Cmdr Ben Livingston, "Achievement" (Tag ALL)

[Will Maurer]

((OOC - for those who’ve not been with us before, we take time after missions to recognize the IC achievements of our characters. For those who have just joined us, I look forward to presenting your characters with awards at our next ceremony! Congratulations to all, and let the party continue! Well done, everyone!))

((Lagoon, Pernipia Gamma IV))

 

::It took Ben a while to find the opportunity, but at length he broke away from conversation, and moved silently through the happy crowd toward a short dais that the Operations team had constructed. Hidden away, he found a small box and checked that it contained everything he had expected. Indeed, everything was to his liking, and Ben looked out over the officers gathered there. All of them had made it, including the infirm and injured, reminding Ben of the wonders that laughter and fresh air can do for any ailment. Of course, he’d refer them to Doctor Drake for actual prescription of such, but he could feel the benefits even now. After a moment, he got everyone’s attention.::

 

Livingston: If everyone would pause their enjoyment for just a few minutes, there are a few orders of business that need our attention. And then, I promise to return you to the festivities with a few extra reasons to celebrate.

 

::As everyone quieted and gathered closer, Ben opened the box and placed it on a small table to his left. Then, he removed a set of ribbons from the box.::

 

Livingston: This has been a long, hard mission for all of us. We have successfully set up a colony on this planet, and we’ve given it a greater chance of success than it had at the outset. Along the way, we’ve faced many challenges: logistical, diplomatic, scientific … all of these and more. We’ve overcome them, and set good people on a road to success. I’d like to acknowledge some of our own successes. Would the following officers please join me: Ensign Marcus Drake, Ensign Esme Drake, and Ensign Riverview.

::As they came forward, Ben removed a set of service ribbons from the box.::

Livingston: These officers contributed to discoveries related to this planet. Whether through their work on the Away team or aboard Columbia, the colonists are now armed with knowledge of this world, and they are safer for their work. They are all awarded the Explorer’s ribbon. On behalf of the colony and your crew, thank you, Ensigns.

::He extended a hand to each of them, shaking theirs as he passed them a ribbon.::

M. Drake / E. Drake / Riverview: response

::As they left, Ben raised a hand before Esme had a chance to leave.::

Livingston: Ensign Esme Drake, one more thing. I am very pleased to say that you have earned this. ::Reaching into the box, he retrieved a shiny black pip. Pinning it to her collar, he stepped back and smiled.:: Lieutenant Junior Grade Drake. Congratulations.

E. Drake: response

Livingston: If Ensign Story, Commander Thomas, and Lieutenant Washburn would join me? ::He waited for them to arrive, then continued.:: These officers have also, through their efforts,  contributed to the success of this colony, and are awarded the Explorer’s ribbon.These men also made extensive modifications to the colony pod, both allowing us to get it down here in one piece, ::he chuckled:: as well as giving the colony a few welcome upgrades. You are all awarded the Innovation ribbon for your hard work outfitting the colony pod for success. Thank you.

::To each, again, he handed ribbons, and he shook each one’s hand. As he did, he recalled the work they’d done on the pod, and he was glad his own pride had not interfered with their work. It had been difficult to separate himself from that work, but it was for the best.::

Story / Thomas / Washburn: response

Livingston: Would Commanders Brek and Taybrim approach?

::They came up to the dais, and Ben suppressed a smile. He’d long served with each of them, and he was proud to stand beside them now. What fortunes awaited them in the future, he did not know; Hopefully, they would stand together again.::

Livingston: Commander Brek, Commander Taybrim, you were both instrumental in providing as easy a trip for the colonists as was possible, given the circumstances. You also kept at bay those hostile colonists who sought to do harm to us and our home. I am pleased to present you each with the Explorer’s Ribbon, for your efforts in learning about this planet, as well as the Diplomacy Ribbon, for your work in keeping the peace aboard Columbia.

::He smiled broadly as he presented them with their ribbons.::

Brek / Taybrim: response

::Now, Ben called up three final officers, and as he did, he gathered together what remained in his flat, wooden box.::

Livingston: Lieutenant Kelly, Lieutenant Silveira, and Ian Connory, please come forward. ::He waited as they assembled before the crowd.:: Each of you also contributed to what we learned on this planet, and for that, you have earned the Explorer’s Ribbon. Congratulations. However, that will not be, I think, how you remember this mission. You will bear the scars of injury sustained in the line of duty, and for that, each of you shall receive the Purple Heart. ::He took a moment to distribute the ribbons.:: 

Kelly / Silveira / Connory: response 

Livingston: Lieutenants Kelly and Silveira also distinguished themselves in the apprehension of Gerard and in stopping Robert Carson from doing further harm. Lieutenants, you are each awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon. Additionally, I am very pleased to promote you each to Lieutenant Commander. Very well, done, Commanders! I look forward to continuing to serve with our Chief Tactical Officer and our newly appointed Chief of Security.

::He couldn’t help but smile at that.::

Kelly / Silveira: response

::Ben shook both their hands in congratulations, then pinned to each the black pip that signified their attainment of Lieutenant Commander. Then, he allowed them to step down; he himself returned his attention to the man remaining beside him: Ian Connory.::

Livingston: Ensign Connory, your efforts aboard the colony pod ensured that we dealt with the colonists’ issues promptly and completely. You did not hesitate to take a primary role in addressing the issues, and you have gone beyond the requirements of your post. It is with pleasure that, for your efforts, I grant you the Captain’s Commendation. ::Ben removed from the box a final ribbon and handed it to Ian.:: Thank you.

Connory: response

Livingston: Additionally, you have earned one more thing. ::He removed one last pip from his box before setting it aside.:: Ian Connory, you are hereby promoted to Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Congratulations.

::Ben pinned it to Ian’s collar before stepping back and shaking the man’s hand.::

Connory: response

::Once he was alone at the front, once more, he smiled and clapped his hands together.::

Livingston: Well done, all! Thank you all for helping us to establish a colony on this beautiful world! Now, let’s enjoy it a bit before we head back home, shall we?

::Ben hopped down from the stage, and he could feel the sudden release of energy as each officer offered the others congratulations.::

-----

Commander Ben Livingston

Commanding Officer

USS Columbia NCC-85279