Pomp and circumstances

Silence fell upon the assembly as the executive officer of the starbase, alone on the central podium, stood at attention and made the official opening announcement.

“The C-in-C.”

She stepped back and down the dais and all Starfleet officers stood up as Rear Admiral Kotari, commander in chief of the Hromi sector for Lotus Fleet, came up to occupy center stage. He was a medium-height, greying Boslic man with a short cropped beard and intense eyes that scanned the crowd like sensor beacons before his strong, dry voice filled the immense room.

“As you were,” he ordered and everyone sat back down to listen to his next, momentous words.

The seventy-five year old Starfleet officer glanced down to his PADD containing his speech notes and cleared his throat before beginning.

“’Let us boldly go toward that horizon… and beyond… as we were meant to.’”

He paused a moment to let the many Starfleet officers assembled before him think about meaning and purpose of those words before he continued. “Those were the words spoken by the man that will speak here after me. As are they the words that were emblazoned on the dedication plaque that will be hung on the bridge of the very first Lotus-class vessel, the USS Horizon.”

“Let us think about those words spoken by Fleet Captain Allen Samji for a moment. Not only were they spoken in defiance of a phenomenon that had previously threatened to destroy our very way of life, and our existence as we know it. But also it signifies a new beginning for Lotus Fleet that would take us beyond struggling with petty border wars and terrorism. ‘Do you remember when we used to be explorers?’ I would ask you, while also borrowing the words from another well-known captain. From this moment on, I declare that it will be a new beginning for Lotus Fleet. To return to a time when we can seek everlastingly to fulfill the dream of Zephram Cochrane… of Jonathan Archer… of James T. Kirk… and the man who I quoted, Jean Luc Picard. To boldly go toward that horizon, and beyond, is what we will aim to do.”

“We will not let ourselves be distracted!” he declared, startling some of the younger officers whose attention might have been slightly faltering. His booming voice continuing to rise, he announced, “No more will we let fear and turmoil hold us back! Yes, we will have enemies that we will have to deal with, but we must strive to not let it be our only focus.”

Rear Admiral Kotari then let his voice return to normal as he said, “The USS Horizon will be our means to that end. This Exploration Cruiser will allow us to seek out new life and new civilizations in regions of the Galaxy we have not yet even come close to. This self-sufficient ship will have the capability to go on tours of up to ten years or more on its own, with no assistance required from any Federation starbase or facility. It is itself a virtual mobile starbase with all the same capabilities as Lotus Starbase, on a smaller scale of course. The USS Polaris light escort will stand as her personal guard and support vessel. As the first ship with proven and tested transwarp capability, we will no longer be tied to the Alpha and Beta quadrants, it is a likely possibility that will be able to explore the Milky Way from end to end. With the same technology that the Borg used to conquer much of the Galaxy, it will be our mission to bring peace, learning, enlightenment, and liberty, and attempt first contact with warp capable worlds as we have already done in Federation space.”

“That is our mandate,” Kotari said, “And now I would like to yield the floor to the man who will introduce those who will carry it out.” He put out his hand and motioned to the young Indian Starfleet officer in a white Captain’s dress tunic, and announced, “Commander of Lotus Starbase, Fleet Captain Allen Paul Samji.”

The Fleet Captain stepped up and shook hands with the Rear Admiral before taking his place behind the podium. Looking up, he saw all the assembled Starfleet Officers again standing at attention, and said, “Please, be seated.”

“First, I would like to go over some technical details about the vessel we are here to honor. The USS Horizon, NCC-102176 is the very first Lotus-class vessel to be commissioned and marks the crowning achievement of over a century of engineering advancements, beginning in the 23^rd century with the Transwarp Development Project, and culminating in the recent advances made by Lotus Fleet itself in Metaphasic Shielding, the Pel Navigation Sensor program, the Sangliar Burst Impulse Floodgate system, and the Syntron Space Sonar system.”

He then paused and shuffled a few notes around on his PADD before speaking again. “If I may deviate slightly to speak about the name. While it is standard practice to use the name of a new vessel as the class designation, the change of class from 'Horizon' to 'Lotus' was done to honor Lotus Fleet’s valiant and successful campaign to rid the Universe as we know it of the threat of the Azimuth Horizon. However, the name was kept, as Rear Admiral Kotari stated, in defiance of our ordeal with that very anomaly. The name, which was coincidentally conceived for the project prior to the knowledge of the Azimuth Horizon, was given by Captain Thomas Eugene Paris, Lead Engineer and Designer at Utopia Plenitia, in honor of the USS Horizon, NCC-176, which was lost with all hands while studying the planet Sigma Iotia II. At the time, in 2168, this location was among the furthest and most desolate reaches of space for the 7-year-old Starfleet, but as you know is merely a day’s shuttle ride at warp 5 from our current location. In honor of her crew’s attempt to boldly go to the horizon and beyond, I do hereby signify my approval for our new Lotus-class vessel to be so named.”

Fleet Captain Samji cleared his throat and continued. “Now, back to the specifications of the Lotus-class. The vessel is an astounding 1.3 kilometers long and almost a kilometer wide. It is 200 meters in height and weighs an astounding 9 million metric tons. Despite her enormous and powerful size, the Lotus-class is amazingly fast, being able to travel at a theoretical maximum speed of warp 9.987 for 12 hours. It has a known maximum transwarp rate of 4, which was used in the Azimuth Horizon incident, and a theoretical maximum transwarp rate of 5, which of course, for practical safety reasons, will not even be attempted under normal operating procedure.”

“The Horizon is called an ‘Exploration Cruiser’ but serves far more roles than that. The vessel holds over twenty-five-hundred crew with an emergency capacity of 30 thousand, so it is perfect for the handling of evacuation procedures. The armament is quite substantial and with the assistance of the Aquarius-class escort vessel, it can hold its own against the entirety of a minor enemy fleet. The Horizon is prepared to support any First Contact or Diplomatic encounter with VIP suites and the amenities and comforts of any starbase. And with the USS Polaris and onboard Strategic Operations and MACO teams, if the need should arise, it can accomplish any necessary covert ops task, such as hostage rescue, hit and run, or the capture of an enemy leader.”

“I will next introduce the person who will take command of this vessel and lead her crew, who will then introduce his Senior Bridge Officers. This singular Andorian has proven himself to be an exemplary Starfleet Officer and steadfast leader. The eight-time decorated Starfleet Captain has demonstrated leadership as Executive Officer and Acting Captain of the USS Lotus in the Borg War and commanded the USS Artemis successfully in four separate tours. In the Azimuth Horizon campaign, he saved the lives of 75 men and women in the Artemis crew when he sacrificed the vessel to stop a Romulan Scimitar dreadnaught from reaching Lotus Starbase, saving the lives of countless more here. Not only satisfied with that significant achievement, he then proceeded, with the help of his first officer Syntron, to take an emergency-separated saucer section to warp and carry out the remainder of the assigned operation until being rescued by the USS Lotus.”

“I am deeply proud and honored to introduce this new commander of the USS Horizon, my friend… Captain Kheren.”

It was not the solemn silence at attention afforded to the Rear Admiral and Fleet Captain that greeted Kheren as he stepped up to the podium. Those who had served with him on the USS Artemis, and even those who would only come to serve on the Horizon, but had heard about what he did on the Artemis, stood and gave a rousing roar of applause that lasted for several minutes as Fleet Captain Samji smiled and embraced the Andorian captain despite his well-known aversion to such contact. Unheard by none but Kheren due to the noise in the great banquet hall, Samji said, “You deserve this, Kheren, and don’t let anybody tell you differently. Now… great acts come with the unfortunate responsibility of addressing your loving fans,” he added with a wink.

The applause quieted as Samji finally took his seat and the Andorian approached the podium.

Kheren had been so overwhelmed by it all that even his mastery of body language did not register Samji's hug before he did it; but for once, he did not mind. Of all people he had known in Starfleet, if not his entire life,  this was the one individual he had known the longest and had earned more than his respect. Only his two wives now were closer to him.

His words however bewildered him as much as his friendly public gesture. Loving fans... he knew better than anyone how fickle the affection of strangers could be; passion is like snow, slow or sudden to come, long to stay, but always it can melt ... was a popular saying on the homeworld. Nevertheless, the welcome of his fellow Starfleet officers, his new Clan, touched him so deeply that there was a long moment of silence after it died down before he could gather his thought and finally speak.

Anyone familiar with Andorians knew how he felt just by looking at the very deep shade of purple his face was at the moment. but nothing showed in his calm, deep voice.

"Only the best from hundreds of worlds become Starfleet officers. Few manage to distinguish themselves enough to be one in Lotus Fleet. Fewer still among those have the honor and privilege of commanding a starship.  Captain Syntron of the soon to be launched USS Phoenix; Admiral Nova, Captain Garrison, Captain Gould, Commander Felez and Commander Robertson of the Lotus; Admiral Kirkpatrick and Captain Crist of the McKenzie; Captain Thopor of the Umpqua; Captain Rock of the Tempest; Captain Summers of the Spectre; Captain K'Rrauw, Captain Siduri, Captain Rivers, and Commander Oseno of the Alsea; Captain Onia of the Wisconsin; Captain Ramabai of the Steamrunner ; Captain Wyatt of the Republic; Captain Speaker-of-Names of the Pittsburgh; Captain Rousseau of the Nuntio... Captain Froud... of the Artemis..."

He had to stop for a moment, emotion suddenly swelling inside of him thinking of his lost ship and about the commanding officer who had died in his arms on the very launch day of the legendary Ambassador class vessel he himself had sent to a fiery death...

But mere seconds later, his hard won control took over and he resumed his speech. The emotion was still there; but now, it fueled his words with passion.

"Those are the ones on who's shoulders my own efforts to do my duty stand. And as for them, as for any captain since the first sentient beings sat on a log on some body of water, I am as a commanding officer only good as the officers who serve with me. Without Commander O'Conner, Commander Syntron, Commander Alther, Chief Sangliar, Chief Etarudbo, Chief Scott, Doctor Nasaro-Myth, Doctor Sage, Doctor Aquila, Lieutenant Micheals, Lieutenant Jackson, Lieutenant Brie... without all those fine Lotus Fleet officers, there would be no Captain Kheren. "

There was a round of applause to honor those officers, most of them present in the great hall. When silence fell once more, the Andorian captain was again fully composed. But there was no mistaking the pride in his next words.

"I have been honored and privileged with the command of the USS Horizon, the flagship of Lotus Fleet. When I first stepped on the USS Lotus, a mere Ensign then, I dreamed, like many of you here, of becoming a starship captain. But I never dreamed that I would one day command the leading vessel of the elite division of Starfleet. I am humbled by the responsibility. But fortunately, like all captains, I will be blessed with exceptional officers to earn such trust."

His heavily callused hand went to the row of officers nearest the podium.

"Commander Neil Stanley Redding of Earth, of exceptional experience and valor that will make him the outstanding executive officer the flagship of Lotus Fleet deserve; Commander Oseno Jureth of Bajor, hero of Operation Horizon, who's in the field command experience makes him the best officer of all to lead our strategic operations and command the USS Polaris, our auxillairy starship; Doctors 110 and 011 of Bynar, unique in Starfleet and who's deep computer link will provide unequaled heath and care from both the bridge and sickbay at the same time; Lieutenant-Commander Snowfire K'Leysha of the Illythirii, who's immense science expertise had helped save this universe and will now honor and serve our ship; Lieutenant Sarah Corcoran of Earth... whatever you think of her rank and her age, never underestimate her already well proven abilities and dedication to security and tactical duties; Lieutenant Elisha Leône of Orion, whom I of all people know what personal and professional hardships, efforts and sacrifices she had gone through to earn her position as Chief of Operations. "

Kheren stood straighter and once again looked at the crowd, chin lifted in typical Andorian show of respect.

"These are the senior officers of the USS Horizon. I am proud and humbled to serve with so distinguished a crew and go with them beyond the horizon. Here I give you; the heart and soul of  the USS Horizon, flagship of Lotus Fleet!"

Thunderous applause followed as everyone in the room stood up while the Andorian captain stepped down from the podium and went to each and every bridge officer of his ship to stand at attention before each of them in turn, before he went back to his seat.

"Nicely done for a shy Andorian," teased Tyvya as he sat between her and Lyrya.

"You were so cute blushing like that, " added the Aenar with the same tone as the giantess.

"Thank you... now please shut up and let me die in peace," growled Kheren but with little conviction in the tone.

He couldn't help it. He was proud; proud of what he had accomplished so far, but even more proud of having earned the trust of those officers who were now going with him where no one had gone before. The quote was overused, he knew... but it had never been truer than today for him.

"Now... what was that about you knowing Elisha Leône better than anyone?" Tyvya asked with a telling stare.

"You know what I meant by that," Kheren said to Lyrya with a glance at her.

"Yes... but I'd like to hear it too," the Aenar said with the same stare as the giantess.

Kheren now felt even worse than he had felt when he had stepped to the podium.

As Kheren stepped down and everyone sat on the edge of their seats to see if there were any other speeches to be made, the First Officer of Lotus Starbase, Karen Schmidt, approached the podium again to simply say, "Thank you Rear Admiral, Fleet Captain, and Captain Kheren for those moving and informative speeches. Everyone please feel free to enjoy the refreshments that we have available and thank you all for coming to honor the commencement of our new flagship."

((OOC: This post is closed. Feel free to "mingle" with others by creating new posts. Captain Kheren will move the story forward, probably with a bridge officer meeting, most likely in the next couple days or so))