Phoenix Dedication Ceremony (Part 2)

The Fleet Captain took his place on the dais and a hush fell over the assembled officers as those who were seated stood to join the others at attention. Fleet Captain Allen Samji nodded to the assembled Phoenix crew to his left before turning to the rest of the Starbase personnel.

"Assembled officers and guests, it is my distinct honor to stand before you to present the second of our distinguished new ships this month. The USS Phoenix, Avenger-class is much more than a simple cruiser. It represents the pinnacle of scientific and engineering achievement and stands shoulder to shoulder with the new Lotus-class, the USS Horizon. In a way, the Phoenix really deserves its own class designation as well, thanks to the many scientific modules added to the existing design, and the new experimental Quantum Slipstream Drive."

Raising a PADD so Samji could get the details right, he continued. "This cruiser-science hybrid, if you will, is 856 meters from bow to stern, 402 meters across, and 275 meters from ventral hull to dorsal hull. Holding close to one thousand crewmembers at normal operating capacity, its 25 decks have the capacity to rescue, hold, and care for 9000 more people. The 4 million metric ton ship will travel at a theoretical maximum rate of Warp 9.975, but only time will tell where it can go once the Quantum Slipstream Drive is fully tested and operational."

"As with the Horizon, the Phoenix is equipped with all standard systems Lotus Fleet has adapted or developed while fighting the Borg and dealing with the Azimuth Horizon. Metaphasic Shielding, the Pel Navigation Sensor program, the Sangliar Burst Impulse Floodgate system, and of course the Syntron Space Sonar system to name a few. Above and beyond the usual science systems, the Phoenix is equipped with many impressive improvements. A recent nanite project enhanced the science and computer systems, specifically the bio-neural circuitry throughout the ship. This circuitry is still in the testing or 'beta' stages and will be thoroughly tested in the upcoming mission. Expanded and enhanced Astrometrics and Stellar Cartography labs and display capabilities provide an unmatched view to what is beyond our recent scope of detection. Upgraded Shield Emitters and Shield Amplifiers provide extra protection against unforeseen enemies. Like the Horizon, the computer core is expanded and upgraded with Starfleet's most recent and fastest quantum computational processors. Additionally, Transfer Shield Strength capabilities, Hazard Emitters, High-power science sensor pallets, systems to scramble and jam targeting sensors,  and Tractor Beam Repulsors are all implemented and improved upon in this ship."

"The impressive science facilities do not overshadow its other features, however. With 24 type XII plasma-phaser hybrid beam arrays, 3 torpedo launchers fore and 2 aft, photon, quantum, and transphasic torpedoes, a regenerative transphasic shield array, a duranium-tritanium composite hull, ablative hull armor, metaphasic shielding, a full highly trained security complement with emergency security holograms, and independent forcefield systems, the ship is a force to be reckoned with in combat. Its medical, engineering, and diplomatic facilities and staff are all top rate, and of course the Quantum Slipstream Drive will allow to go where no one has gone before."

"Lotus Fleet has been given a special opportunity to not only continue to patrol the same areas we have been used to seeing for the last century, but to venture out, further than we've ever been. This opportunity can not be taken lightly, and as we go out there, we need to be prepared for what we may find. The Horizon may be the first ship to reach and explore these new destinations, but this extraordinary science driven ship will be the thing that will allow us to study what we find and make sure it is safe and worthwhile for future exploration."

"The man who is responsible for this state of the art and impeccably unique creation is also someone we are here to honor and acknowledge. If it weren't for his tenacity and ingenuity, this ship would be merely another Avenger-class starship, impressive in its own right, but an equal to a half-dozen others currently in service in Starfleet. Of course it is due to one of the best scientific minds in Starfleet that Lotus Fleet now has this ship that I stated earlier may deserve its own class distinction."

"This five-time decorated Captain has served faithfully up to this point on the USS Artemis, first as her science officer, and then as her first officer. In the Azimuth Horizon Operation, he distinguished himself from all other Starfleet Officers and joined the likes of Neil Armstrong, Zephram Cochrane, and Tom Paris when he became the first in Federation history to successfully break the Warp barrier without a Warp Drive. This kind of thinking and a mind geared toward exploration and science is exactly who we need to pilot this groundbreaking vessel and lead her crew forward."

"Please join me in congratulating Captain Syntron."

Through the applause, Fleet Captain Samji stepped down from the dais and stood face to face with Syntron. He did not extend his hand or offer any sort of physical congratulatory gesture to the Vulcan. He did not know him very well personally and decided it would be what he would prefer anyway. Instead he simply stood with hands clasped behind his back, and said, "An honor well-deserved, Mister Syntron. If you will please introduce your crew."

With a virtually expressionless reaction, Captain Syntron nodded an acknowledgement to Fleet Captain Samji.

"Thank you sir" Syntron said rather privately as he faced the elder Fleet Captain before he turned and walked deliberately the few steps toward the podium. At 6 foot and 4 inches tall, with symmetrically chiseled facial features atop a fit and lean but powerful physique, the Vulcan presented a rather imposing figure as he arrived to his destination dressed in full formal Starfleet attire. The medals positioned along the right side of his chest referred to by the Fleet Captain gleamed randomly as the spotlights struck them from different angles; reflecting a spectrum of colors in miniature bursts of radiance from each slight movement that occurred.  He possessed no speech in hand to place on the angled surface of the podium as he centered himself directly behind the elongated pedestal; although thoughts about what he wanted to convey began to coalesce within his mind.

As the Vulcan crossed his long arms behind his back, the room suddenly fell very silent as his amplified voiced echoed slightly in the great hall.

"A 20th century writer from Earth once scribed:

We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time"

The Vulcan captain paused for a moment to allow the words spoken to be absorbed before continuing.

"At the crux of our intentions within Starfleet, we are explorers... individuals whom collectively  investigate unknown regions of our universe to learn more about its origins and composition or perhaps to discover other sentient beings and uncover how they exist.  Commonly found within virtually all members of Starfleet is an inherent inquisitiveness that transcends species, gender, age, or experience."

With only a hint of a pause, the Vulcan continued.

"As explorers, we bring these experiences and our acquired knowledge back to where we started... to share with others. A number of these explorers return to the Academy and reverse their roles into dispensers of knowledge and experience. Several may chose to devote themselves to ongoing theoretical studies. But tonight, we will acknowledge those that continue to embrace the risk, intrigue, and rewards of continuing their service aboard a Federation starship.  Those seated before you here have now been given an opportunity to further our level and degree of exploration with this new and vastly enhanced scientifically-oriented starship: The USS Phoenix."

Syntron paused for a moment due to the applause that erupted at the end of those last words. As the clapping began to subside, he looked around the room as he gestured with his hand.

"We have representatives gathered here today from many worlds for this auspicious occasion.  As such, we are indeed representatives of our various respective worlds and of our collective people scattered throughout the quadrants. As I look around at this audience, I can clearly see from the attire present that many of you attending this event are members of Starfleet; in one capacity or another. As such, we know what is required of us in terms of duty and obligations. We have participated in awe-inspiring missions, and at times endured hardships and consequences associated with a chosen life of space-faring service... such as contending with adversaries such as the Borg, or more recently, with the devastating engagements with the Azimuth Horizon Anomaly. Memories of our works and our deeds will continue on in others; even after we have retired or perished, just as the memories of those colleagues lost in the line of duty will endure within us for the remainder of our service and beyond."

As the eyes of Syntron began scanning his senior officer as he spokes, they fixed for a moment on the Deltan sitting in the roped-off section of the hall:  a colleague from his lost ship the Artemis and now his current CMO of the Phoenix. The words then began to flow from the Vulcan without hesitation.

"Though we are dedicated in our duties and intentions within the fleet, we are also not infallible... and mistakes will occur at times during our service within the Lotus fleet; even under the best of intentions. But these should not bring an end to our service or cause us to doubt our value to the fleet. The famous Earth scientist Albert Einstein noted that a person who never made a mistake never tried anything new... and I would add to that notion that facing a failure is certainly preferable to those that do or attempt nothing at all. The key for us as members of Starfleet is to learn from these mistakes, and allow them to be stepping stones from which to build experience and wisdom. Another Terran noted: A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them. Although rather unVulcan-like in the emotional nature of this statement, the message within these words are as easily as applicable today as when they were uttered in the centuries past."

The Vulcan's eyes gazed around to all of the crew members of his ship that were present as these words were uttered, for it was probable that that they had all made errors in some capacity; even since arriving here to the Starbase.

"I mention this because making an error or a bad decision, whether on or off duty, is  an issue that needs to be recognized honestly, dealt with accordingly, and then moved beyond... allowing us to face the range of many other responsibilities and challenges yet to come as we ready ourselves to embark on new missions."

Thank you, Captain, then thought Elliago Nasaro-Myth, reflecting on the words of his commanding officer. Now I truly know what it means to be a Starfleet officer; it is always to try to be one. And under such wise guidance, surely I shall.

With his few words, the Vulcan had erased all doubts and negativism in his mind and soul and, for the first time since a good while, he smiled a genuinely heartfelt smile.

Syntron then changed the direction of his speech once again.

"Among the many individuals we have in attendance, we have in our presence... here in the great hall of this Starbase... officers and crew that  have distinguished themselves enough to become members of Lotus Fleet.  To be included among these chosen few in itself is indeed an honor for me.  It is now even more so, and to a greater extent a privilege to have been bestowed with the authority and thus the responsibility of commanding a Lotus starship; especially one as noteworthy as the USS Phoenix."

The Vulcan reflected on this thought for a moment before continuing.

“Service within Starfleet itself translates to living a life better and following a code stronger than perhaps anyone's natural instincts may be inclined to otherwise follow. It means not only adhering to each letter, word and paragraph within Starfleet General Orders, Regulations, Directives, Guidelines and Protocols, but diligently following their intended meaning as well.  It is where the concepts of honor, honesty, duty, service and dedication are not  merely words etched on a dedication plaque or on the walls of a Federation building, but are clearly evident in the actions performed on a daily basis by each member of Starfleet as they carry out their respective duties."

Syntron paused again until the applause that arose began to subside

"Therefore, without further delay, I present to you... the senior staff of this new vessel who have already demonstrated their dedicated inclinations as we have worked diligently preparing the USS Phoenix for its first mission of exploration."

As the Vulcan captain introduced each officer, a spotlight followed his lead and focused its narrowed beam on the individual being presented.  He paused between each officer presented to allow for the ensuing response from the appreciative audience.

"First... my Executive Officer, Commander Joshua Riker. A Terran born on Lazon II and descended from a renowned Starfleet ancestry. He will be a key component on this ship as my first officer and the individual on which I will undoubtedly rely on throughout numerous occasions."

"Our newly arrived Chief Operations Officer Lieutenant Junior Grade B'Zinga Decatur, fresh from Starfleet academy, born of Klingon heritage within Federation lands and eager to handle the enormous responsibilities associated with her new appointment."

"Next is our experienced Chief Engineer Commander David Rogers of mixed Human and Romulan heritage... born on a Romulus Facility. To our benefit, he comes to us with many years of experience and an impressive list of accomplishments within Lotus fleet itself."

David tensed a little as the bright spotlight dazzled his hazel eye's. Knowing the import of the ceremonies intention, he rose from his seat and turned slightly toward the crowd around the Phoenix crew. Once a couple seconds had passed, David again faced the podium upon which Fleet Captain Samji and Captain Syntron stood and slightly nodded in their direction, then resumed his seat.

"Our Chief Medical Officer Lieutenant Commander Elliago Nasaro-Myth M.D., a Deltan born on a Galaxy-class starship and my former colleague aboard the USS Artemis... captained by the masterful Andorian and now the captain of the new flagship... the USS Horizon... Captain Kheren."

A spotlight immediately shot to the Andorian flanked by his two alluring wives and held them in its grasp for a few moments accompanied by a thunderous applause of appreciation and respect for the captain who gave an inspiring speech in this very spot just one week prior to this evening.

Andorians have very few facial muscles to show their nevertheless intense emotions. But here, at this very moment, the Terran expression, "like a deer caught in headlights" was no longer an obscure one, even for the most alien member in this assembly who looked at Kheren's startled dark blue, silver-eyed face. It took some coaxing from both Lyrya and Tyvya to have him stand up and acknowledge the unexpected attention with a small head bow. But then, typical of him to everyone who knew the flagship captain, he pointed at the podium with authority and sat back promptly.

He had had his moment of glory already, thank you very much. Now was to be for Syntron and his crew.

Syntron's mind reflected back on their final moments aboard the Aegis, the last remaining portion of the Artemis bridge, as he and Kheren stood as his former captain removed the dedication plaque of their once mighty Ambassador-class starship. It was a heartbreaking moment for the Andorian as he solemnly read the inscription etched into its metallic surface before carrying this last valued remnant from his beloved ship away with him. And then, just as swiftly, the memory was whisked away as the Vulcan brought himself back into the present. 

"And lastly," the Vulcan continued after the spotlight released the Andorian from its luminous grip, "Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephanie Decatur, a Nanotechnologist... a joined-Trill that is on loan to us from this Starbase to oversee an intriguing nanite project aboard the ship as we begin the shakedown portion of our maiden voyage occurring in one week's time."

As soon as her name was spoken Stephanie felt hundreds of pairs of eyes shift to her. The shocked look of the Andorian a moment before was nothing compared to the bulged eyes and quickly reddening face of the trill. Her blush was intense and quickly spread to her ears and neck, contrasting the spots that seemed to track down from her forehead to the collar of her uniform. She lowered her chin slightly, wishing she could have been sick in order to miss the ceremony.

"But before we conclude, I would also like to acknowledge Ensign Hera Seven, an astrometrics officer also on loan to us from this Starbase, who was instrumental in assisting with adapting many science-related modifications aboard the ship, but who will be returning back to her duties aboard the Starbase just before our departure."

"I would also like to bid farewell to Lieutenant Commander Josh Vincent, who was recently called away from our ship and his post as chief security and tactical officer due to an illness within his family.

Looking and gesturing at each of these officers all captured with a series of spotlights, Captain Syntron stated with staccato-like enunciation and with almost pride-like enthusiasm.

"These remaining individuals here are the senior officers of the USS Phoenix. It will be my privilege to serve with such a distinguished crew."

After a momentary pause and before any further interruptions could occur, the Vulcan concluded.

"If one man or woman alone can make a difference, just imagine the possibilities of one ship crewed by such men and women working together. I anticipate many intriguing discoveries, and I dare say... adventures... that await us as we begin our journey once again throughout this final frontier."

"This should be etched on a dedication plaque, somewhere, someday, " said Captain Kheren to his bridge officers as they all stood with him to lead a well deserved standing ovation for their friend and former shipmate.

Roaring applause, whistles, and shouted words of passion and encouragement in a variety of languages and dialects followed these last words of Syntron, while what appeared to be an emerging standing ovation signaled this captain to step away from the podium and walk over to greet each of his bridge officers with the sincere, yet stoic formality typical of a Vulcan.

It was a poignant moment that furtively penetrated the cool veneer of the Vulcan captain as he stood among his crew; although his seemingly unruffled exterior provided no indication of this effect on him.     

"Rogers signaled a passing waiter as this one of dozen's started circulating through the gathered crowd. Taking a pair of the tall, slim champagne glass's, David handed one to the young Trill technologist and the other to Captain Syntron. Then he snagged another for himself and indicated to the waiter to serve the rest of the Phoenix officer's. Once the gathered crew were served, David lifted his glass and offered the first toast.

"The U.S.S. Phoenix! May she rise gloriously!"

"And all of us who will be under her wings, " added Elliago with his trademark sparkling style that instantly made all men around nod in approval and all women nearby smile reflexively in turn.

There was no pheromonal emission involved; his startling Deltan handsomeness alone did the job. The CMO of the Phoenix understood now that good mood could be generated with genuine good will and a few good words. The Federation never had to coerce anyone to understand it's point of view and even embrace it for the good of all. Why should he have to do any differently?

The phoenix was not the only creature now reborn from it's ashes.

Syntron nodded an acknowledgement to this old tradition of a toast and the words thus spoken, and their significance of building camaraderie among his crew. As he accepted a tapered crystal glass removed from the passing silver tray and handed to him by his chief engineer,  he raised it among the others now lifted within a symbolic enclosed ellipse of glasses together.

Adding to their thoughts, the Vulcan noted "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly... just as only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can actually go."

After a brief pause, Syntron continued "We are now prepared to venture out further among the stars by way of our new starship. Akin to the phoenix itself, it is likely that we will be called upon to rise to meet seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges... together... as we have already done throughout our collective missions in Lotus fleet.  I am most confident that that ultimately, despite all calculated odds... we will prevail."

As the Captain finished his toast Commander Riker glanced over to the servers who had been lining up around the captains and slowly herding the senior officers together.  Nodding the Commander set his plan in motion.  Walking over to Captain Syntron the Commander smiled with approval.

"A fine toast sir, now let us truly ennjoy ourselves tonight!"

As Riker began to laugh the servers began to hand out tall glasses of Romulan ale, Andorian Brandy, and another substance the first officer could not identify.  Motioning to the waiter who was mid pour of some of the mysterious liquor into a glass.

"You there what is this drink?"

"I do not know sir it is... it is"

Picking up the glass the waiter splashed the semi-clear liquor and leaned in to smell it.  The scent punched his nostrils like a klingon fist as he recoiled letting out an audible yelp.

"Ugh.. it is green sir."

Grabbing the empty glasses Commander Riker laughed.

"Green huh?  I'll take two."

Drinking one of the glasses quickly Commander Riker's face shook slightly at the strong flavor.  Grabbing his other glass and a glass of Romulan ale the Commander walked over and began handing drinks to the fellow senior officers.  Raising the green liquor Riker spoke.

"To the Phoenix and her crew, here is to our first good night together."

Rogers accepted the glass of green liquid from Commander Riker. Holding it up to the light, David swirled it a bit and then brought the glass down to sniff the ambiance created.

"Yes, Aldebaran whiskey. Very potent. We once brought forty cases to deep space station K-7. Some sort of peace conference there back in 2391."

Tilting the glass, Rogers drained the contents and set the empty back on the nearest passing tray.

As they were all sharing drinks and good wishes, the entire bridge crew of the USS Horizon, Lotus Fleet's flagship, came to meet and congratulates them.

The small contingent was quite impressive;  Flight officer Aguk Snow, the Inuit helmsman who had managed to shoot out a capital starship at full impulse out of spacedock without even scratching paint; Science officer Snowfire K'Leysha who worked the final confinement procedure of the Azimuth Horizon anomaly; chief engineer Joey D. Sisko who devised the transportation of telepathic nanites that ended the Borg War; security officer Sarah Corcoran, one of  the youngest officer to ever join the elite division of Starfleet; 011 and 110, the first and only Bynar medical officers aboard any Federation vessel; Elisha Leône, the only Orion officer in the history of the Federation; Oseno Jureth, the famous acting captain who had made the current peace with the Undine possible; Neil S. Redding, who's accomplishments in and out of Lotus Fleet were the stuff of legends; and last but not least, Captain Kheren, the most decorated officer of Lotus Fleet, with his wives, the towering security officer Tyvya who had saved his life through a selfless act of love, now sung all the way to their homeworld of Andoria... and chief counselor Lyrya, the only Aenar in Starfleet and also one of the main actors of that extraordinary event.

They fell in line behind their captain, along with several dozens of officers from their crew, to greet and congratulates every officer of the USS Phoenix and especially their chief medical officer, former colleague of  most of them either or on the USS Spectre or the late, great starship Artemis; and of course Captain Syntron, who had served as Chief Science Officer and First Officer aboard that same legendary vessel almost for it's entire revival within Lotus Fleet and until her very heroic end completing the Azimuth Horizon operation.

When Kheren came up to the taller, bearded Vulcan, he lifted a hand in a smoothly executed Vulcan salute.

"Your service and that of your crew honors us, Captain Syntron. May the Phoenix and all aboard her live long and prosper."

Syntron returned the Vulcan salutation as he responded.

"Thank you Captain Kheren, as does you and your fine crew joining us here this evening honor us as well."

He spoke these words sincerely as he noticed all of the Andorian's senior officers behind him beginning to mingle amongst his crew.

The Vulcan captain then leaned in and spoke rather quietly to his former captain.

"It is rather fortunate... for a lack of a better word... if not peculiar, that we find ourselves standing here under these circumstances, is it not Captain? Considering our last conscious moments aboard the Aegis while we were within grasp of either finalizing the containment or be exterminated by the Anomaly... that the odds seemed most improbable that we would find ourselves in full-health this relatively short time later on the cusp of launching two new vessels for the fleet. Meanwhile, our respective crews are here interacting together as if none of this occurred and they have all been long-lost companions."     

"Hence why I believe in luck but not in destiny, " answered the dark-skinned Andorian, "but most of all, I believe in our living spirit."

Syntron nodded in response. "Akin to a degree to the katra in ancient Vulcan beliefs; although it's application in this case may be somewhat more... unique."  

"Rather in the sense of the enduring strength and resolve of the insatiable Human spirit, " corrected Kheren. " Explains a lot why there are more of them than any other kind of people in this Starfleet of ours. Not to forget to consider what legendary James Kirk is believed to have said; that... everybody's human. "

With what appeared to be a slight smirk for a Vulcan, Syntron responded.

"Indeed... but it was a rather presumptuous statement from that human was it not?

After a few seconds, Syntron added "Although it is rather futile to dispute the notion of what he was implying when considering all that he accomplished while in Starfleet... especially for a human."  

Kheren's antennae curled slightly inward.

"Hmmm I do not know... I shudder to think what it would have meant if he had said instead; everyone is... Andorian."

With a slightly elevated eyebrow, the Vulcan responded to the implication of, and the humor contain within the Andorian's response.

"That would indeed be a curious scenario to ponder Captain Kheren; especially the ramifications of such a ubiquitous shifting of Starfleet personnel."

Snagging two identical glasses off of a passing waiter's tray, Rogers handed one of the quarter full copita type containers to Commander Riker.

"Now this stuff Commander may be a bit out of your usual fare. But I think you'll find it palatable."

David gave the light purple hued contents of his glass a quick swirl and then took a large sip, taking half the contents of the Calaman Sherry into his mouth to savor the taste.

Sensing a fellow lover of alcohol Commander Riker was impressed with Rogers over his knowledge of the finer spirits of the galaxy.  Grabbing the glass of sherry Commander Riker drank it down in one long gulp and placed the empty glass on the same tray before the server could step away.  Looking over at the slightly impressed and mildly confused look on Roger's face Riker laughed.

"What?"

Laughing aloud Riker nodded to the server standing next to him and Rogers there was going to be a lot of drinks coming their way tonight.

 "Nothing Commander. I just usually sip Sherry."

 Finishing the contents of his own glass, David turned slightly away toward another waiter passing obliquely near the pair of Phoenix officers, and snagged two tall glasses containing very dark green, semi-viscous liquid. If this was what he presumed it was, the Xarantine Ale would perhaps be a change for the XO of the Phoenix. As he handed one of the glasses of ale to Commander Riker, David interjected a comment as he lightly sniffed his own glass in order to verify the aroma of the Xarantine Ale contained within.

 "My father ... i mean adoptive father, hauled tonnes of alcohol during my time aboard his D'kora. You might say that there is very little known spirits left in the galaxy that I have not come across in my travel's Commander. This ale comes from near Klingon space."

 Not to be out done, David tipped his glass up and drained the contents in two swallow's, then returned the empty glass to another passing tray of drinks.