ring responsible for the disappearance of so many. It was exactly the kind of thing that she’d joined up for. More than that, they’d rescued others in need.

It was completely hollow. Well, maybe not completely. But it was a struggle to maintain a silver lining.

They hadn’t lost anybody on this most recent operation. Miraculously. Though they’d come close. And this time it had been her. That wasn’t new. As a career security officer, it was her job to be the shield. To take the hit. But… she was XO of the Athena, lead ship of the third fleet. And this time, it had been the very skills an instincts she’d developed over a long career that had almost gotten her killed. Would have, were it not for the skills of the Athena’s medical team, and a floating tier one trauma center.

The aches were almost gone. Almost. And did nothing for the aches behind her eyes, across her soul.

And worse, the two anchors she ha aboard the Athena were gone. Janna, who’d been an lifesaver in stormy seas. An Faye, a friend and mentee. They, perhaps more than anyone else, helped her feel anchored to ship and crew. and helped her find a center. With their departure....

She drained the glass but barely tasted the amber liquid or felt the carbonation. Idly she sat the glass on a table nearby and tugged the sleeve of her white dress uniform into place. Time to put all that away for now.

Clearing her throat, she straightened her shoulders, drawing herself to attention. A physical trigger, a call t order, she carefully sat those matters aside. There were things to attend to. For now, relying on military bearing would have to suffice. Turning sharply, Serena scanned the room. Some where already here, some were slow to arrive.

Catching eyes with Orvos, she gave him a nod. Steady as she goes.

Lt. Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer