NEW HORIZON: New ships and assignments

 And at that moment, everyone got quiet. The Rear Admiral was addressing them all.

"Officers of Lotus Fleet; you are the prime example of what Starfleet has to offer, itself the shinning light to promote and preserve the dream of universal peace and  brotherhood that is the United Federation of Planets. There are some among you who, not so long ago, would have been called strangers; even a few who would have been called ennemy. Now, you stand with us to boldly go where we must go to share and live that ideal."

He paused to look at the many hundreds assembled there and the image of the ships that they served on. His hand pointed at them as he resumed.

When this division of Starfleet was commissionned, to engage the elite of our peoples in facing the challenges of the stars, we started with but two vessels; the USS Aurora as our own branch of Starfleet Academy, and the USS Lotus as our flagship. There is no need to remind anyone here of the unparalleled example thye provided in their respective duties. Then came the USS McKenzie, our first defender, with the USS Umqua, our first science vessel. They served with distinction, spearheading the ships that would follow under our proud banner. Some like the McKenzie, the USS Wisconsin, the USS Republic, the USS Pittsburg, the USS Alsea and the USS Spectre still serve in this most sensitive and strategic sector. Others however did not enjoy the peaceful retirement of the Umqua."

A heavy silence was felt like a cold wind by more than a few, as many officers present had been witness to the dramatic fate of the ships Kotari now was bringing back to their memory, the computer imagery giving them for a moment a new life.

"The USS Tempest, Akira class, under the command of Captain Michael Rock... lost to the Borg on the eve of their final invasion; the USS Nuntio, Nova class, under the command of Captain Caroline Rousseau... lost to the Azimuth Horizon anomaly; and the USS Artemis, Ambassador class, the stalwart guardian of the Federation under the command of Captain Kheren, sacrificed to stop a Romulan Scimitar class dreadnought from destroying this starbase and then to ensure the success of Operation Horizon."

Again he paused, to let everyone reflect on these events... or mourn their losses.

"To quote legendary Captain James T Kirk; risk is our business. We risk ourselves so that other may gain and keep peace, knowledge, prosperity and freedom. You have all given much already; and I know you are all willing to give even more. that is why you are here. So let us face the next challenges together."

There was heartily felt yet disciplined applause as he sat back down in his chair. When everyone quieted again, Fleet Captain Samji rose to speak.

"Officers of Lotus Fleet, new challenges requires new plans, better protocols and more ressources. Therefore, here are the next assignments for our ships and crews."

He looked at each crew in turn as he spoke.

"The Uss Aurora, under the command of Commodore Brigham and Captain Vincent, will resume her duties as our Academy ship. The Steamrunner under the command of Captain Ramabai will stay as our starbase assigned starship ready to offer assistance when needed. The Wisconsin under the command of Captain Onias will resume her ferrying duties of personnel and supply for the Hromi sector. The Republic under the command of Captain Wyatt will resume her patrol duties of the Hromi sector. The Mckenzie under the command of Captain Riker will return to her patrol duties along the Neutral Zone. The Spectre, now returned to standard configuration after saving this reality from the Kelvin temporal distorsion, will return under the command of Captain Summers to her patrolling duties of the Organian Peace Treaty Zone. The USS Phoenix under the command of Captain Syntron will return to the Eden universe a beyond the Azimuth Horizon and resume her star charting and exploration there."

This business as usual confirmation told eveyone in the room that what would follow would be unprecedented. The pause Samji made before continuing told them as much.

"The USS Alsea is to be reassigned as our Command School vessel under the command of Captain Rachele Rivers."

He now looked at the Bajoran commanding officer and his people.

"Captain Jureth Oseno; you and your crew will report to your new command; the USS Discovery. "

The name was well known, almost as much as the name Enterprise, dating back even to early Terran space exploration; but the ship they now saw replacing the Alsea was no old design; sleek and elegant, her oval saucer was almost level to her elongated secondary hull, her neck sharply angles as the pylons that supported her long pair of nacelles behind in a profiled silhouette of the classic Starfleet design.

" NCC-82602, Vesta class, DeSilvo refit; twenty-three decks, seven hundred and forty-five crew, quantum slipstream drive and the most advanced tactical systems, labs and sensors available. As the Phoenix is our deep space explorer in another universe, she will fill this role in ours."

They were all still in awe of the splendid heavy cruiser when Samji addressed specific officers in the room.

"Commander Marksus Sangliar; you will be transfered back to the starbase to resume your duties as captain of engineering for the fleet. Commander Scyshyllyss; you will report to the Discovery as her first officer. Mister Sorripto; you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and will report to the Discovery as her chief engineer. Lieutenant Junior Grade Robert Moore; you will report to the Discovery as chief flight officer."

The towering Schaell Scyshyllyss simply nodded his bald, earless red and blue scaled head, his huge black slitted eyes unblinking. As a Saurian, all of his emotions were confined to his dormant secondary brain down in his lower abdomen. Only his utterly emotionless upper primary brain registered the meaning of what his weak hearing had nevertheless caught; he was to join a new ship, a new crew, a new challenge where no one has gone before. He had no feeling about it; still, the prospect of this new assignment was intriguing, especially considering that he was to serve a Bajoran captain, one from a deeply spiritual people where he himself came from a species totally devoid of any such concepts since millions of years.

Starfleet was fond of pairing commanding officers with execs to check and balance them; this was proving to be a prime example of that philosophy it seemed.

Marksus Sangliar for his part just snorted with his big black snout, crossed his arms under his long thick beard and grumbled something inintelligible in his native Tellar tongue. Anyone would have thought that he was frustrated; but it was just a show to entice some inexperienced officer to fall prey to his customary argumentative sport. In truth, he was glad to get back to pure engineering research instead of flying around the galaxy on new ships so well designed they practically ran themselves and barely required routine maintenance. Too boring for him; and confronting combat or diplomatic situations, exploring unknown worlds and phenomenae, was not his idea of fun, even less of real work.

Nodding at his new assignment, and promotion, Sorripto smiled. He enjoyed the prospect of a new ship to toil with and upgrade. Chief Engineer was a title that suited the Cardassian and he looked forward to his new adventures.

Samji paused as there were a few congratulations flying around. But they quickly quieted as it was obvious the starbase commander and executive fleet officer was just beginning.

"The USS Pittsburg, after all those years serving with honor on the Federation Kzin border, is to be decommissionned."

He then looked at the towering felinoid officer.

"Captain Speaker-Of-Names; you and your crew will report to your new command; the USS Hoshea."

The Kzinti nodded, large arms folded over his barrel chest. Over the heads of the Kzinti's crew, the old New Orleans frigate was replaced by the image of a brand new ship, looking like a smaller version of a cross between an Akira class and a Nebula class with her lowered nacelles attached to a saucer with a diminutive secondary hull,  but with a massive sensor pod on top.

"NCC-98729, Luna class, Copernicus refit; seventeen decks, crew of three hundred and fifty nine, state of the art diplomatic accomodations, extended science implements and the latest in starship weaponry. She will be the new voice for peace and knowledge on the Kzinti front. Recent events are calling for those capabilites and a crew experienced in facing not only the particulars of this region of space, but the unknown as well."

He then turned towards the section of the room where sat the crew of the Phoenix.

"Mister Jonathan Livingstone; you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and transfered to the Hoshea as chief science officer. Lieutenant Junior Grade Sean Andrews; you will report to the Hoshea as her chief engineer."

The bird-lixe X'ell looked over at the impressive felinoid commanding officer and his feathered crest rose with his sheereess lights blinking in elation. A diplomatic ship crewed by fascinating new species; as a pacifist eager to discover the universe, he could not have hoped for a better opportunity.

Captain Speaker-of-Names turned to each name as they were read in turn, eyes narrowing slightly then nodding slightly and sharply. It would appear they were briefly assessed then approved for that moment. As his eyes met Mister Livingstone's, one of his bat wing-like ears flicked. Then he gestured for the X'ell to join the former command crew of the Pittsburg and himself.

Livingstone turned towards Captain Syntron and nodded his head to him.

"Thank you for your guidance and example, Sir. As my first commander, you will be the reference I will recall to as to what it means to be a Starfleet officer. May your flight bring you to beautiful horizons."

And with that, he gave a last nod and then moved towards the Hoshea captain. he could not refrain an instinctive shiver looking at the Kzinti colossus; some atavistic remnant of his avian ancestry towards feline kind he tought, just like Humans had toward reptiles. But he was quickly put at ease by the welcome and the Federation ambiance of the meeting.

The same courtesy was extended to Lieutenant Junior Grade Andrews. The woman at his side took it a step further and moved to congratulate the two, shaking their hands when she'd intercepted them. "I'm Commander Bankoli, good to have you aboard our new ship." She gestured to another human woman, younger and with white hair cropped short. "This is our Chief of Security, Commander Evelyn Ryan."

The security chief nodded to each of them as well in acknowledgement. She was business even as she said, "Congratulations. Welcome aboard."

Livingstone had adapted quickly enough to the peculiar Human form of greeting prevalent in Starfleet; as usual, he wondered what they felt when they came in contact with his warm, feather-covered hand, so different from everyone else. And with the astounding variety of sentient beings assembled here, that was saying much.

 Shawn had stood stoically through the meeting, letting Fleet Captain Samji have his say. There was much pomp and ceremony as the various captains were assigned to new ships and these same ships were assigned officers. Stoically that is until his name was called and he brought full attention to the front dais where the fleet captain stood.

Again, the Hindu man let congratulations be exchanged before continuing. What he had to announce next would need all their attention. And it would certainly grab it.

" The Lotus is now assigned under the command of Captain Connora'tu Felez as our special mission vessel. Be it the testing of new technologies, resolving delicate situations or offering support to any of our other ships, the Lotus will remain on ready status within the starbase until such needs arise. Her crew assignments will also be on a need by need basis."

He then addressed directly the two highest ranking officers seated with the Efrozian commanding officer.

"Doctor Elliago Nasaro-Myth; you are hereby transfered to the flagship Horizon to serve as Chief Medical Officer and Acting Executive Officer until a first officer is assigned to the flagship."

The Deltan simply smiled his well known charming smile and acknowledged the order with a nod of his bald-shaven head. His purple eyes however were shrouded with confusion as he looked at the familiar ship and crew. He had served with them barely months before, and then had been assigned to the investigation of the disappearance of the Diamond Star, sister ship of the Horizon. Although he did had actual command experience, he expected to return as her chief medical officer, but certainly not doubling up as her executive officer.

If people were surprised, many looking at Redding as he was well known as the current first officer of the Horizon, until now, they had no time to ponder this unexpected announcement as the starbase commander was only starting.

"Commander Rogers; you are hereby relieved of duty as chief engineer of the Lotus. You will report tomorrow at seven hundred hours to docking bay 1 for immediate transfer."

Even commanding officers who knew things about David Rogers that the rest of the fleet didn't were nevertheless startled. Rogers had served with distinction, most notably on the latest time saving mission of the Spectre. People were so in shock that no one spoke as Samji now turned to those under the projection of the flagship Horizon.

"Commander Neil Redding; you are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as commanding officer of the USS Horizon."

The shock of this new announcement was now felt like a tremor of deafening silence while Samji spoke.

Jureth wanted to stand up and shout...the Alsea was his ship. He had gotten her through Operation Horizon, and he had gotten her through a diplomatic dogfight with three separate groups of Romulans. Then there was the news that Captain Kheren was being removed from command of the Horizon. Why? to What end? Oseno respected the Andorian as one of the finest Starfleet officers he'd ever met and Rear Admiral Kotari didn't seem to be forthcoming with any details. It didn't make any sense to the Bajoran, but he also realized that he couldn't very well cause a scene then and there. He was a command officer and was expected to take whatever his assignment came to him regarless of his personal feelings. Still, he felt he was being robbed of a chance to establish a true rapport with his staff of the Alsea. He closed his eyes and went over his rarely used religious tents to calm himself down while doing his best not to show his disappointment outright where junior officers could read it.

 “As you were!” ordered Kotari with a hard tone.

Once the officers in the room quieted down, he nodded to Samji to continue.

" Along with Doctor Nasaro-Myth as your acting XO, 2nd Lieutenant Alexandria Somers assigned as MACO leader on board the Horizon will double up as acting Strategic Operations Officer under your command. Civilian manager Nathan Cross is to be replaced by a new manager, Miss Shelley Rogers. Lieutenant Junior Grade Trea; you will assume duties as chief of security and tactical on the flagship. Commander Aron'Son; you are hereby releived of duty. You will report tomorrow at seven hundred hours at docking bay 1 for immediate transfer."

The discord amongst the crowd earned a small tilt of the head from Lieutenant; a reaction that was the beginning of something more... until the orange-eyed security officer heard what her first commission with Lotus Fleet would be. Then those eyes got very wide and an unrestrained grin spread across her face. Immediately, she hopped up from her chair and made way to Commander Aron'Son. As she passed in front the Jem'Hadar, she smiled and turned to bow her head towards him, closing her eyes briefly and bringing one fist to her chest. "I'll be taking your seat. I hope your next one's still more to your liking."

And with that, the seven foot tall young woman turned and walked gracefully and with a perceptible cadence towards the section the now Captain Redding had invited Aron'Son.

All the while, Samji was looking straight at the dark-hued Andorian sitting strangely quiet ; so was a sizeable portion of his crew; those who had served with him on the lost USS Artemis. Not many noticed however that Samji himself looked as distraught as the rest of them, despite making the announcement himself; even less noticed that Kotari also was looking as much confused as they were... even angry.

Alex was sitting there listening, she was surprised to hear about the removal of Captain Kheren, but was even more surprised at her being assigned as a tempoary Strategic Operations officer, as well as MACO leader, she had never done Strategic operations before, she made a note to seek out Captain Reading on her new duties.

"Captain Kheren; you have received the list of officers and crew members to be relieved of duty and ordered to docking bay 1 tomorrow at seven hundred hours for transfer."

The Andorian stood before answering.

"Aye, Sir, I have."

The silence in the vast room could be felt now like lead on everyone's mind. The words of Samji, spoken softly but with authority, echoed like thunder to many an ear.

"Captain Kheren; report to docking bay 1 tomorrow, seven hundred hours. You are hereby relieved of your command."

An eternity went by within the few seconds it took for the Andorian to speak.

"Aye, Sir. I stand relieved."

He then turned to face his former first officer as he next spoke outloud.

"Computer; patch me to the USS Horizon's main computer."

"Confirmed," answered the familiar disembodied voice known throughout Starfleet.

"Computer; recognize Kheren, Captain, commanding officer, serial number AO290558-ACH."

"Confirmed."

"Transfer all command codes to Captain Neil S. Redding, authorization ...-...-... "

No one heard the ultrasonic syllables of graalek uttered by Kheren, his own native language; no one except a few like Vulcans, Caitians and Andorians... and the computer.

"Confirmed; all command codes of the USS Horizon NCC-102176 now under the authority of Captain Neil S. Redding."

The Andorian looked at the big Human wtih his unflinching silvery eyes, antennae straight up from his thick white mane, his voice obvioulsy pruposefully devoid of any emotion.

"Captain Redding; the ship is yours."

"I'll try to take your... example to heart Captain, and it was good working with you again." And two large men shook hands.

That human greeting was one thing that the former first officer had managed through his frank sincerity to make his Andorian captain comfortable with. On Andoria, you only touched someone you were mated with... or someone you were fighting against; sometimes, both were even the one and the same.

For his part Redding was as much surprised by this announcement as anyone. Of course he had been asked if he had an interest in taking the Horizons helm, be he never actually thought they'd give it to him.

"The honor was mine, Captain Redding. Congratulations. I could think of no one better deserving of this command; therefore, I am glad that my recommendation was acknowledged. And when I say the ship is yours, I mean it in every sense of the word. A quarter of the crew is to be transfered with me; just about every senior officers short of yourself.  You will have quite a job of building her back up again. That is why I also recommended my good friend Doctor Nasaro-Myth to join you and requested the best MACO officer available, Lieutenant Somers, to return to the flagship. The Horizon will be a new ship; your ship."

  Leaning casually against the rear wall of the conference hall, Shelly Rogers studiously took in the mumblings around her as Fleet Captain Samji made his announcements. The various intakes of breath, Ooh's and Aah's seemed to be like a fan club for contestants at a Dabo table. But when her brother's name was spoken, and he was relieved of duty, even her own stoic countenance was shaken a little.