Well seeing as you guys think you know the answer..... I guess I can give you part 2...
Enjoy
Lucy
“Lieutenant Senior Grade Ehliena Troi. Would you accept a transfer to the Diplomatic Corps to work directly with Ambassador Caine as his Aide?”
Ehliena stared at the Captain, not able to believe what she was hearing. A few chuckles could be heard around the room, everyone smiling at the Captain’s move. A nudge from Guinan reminded her that she needed to give an answer. “Yes sir, I would accept the transfer, if both you and the Ambassador think I am suitable for the job.”
Horatio raised an eyebrow,
you have to ask? The look on his face was a clear enough indication to everyone else in the room of his answer, but he too gave a formal answer to the question.
“Just a moment sir.” Will stepped in quietly as Jean-Luc had primed him. “Due to the delicate situations that often surround negotiations, Aides have to be at least Lieutenant Commander or above. With all due respect to the Lieutenant, she does not hold the rank to take the position.”
Ehliena dropped her head, her mind in turmoil – so much so that she did not notice the chuckles among the senior staff.
The Captain nodded, “Hmmm. You’re quite right number one; well in that case we’d better do something about it.” Scaring her out of her thoughts, he called her. “Lieutenant Troi, step forward.”
Ehliena did as she was told, moving to stand in front of the Captain as ordered. From his pocket he produced a small box, “For her dedication and selfless commitment to the Enterprise, Starfleet acknowledges that Lieutenant Ehliena Troi has performed above and beyond the call of duty. As a result, from this day forth, she will be promoted to Lieutenant Commander with all privileges accorded to that rank. Congratulations and good luck in your new role.”
Ehliena stood still while the Captain added her new insignia to her collar. She knew within minutes that everyone on board would know of her new rank and position. After shaking hands with her Captain, she was surrounded by her friends, giving their congratulations and best wishes.
Congratulations sweetheart, we’ll celebrate later… Horatio’s thought from across the room was full of pride at her achievement and she felt the phantom kiss on her cheek as he raised his glass in salute.
&&
“Captain, may I have a word?”
Jean-Luc smiled as he turned around, Horatio was still very formal in the way he liked to do things, but his relationship with Ehliena was helping his conversation to become less stilted and more natural.
“Of course Ambassador, how can I help you?”
Horatio explained how Ehliena used to help him prepare for any diplomatic work. “We used to meet in her office, but as Deanna will be resuming her duties as Counsellor, that could be a bit of a problem.”
The Captain nodded, “Hmmm yes I can see that might be a problem for you, but I don’t know where we can fit you, generally, the Enterprise does not carry a full time Ambassador on board – though many ships have a liaison team. However, they are usually designated as Diplomatic ships and have a different layout, I suppose you could use the observation lounge…”
Horatio took a deep breath, hoping that the Captain would accept his idea. “I understand that there are several quarters normally allotted to families that are empty, would it be a problem if I took over one of those? I could vacate the quarters I have now. The extra room that most families use as a dining room could be used as my ‘office’ and Ehliena and I would not be getting in anyone’s way.”
The Captain hid a smile, he was not telepathic in anyway, but sensed that the larger quarters would also be better for a more personal reason. “It seems like a very good idea Ambassador, I’ll talk to Commander Riker about it – you’ll want it shielded of course.”
As Horatio nodded, he blushed slightly at the reference to shielding, but managed to hide it well. As he gave the Captain his thanks and turned away, Jean-Luc stopped him and spoke quietly. “Ambassador, I am glad to see that you have finally settled to our way of life. Please accept my best wishes for your future work with Ehliena, I feel that we have yet to see how strong the two of you truly are as a team.”
Horatio gave him a short nod, but the Captain was not yet finished, “Horatio, I am glad I was able to help, please let me know when I can be of further service…”
The Ambassador gave a soft smile, “Thank you Captain, while I hope that Ehliena and I will be able to manage any diplomatic situations, we would appreciate your insight, you do have far more experience than either of us in that respect. However there is one area in which I will need your assistance, though maybe not just yet.”
The Captain nodded, “Whenever you need me Ambassador, just let me know.”
Across the room Deanna was sharing a few jokes with Will, Geordi and Data, though she was looking around carefully, “Has anyone seen Ehliena?”
Geordi chuckled, “She disappeared about ten minutes ago, I saw her leave. She seemed ok though.”
Deanna nodded, “The promotion and new post will have startled her a little – I’m sure she’s gone looking for some peace and quiet. That’s her way. Maybe I should go and make sure she’s ok.”
Will caught her shoulder, “Don’t you dare, she doesn’t need you jumping in on her, besides – I think someone else has had the same idea and I think he’s much more suited to the task.” He nodded towards the door, where the friends saw Horatio slipping out quietly.