Gathering

It was about a week after the events of the Azimuth Horizon fleet action when things were finally beginning to settle down. The repairs were well underway on many of the ships and some of the officers were beginning to be anxious to get underway on a new mission, or for some, begin their leaves of absence.

However, the senior officers of all the Lotus Fleet ships were detained by Fleet Captain Samji at Starbase Ten because he wanted to take the time to recognize their heroism, bravery, creativity, perseverance, and dedication. The banquet would provide him that opportunity, as well as the opportunity for them to socialize and relax a little bit -- very much needed after what they had gone through.

In the banquet hall, there were various holographic banners across the far wall commemorating the nine ships that had taken part in the Fleet Action. In the middle, hanging over the stage, the image of the now decommissioned USS Lotus with its signature saucer section pointed forward toward the tables signified its place as former flagship of Lotus Fleet. Flanked on either side, it was accompanied by the agile McKenzie and the powerful Alsea, the next oldest ships of the line. The largest ships were displayed on the outskirts, the prominent Spectre, and finally the newest ship, the majestic Artemis, which had enjoyed a short time in the Fleet as the first line of defense against the Azimuth Horizon. Perhaps it was fitting that the Artemis' first mission was the very first to explore the center of the Horizon and its final mission and destruction stood in parallel to that of the Anomaly. Again, on either side of those sihps, the remaining four ships were also presented:  the Republic and Wisconsin first, and then finishing up with the Pittsburgh and Steamrunner on the very outside edges of the hall.

The McKenzie, Alsea, Spectre, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin would all remain in the command of Lotus Fleet for missions of less vital importance, but two new ones would be given to fill the gap of those decommissioned, reassigned, or destroyed. The USS Horizon was already displayed prominently above the Lotus to signify both its own part in the Fleet Action and its place as the new Fleet flagship. Another vessel still in its prototype stages had yet to be revealed to the Fleet.

Below each ship, and for the Starbase itself, was listed the name, rank, and position of all senior officers that had served in the Fleet Action. Those were the officers that were making their way into the banquet hall this day to take their places at their respective tables, the order of which mirrored that of the banners. On either side there floated large holographic banners with both the Federation and Starfleet logos.

Fleet Captain Samji was busy greeting various people and engaging in lengthy conversations, giving the officers time to arrive and in turn socialize among themselves. Many took advantage of the long table of hors-devoures that lined the far wall. All were very finely dressed in their spotless dress uniforms and therefore those in the area of the buffet table were being extra careful with the food.

Many admired the image of the new Lotus-class starship, the USS Horizon, and were wondering who would be assigned to serve on the flagship. No commissions had been assigned as of yet, so they were all officially on duty on the Starbase.

It would not be long before Fleet Captain Samji would take the stage and begin announcing the well-deserved promotions and awards to be granted that evening.