Re-Christened

Posted on Wed Sep 11th, 2019 @ 1:44pm by Second Mate Quinton Beck & Second Mate Simon Starr & Master Steward Othor Jaxz Ghost of the Second Star & MERCHANT RANKS Fala Gaz (NPC)
Edited on on Sat Apr 18th, 2020 @ 11:01pm

3,972 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Meanwhile...
Timeline: 1200; 5 hours before launch at 1700

-Start-

{Main Bridge}

Othor had a tome in hands, leather bound and old, with the rich feeling only an old relic can have. He waited for the Captain to finish a call, patiently waiting outside the open door of the ready room. He marveled how it was still broken, clearly not a priority for the Captain, but he wondered what point was being made?

Kas entered the bridge for her shift a half hour early. She looked rough, the night had probably involved arguing with Ina. He wanted to help Kas, but she was not ready. So he simply looked at her with compassion, and greeted her kindly.

"Good morning, what have you got there?"

Othor planned on discussing this with everyone so he played it vague as his style usually dictated.

"A book."

Kas snorted in amusement, knowing the man was not being rude but was just acting according to his nature. She couldn't help but spar with him though,
"Oh wow, you know on Andor we had to use preserved flesh to make our parchments, wood pulp was too scarce. I've just never seen one in wood pulp before."

Her sassy demeanor got a rise from him, "Remind me to never order originals from Andor then. This is a copy of Treasure Island, an old book of Earths maritime past. A gift, a parable, leads into a point."

"So a prop?" She shook her head to cut it off there, deciding the answer was not up to the mystery preceding it. "Thanks, I gotta get settled in but be sure to read that to the kids sometime."

Othor heard the opening in the door created just then, it wasn't like she asked for his help, so he tested the waters. "Young parents can endure the lack of sleep, but once you leave your twenties I find a babysitter helps to get your six hours."

Kas looked confused for a moment, but then realized he had gracefully created an identical issue he could help with that didn't ask for discussion about Ina. It was just like Othor to pay attention to such finite details in his mannerisms.

"That sounds amazing, we can cook you dinner even you are in the kitchen all day-"

"Nonsense. Today will be a hard day so you need sleep! Let me come by tonight, I'll entertain the kids and put them to sleep." He didn't have to say it, but his presence would keep Ina from digging into them.

Kas was beyond grateful, "That sounds great, I can't wait to have a moments quiet. Thanks, really."

Quinton called out, "Othor? Kas out there too?"

They both stepped into the doors field of view, Quinton was handling several padds, Fala was harping on a few items on those various pads trying to keep his attention on all of them at once.

"Yes Captain, I am sorry to interrupt."

Quinton needed a break from Fala, "No, come on in, this is as non busy as I'll get today. Padds up to my elbows to be processed, but I have time for you."

Othor moved in and Kas went to her seat but Quinton stopped her, "Kas you too, don't be starting early and thinking you can get that sweet overtime." He winked at her, a less than subtle way of telling her he was aware too.

There were installed stool seats that everybody hated, so Quinton had them removed altogether. This left him with the only seat, but it worked out since people weren't so long winded when they stood. Othor waited for Kas to come by him, and only then began to speak.

"We have to go through a re-christening, there are many on the crew who feel this ship invites bad luck sailing under a new name without having sundered the first. Believing in bad luck has a way of bringing it about in my experience."

Kas looked to Othor with incredulity, "Luck, Othor? Do you really believe that?"

Quinton chimed in, "I do, though not in a metaphysical sense. Like a placebo, it can cause you behave differently, or perform harder, create an underdog impression... Don't Andorian military vessels have historical names?

Kas blinked, still not believing she was discussing child's superstition here, "No two Andorian vessels share a name, save for conventions of the same ship being rebuilt. In this case, for our ship it would be named the Lafitte II."

Othor shook his head, "See, we aren't that ship any more. We can do things it couldn't, and the other way around. I wanted to bring this to your attention as well because for the media, I believe a christening ceremony would put our name out there. We aren't some rebuilt Starfleet cruiser, we are a new ship. We need a new name, and for that we have to de-name, and re-christen."

Fala stopped what she was doing. "I've already had the manifest and serial identifiers changed in every registry that matters. It would require someone with archival knowledge to even have the Lafitte registry attached to this ship. Starfleet even maintains the listing for the Lafitte as "scuttled" post war, though that is to circumvent laws preventing sale of wartime materials to civilians."

"That's half of it, but the tradition demands a ceremony, to declare the old name forgotten. It is the first half of what would turn into a christening. I have a reference here in the classic novel "Treasure Island," in which Long John Silver says, "What a ship was christened, so let her stay."

Quinton looked at the book, a tradition older than all of them. He was amused, and it was a good idea. Reading the passage made contextual sense for the argument, but the real work at play was unifying the crew.

He looked from the book as Othor held it. A beat passed before Quinton smirked, asking, "Did you bring the book... just to prove the point, or what... you know what, just walk me through it then."

Othor laughed when he set it on the desk. "There are layers to the metaphor, best conveyed if you read it."

Kas took her leave, "I must be about my duties, please let me know if I need to act on any of this." With tongue firmly in cheek she walked onto the bridge.

Othor smirked, "As Fala mentioned, we have done the deeds of de-naming. So we can perhaps replicate a log book bearing its name and burn it, then enter the day one citation on the new log. We then have the ship renamed, and just need to christen that name."

"Okay, so what is exactly Christening, and how do we do it?"

"I'll spare you much of the history-"

"Thanks."

"Sailors of old believed in omens, portents, luck for good or ill. Appeasing the gods gave them a feeling of control in a world they could barely survive in. Once the name is settled on, you must crew the ship, bear new standards, repaint the hull. Then you announce to the gods and the world your new name. Share with gods, and crew, and the onlookers some water from the sea and you can launch under a new name, no ill omens."

Fala made a motion to speak, but Quinton cut her off knowing she was asking about effort and cost. "Your stewards are already on board with this and preparing it I take it."

A dark grin spread, "Yes, you burn the log book in three hours, we launch in five, and you toss the bottle."

"There isn't a simpler way to do all this?"

"Tradition also allows for an unwed virgin to urinate across the bow, though that is in older tales I find.

"Well, let's toss a bottle... a bottle of what?"

"Kava Wine. Lui's family sent it."

Quinton didn't know what else to say, the gesture was beautiful. "Sounds good Othor, tell me where and when."

{Security Office- Agora}

Starr walked into the Security office. Last time he came here, he was coming to report to Talloc, now he was coming in to make that desk his. He looked over the desk and sorted out anything that may have been personal to his predecessor and gathered the items.

"I'll need to give these to the Starbase before we go. Make sure they reach him." Starr said to nobody in particular. He then took a seat. He himself didn't have anything too personal and always kept the two lives separate while he was in the fleet. He saved that for his quarters.

"Well, congratulations chief" said the young Brig Officer Richard Noxley. "The prisoner transfer has been completed, I thought I'd come and let you know. The brig is empty once again,"

"Probably a good thing that I wasn't there. I served under Talloc for some time. It was a tough situation, but I don't take any crap. Even if their senior, and if he wants to play double agent, then he paid the price when he got found out. Anyway, here are his personal effects that he had - make sure they get to the Starbase will you? I might be blunt, but I'm no thief." Starr said, handing Noxley the box. He didn't want to come face to face with Talloc again. He had to let the past be the past, and now he had a job to do.

It was only a matter of hours before the launch of the ship, so he decided now would be as good a time as any to go on patrol around the ship to make sure everything was ready.

{Reception area- Second Star Forward Lounge}

There was a Crew Lounge on the forward most point facing the stars, Othor treated it like his own. In a floor to ceiling display of courage, the viewport was a prominent feature, so the seating was arrayed as though around a stage with stellar backdrop. Tables dotted the periphery of the amphitheater, where stewards served food and drink, a menu which for this occasion was entirely free. The lounge was packed for the launch, Judah was displaying the same image to monitors for all to see all around the ship.

Ina was scared of the launch. She knew the bluff in coming here had been called, she didn't have a friend int he world. She wanted to hate Kas for the death of their bondmate, but frankly was too exhausted to continue. She had come to the ship to bring them home, and now her whole family living here was in worse danger. The resilience of her kids, and the mates astounded her though. The kids didn't want to leave, they loved having Kas and Avor back. She had overplayed her hand and now was stuck here.

But a small part of her admitted she was happy to be there. She was so much more than anything people saw, and wanted to be seen. Avor chose to work, same as Kas, the launch was a whole ceremony so now, alone, she asked herself how to proceed?

So after a brief scan, Ina found Bas Klayton in the seating area, alone. Ina had been brought up to speed as to Bas and her kids on the run from a psychotic spouse, it was tragic. Such a man was supposed to be killed in silence and buried in secret. Feeling a possibility to make a friendly connection, she made her choice. Desperate for any contact that wasn't quarreling or childs banter she walked to the table.

"Bas Klayton, right? I am Ina, I serve the ship as teacher and daycare. May we sit together?"

Bas was suspicious to be certain, no friend had survived contact with her true life yet, and smiles hid daggers. However, this one was married to the ships XO, and that vouched for her enough to let her close. Ina was small, but the wounds inflicted on the brute who tried to kidnap the children spoke to her tenacity. Bas wasn't one to sit, but the chairs would bring them to a similar eye level. As it was she was seated and still stared down.

"Very nice to meet you, yes, I am Bas Klayton. My kids haven't joined your classes yet I am afraid."

"Oh, few have, it's only been a week and so much changes I find my day is half recapping the previous lessons."

The server took their order, the steward was dressed to the hilt, in the early stages of establishing a Crew uniform they each exhibited different flairs and designs. Their server wore a regal jacket with epaulets and rigid collar. It looked plainly uncomfortable, as though the poor boys neck was being stretched. Ina ordered a Deluvian-Rush cocktail, some kind of gravity defying affair that Othor put on the menu to impress everyone. Bas was more pure in her intent, the kids were taken care of, and she wanted to get just a little loose in the brain. A bottle of wine, one glass.

"Do you think we will have a good trip to Talar?" Bas hated awkward silence, but banal small talk was worse. Ina seemed to respond favorably to the outreach though.

Cocking her head in earnest consideration, she replied, "Hard to say. We would be the first Federation vessel to see it, so it wont be boring."

"Fair point. I for one hope to get there and go further."

Ina didnt want to jump into deeper waters so soon, but Bas had already opened the opportunity. "You are right to want distance, but the galaxy is smaller every day."

Bas wondered if this was a threat or warning, and why Ina said that. Playing it straight, she cocked her head to display how she felt about that.

"Well anytime I find a familiar face it's usually with a contract of some sorts, so I find running in a straight line to be somewhat as effective as trying to hide."

"I didn't mean it like that, I just wanted you to know I'm a friend. I'm here for your family, and we will help you maybe stop running."

Bas didn't like talking openly about her life, she squirmed. "So I understand you make honey? With live bees here?"

Ina played along, "My pride and joy, I also have silkworms, and various mitochondrial power plants running in some of the plants you see in my classroom. I'd love your thoughts on them."

Their drinks arrived, Ina's drink stirred itself through a vortice cycling back to the top, creating and destroying a delectable froth.

Bas eyed her wine, a vintage she never heard of, though the name "Kamshja Zil" displayed on the label was Betazoid. It had better be good, Ina had delight in her eyes like a child would.

"Cheers Ina."

Ina showed her confusion, the two clinked glasses together when Bas thrust hers forward. Ina recoiled, aghast at what was to her a sudden act.

Bas laughed, "It's earth tradition, the ringing of the glass is supposed to be pleasant and punctuate a speech usually. They will do it as we launch, rest assured."

Ina laughed, and it felt genuine. "I understand, careful though, I think my drink may contain a singularity."

They both shared a small laugh.

*

Starr was on his patrol at this point, and arrived at the Reception area. He knew everyone would be gathered here during the launch ceremony, which he was hoping would go smoothly. He glanced around the room to locate the vulnerable points. He knew the starbase had their own security, but it was always good to have a back up plan.

Stowaways were always a possibility during starbase rendezvous, and he wanted to make sure there weren't any when they left. He didn't want to deal with that when outside of federation space as the plan had been. Who knows the sort of havoc they could cause. Authorized passengers were hard work enough. Walking around, he made sure he knew where to post security details during the ceremony, and coordinated the necessary plans needed.

Othor came by Simons side as he patrolled. "Mr. Starr! May I get you a refreshment of any kind?

"Hello Othor" Starr answered. "I'm good with my water. I don't drink on duty" he replied. He looked around and made sure he had the security team in place. Events like this usually called only for a small team, just in case anything went out of the ordinary.

Othor heard his badge chirp,

=0= Othor, it is time.

With a half bow he walked away from Simon. He met Kas at the podium to the side of the main stage. Launch was in two and a half hours, and the christening ceremony awaited.

"The registry?" Kas asked him as she set up the notecards for the speakers to follow them.

"Already in the brazier, lights at your command."

Kas gave him a pat on the shoulder and took her place at the podium. She hated this part of the job, hosting was not work she would choose for herself.

In a strong voice of command, "In a moment we will commence the ceremony. Please take your seats."

The house lights flickered as well, and the gathered people began to move to their seats.

A beat passed, and the stewards showed everyone to their assigned seat, lights darkened, and elsewhere around the ship, the Agora, Main Engineering, Armory, School, similar parties watched the spectacle. Quinton, Fala, Othor also waited as it occurred, silent with their own thoughts.

Kas resumed once the lights and sounds had gotten low. "We have visitors from far away, and quite a few welcomed guests. There are many who we want to convey our most sincere thanks for their contributions, this show is for all of you. I am Kas Shar'zhen, Second in Command of this Ship, and I hereby announce the dissolution of the Former vessels name in spirit. May it never be spoken past this moment as it is sacrificed. Tuzet, Lafitte."

Kas pulled a small piece of fat lighter wood from the podium and lay it in the brazier on the center of the otherwise barren stage. She walked off to the left, as Othor stepped up to the podium after her.

"Gathered crew, spectators, citizens of the Federation... and our investors who enjoy this chance to view the Second Star in its first days of operation. As I speak the flames move to consume the identity of what this vessel has endured. This ship was an unlikely endeavor from the moment we sheltered in its berth from danger. Lives were lost, and those precious to us laid their lives down in the name of serving our greater good. They answered, and we are here now for their sacrifices. We thank the families who gave us their brothers and sisters, and continue their kinship with our crew. We will not let their sacrifice serve any master but the service of life and freedom. I am Othor Jaxz, Master Steward. I renounce this vessels former name, may it never be spoken past this moment as it is sacrificed. Oya, Lafitte."

He took a small piece of wood, laying it on the printed registry for the USS Lafitte.

Fala felt little emotion from any of this, but knew it was important for her to be seen as an equal part of the leadership. If they were to be here without her, it tarnished her image. She owned the company, so she would be right here.

"Ferengi vessels are named by the Daimon when they take over, usually a mythological creature, or reference to our love of enterprise. Today, I renounce the former name, the name is associated with dark deeds, so let it be done and washed away. A new future awaits. Slik'no Laffite."

Fala placed her piece but the fire had claimed half of the book already, there was time for one more speech.

Quinton hadn't considered any of this to be truly worthwhile. He humored the ceremony as it seemed harmless to speak a few words and have a little fun. Now, the passage Othor quoted rang true, the purpose of the gift, of all of it.

He was the Captain of a new ship, and this was very real. This was a new life, people had to change, and so now must he. Whereas once he was the fiduciary to his fathers bandit outfit, a new form and purpose took life.

He took his place at the podium, astounded to see all eyes on him. How in the hell had he become their leader? He saw Vicente holding a streaming device for Lui's family on Bajor. Quinton remembered how Vicente had described her funeral, and knew it was time to live up to her expectations.

"Today, I become a new man. We must all embrace change, and pursue within ourselves the truth of what we are, and who we want to be. My father chose to be what he was, and I paled in comparison. I am a bad liar, worse thief. I had been told that was the only way to be free, to mark your existence in the cosmos with flames, better to he hated than forgotten. Now, we are all here together. Our lives change today, and we will embrace it. This ship, our crew, our family, we will leave here for the last time as the people we are. Let the names of our past deeds go unspoken. Farewell Lafitte."

Quinton placed his final piece in the Brazier, "To our assembled audience, please join us in a toast and cheer for our esteemed vessel and newly named Home, the NXS Second Star."

To Othor's delight, the launching mechanism fired the bottle directly at the ship, it would take just under a minute to arrive, and they had time to pour the last few glasses before the final smash. It was with sudden dismay he saw the bottle that had been prepared for the event sitting on his bar.

Modern replicators created perfect bottles, no imperfections. Othor had known this, and scored a bottle along the bottom to ensure it would split wide open. When bottled and under pressure from the contents a bottle such as this made for a resilient container with a surprising reactivity. Since the one with a damage mark was here, the one loaded into the apparatus outside had to have been a similar, and pristine bottle.

Onlookers reached for their glasses and prepared to toast at the moment. For only the third time in is life, Othor didn't know what to do. There was nothing to do.

An unofficial countdown started when a Vulcan guest estimated 8 seconds left. Othor felt a smile coming to his face, unbidden, how had this come to pass.

He could only watch in horror.

At the sounding of "one," The optimists in the room clinked early. Nobody else did once the bottle plainly bounced right off the hull near to the observation port they all stood and stared through.

Scattered laughter passed through the crowd, but Quinton found it funny as well. He grabbed the microphone off the podium, "Well Hell, stern and serious Captain lasted all of half a minute. Change can be difficult."

This got genuine laughter, and the crowd relaxed again. He took the chance to send them off, "Good luck to all of us, Launch is in two hours, final checks already underway. See you outside everyone!"

Kas shook her head, bemused. "You tried Quinton, stern isn't your suit, shouldn't try it if you don't fit it."

He winked, "I got you for stern don't I?"

"Yes." She spoke a dozen meanings in a single word.

-End-

Austen
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