The Events Of The Day - Chapter #54

Helpful Hint:   I found the best way to picture this event is to compare it to something similar to the Olympic Medal Ceremony. . . .



Free Enterprise  -  The Events Of The Day - 54


Upon return to their new quarters, Tyr and Xena found a team of cadets being directed by a robed Tamara and Amanda, as they put finishing touches on the quad.

“Okay everyone. Stop work, form up and head out, the ceremony is in ninety minutes and your presence is required.” Amanda stated.

“Ma'am, Yes, Ma'am!” The twelve cadets said in unison and formed up. At another command they all marched out.

It took less than ten minutes for Tyr, Tamara, Xena and Amanda to get dressed. Like they'd been taught in the Academy so long ago, they checked each other over thoroughly.

Amanda became teary eyed as she realized this would be her final “buddy check”. They all drew each other into a group hug as Xena handed her a tissue.

“Alright then. Let's get 'er done!” Amanda said hoarsely as she tucked the tissue away. She had noted that both Tyr and Xena were wearing the long sleeved version of Starfleet Class A. The ones with special slits in the sleeves to accommodate their bone blades.

“Wow! Ya'll are really going whole hog, eh?” she asked as they exited their new quad.

“Nothing but the best for Starfleet.” Tyr replied.

When they arrived at Richenbacker Auditorium the place was nearly filled to capacity. Despite the fact that they were an hour early. The majority of the dignitaries and Ambassadors were there. Those who weren't, had reserved and had people holding seats them.

Tyr glanced up at the Mezzaniene and balcony. It was filled with StarFleet Cadets and Starfleet Marine Cadets. The Starfleet Cadets were dressed in Maroon. The darkest shade maroon were the upperclassmen, mid-way maroon denoted the midshipmen, and the lightest were the plebes. Starfleet Marines were all dressed in Navy blue, except for the upperclassmen who were dressed in all black. Dispersed among them were Starfleet Officers dressed in their Class A's or civilians decked out in their very best. Those were the instructors.

“Hoy! Anasazi!” a male voice called. Tyr immediately recognized the voice and beamed. He never dreamed of hearing that voice here of all places! A second later, he was crushed in the powerful arms of his oldest brother Agamemnon. Tyr hugged his brother back with the same ferocity.

“Hoy, Agamemnon! How did you. . . .?” Tyr started.

“Barbarossa received a personal invitation from HaxHistiria for him and as many Kodiak Pride members that could to attend at a short notice.” Agamemnon replied.

“Is father here?” Tyr asked hopefully. He'd heard Barbarossa  was “starting to show his age” about two and a half years ago. It would've been wonderful to see him again, before. . . . . Tyr's mind didn't want to go there.

“No he is not, unfortunately. He is no longer able to travel such distances. . . . . .” Agamemnon replied gently. Which were code words for the fact that their once powerful father was too old and frail to attend.  Tyr promised himself that once this hoopla was over he would return to Pinnacle and spend time with his father.

“Since he could not attend, Victoria sent us to represent.” Tyr smiled at the mention of his mother's ( The Matriarchs ) name. He looked up and seven of his older brothers, some of their wives and three of his older sisters. Including Isis who strongly believed in monogamy, and brought her consort.

“Wow! You can really tell those apples didn't fall far from the tree.” Tamara thought, safely from behind her mental shields. It was amazing how every single sibling was the splitting image of Tyr or vice versa.

By the time Tyr had completed introducing his family to his wives and crew, the Master Of Ceremonies had taken his place at the podium and called everyone to order. Everyone quickly found their seats and quieted down.

The lights dimmed and the next sound everyone heard was the voice of Star Fleet Marine Commandant Horacio Naverate as he called cadence. He marched in followed by four upperclassman who carried the United Federation Of Planets Flag and The Starfleet Academy Flag and The Starfleet Marine Flag and the Starfleet Flag. They marched up on stage. Placed the flags in their holders and stood at attention by them.

“All rise!” Starfleet Marine Commandant intoned. Thousands of attendees stood. Out marched two more Cadets. One a Starfleet Academy Upperclassman and one Starfleet Marine Upperclassman. First Cadet Vivian Struthers belted out the Starfleet Adademy Hymn, then The Starfleet Marine Cadet James Murphy sang the Starfleet Marine Hymn.

There is a known rivalry between the two camps of cadets, but they each cheered one another. Once they finished, of course.

Songs over, everyone sat and the speeches began. Speeches, speeches and more speeches. By this representative and that dignitary. Just as the natives were getting restless, HaxHis stepped up on stage and to the podium.

“Good evening Fellow Beings. I'm Admiral HaxHistria of the Third Fleet and as they used to say in Old Earth show business. Let's get this show on the road! Will the following people please step up on the platform.” she began. Then she started to call out names.

“Admiral Amanda Vanessa Hemingway. Commander Tamara McPhearson, Lieutenant Commander Xena Anol, Lieutenant Commander Gilgemesh Anasazi, Yeoman-Councilor Khan, Lieutenant Commander Kori Brikkar, Lieutenant Seamus Harper, Lieutenant Monique Estevez.”

As the nine officers stepped up, a line of Class A dressed officers entered stage left, each bearing a tray. Khan cast a quizzed gaze at Tyr, but his Nietzschean brother refused to look at him. He gazed down at his wife who'd been sitting next to him. She'd pulled her whiskers back, which meant something good.

“Admiral Amanda Hemingway. It has indeed been a pleasure serving with you for the past twenty years. During that time you have been awarded many citations. . .” HaxHis said, and began to list the Admiral's many awards. “. . . . . . .I know those are only a few awards and that your career extends back much further, but I was just a mere kit then.” HaxHis quipped. The audience which was hanging on every word, twittered and chuckled.

“Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. So, by the power vested in me, I officially decommission you as a Starfleet Admiral, and I install you as Deep Space Ten's Official Civilian Liaison.” HaxHis said as she removed Amanda's pips.

“Thank you, Ma'am.” Amanda said as she shook the Admiral's hand paw, took the plaque which commemorated the event and returned to her seat. Amid whoops and applause.

Next up was Tyr.

“Captain Tyr Anasazi, out of Victoria, by Barbarossa of the Kodiak Pride. The first Nietzschean Captain to be promoted to Rear Admiral. You also have many citations, to name a few. . . . . . .” Haxhis began and began to recite a list.

“ . . . . . . .There is much I would love to say, but I believe you should write a memoir because no one would believe me. You were my Number One Problem Child and at times, I thought you were not going to make it. But, here we stand. Are you ready for the challenge?” HaxHis asked.

“I am.” Tyr replied stoically.

"By the power vested in me, I promote you to Rear Admiral Tyr Anasazi, out of Victoria, by Barbarossa of the Kodiak Pride." HaxHis said.

The attending officer stepped up. HaxHis removed Tyr's old pips and replaced them with brand new ones which depicted his new rank. Haxhis shook his hand and handed him a plaque. He returned to his seat amid a standing ovation and wild whoops. No doubt added by the members of the Kodiak Pride and other Nietzscheans present.

Next was Tamara.

“Commander Tamara McPhearson. An excellent officer who has been through many a fire, and have received numerous awards. . . . . .” HaxHis began as she listed a few of Tamara's awards. Only a few of them were declassified. “ . . . . . . . . . to name a few. By the power vested in me I now promote you to Captain.” HaxHis said, as she removed Tamara's pips and replaced them with new ones, then handed her a plaque. Tamara returned to her seat in shock, amid applause, whoots.

The next person up was Lieutenant Gilgamesh was promoted to commander. Lieutenant Commander Kori Brikkar was promoted to Commander. Lieutenants Seamus Harper and Monique Estevez were both promoted to Lieutenant Commanders. Then the last person stood before her. Counselor-Yeoman Khan.

The two Katay faced one another. One, who would've been queen but gave up the throne to enter Starfleet. Another who'd pledged his life to be a certain Nietzscheans brother.

“I know you are wondering why you're standing here.” HaxHis said.

“I am, Ma'am. It certainly cannot be what I think it is.” Khan replied politely.

“Ah, but it is. By the power vested in me I now promote you to Captain.” HaxHis said to the shocked Katay, as she swapped out his old pips and replaced them with new ones. She then presented him with a plaque and Khan returned to his seat amid applause and more whoops.

HaxHis made another short speech and the ceremony ended. Tyr found himself immediately surrounded by family, crew and well-wishers. Amid the press he also picked up a slight whirring and annoying noise. Of course he frowned.

“Babe. Smile nice for the cameras.” Tamara warned Tyr mentally. Tyr ducked his head for a second "and fixed his face". Then beamed for the hover-holo cameras which had been broadcasting the event universe wide. Tamara's heart plus millions of other women's hearts were instantly melted at the sight of that smile.

Tamara took his arm and with the rest of the group, they made their way to the auditoriums doors.

“Where are we going now?” Tyr asked, as if he didn't know.

“To the reception and ball.” Amanda said as she took Tyr's plaque. “Think of it this way, it's a free meal.” she continued. “We'll meet you in a few.” Khan immediately replaced Amanda at Tyr's side, as she and quite a few ladies headed in the opposite direction.

“Admiral, you of all people know I have no wish to command.” Khan said. Tyr had tried numerous times to promote the Katay, but was stopped cold by that self same statement.

“It was the only way I could retain you as my personal assistant and adviser.” Tyr replied. "You can always give it back." Tyr continued and smiled again. He knew darned well Khan would rather walk backwards over hot coals than to do that.

They entered what was lovingly called the “Liddo Deck”, for lack of a proper name. It was a ginormous half deck sized room which could be used for large state dinners, balls, and such. It also had a breathtaking view of space the planet Paradiso or “Paradise”, which hovered below.

With strains of Beethoven in the background, Tyr's party which included his family, friends and crew were escorted to reserved tables by a liveried steward.

“Lieutenant JG Joseph Cross at your service, Sir.” The young man said by way of introduction. “The dinner is being served buffet style, but if there is anything special you or your party would like from the kitchens, please don't hesitate to let me know.” he continued politely.

“Is Rodger Anders from The Pepper Pot here?” Tyr whispered.

“Why yes, Sir. Would you like me to fetch him?” Cross asked.

“Yes, please.” Tyr said. Cross scoot.

While he hurried away, in came the ladies. Tyr raised an eyebrow as all were dressed in ball gowns. Tamara was dressed in a fetching purple number, Xena in green and Amanda in red. Tyr smiled and reminded himself that he would have to dance at least one time with each one of them. His wives did not believe in dressing up to merely sit around and look cute. They wanted him to show them off.

A second later Rodger was at his shoulder. A half a minute of whispered conversation and Rodger was off in a flash. He was back a minute later with a team of assistants. And they expertly set up shop and began to serve the Pepper Pot's delicious food and drink.

Perhaps an hour and a half later, couples began to filter out on the dance floor and began to dance. An octet of Starfleet officers were seated on a small stage and playing classical quadrilles.

The Orchestra finished and struck up another tune, Tyr stood, bowed and courtly took his senior wife's hand in his. An invitation for her to dance.

“Tyr, you know I have two left feet and cannot dance.” Tamara thought. Dreading stumbling and bumbling in front of all of these people.

“Just follow my lead.” Tyr said, as he stood her up. He led her to the dance floor and the rest was history.

“That wasn't so bad.” Tyr said as he returned her to her seat.

“No it wasn't. Perhaps I'll look into taking dance lessons once everything settles down.” Tamara said, and smiled within where only Tyr could see. There were far too many Vulcans present for her “to let the dogs out”.

Five minutes later, Tyr led Xena out on the dance floor. Xena was an expert dancer and was just beginning to enjoy herself when her stomach felt a bit queasy.

"Oh no!! Please, not here!" she thought, as she quickly and quietly excused herself and made a mad dash for the fresher. But, she didn't make it.

She bent over and it seemed like everything she had eaten for the past five days came up. A large delegation of Vulcans looked on like interested dobermans and raised their eyebrows in unison.

“Oh my. Projectile vomiting. Not good at all.” Doctor Kori said, as she “wanded” Xena with her seemingly ever-present, palm-sized medical tricorder.. By now Xena was surrounded by Tamara and Amanda who were armed with paper towels and cloths to clean her up. Tyr loomed right behind them

“What's wrong, Doctor?” he rumbled.

“Admiral Tyr, you're going to be a daddy, and of twins!” Kori replied and smiled.



NOTE TO READERS: I don't know if Nietzshcean women get morning sickness. Well, according to this chapter, they do now . . . .