Cmdr. Brek – Many Many Boxes (Everyone)

[spiral.arm1]

Ooc: In order to move the 'plot' forward, I'm sending the award ceremony tonight, so that with it done, we can truly focus on our shoreleave :).

((Starbase 118 - Cargo Bay 13 – Shuttle Gripsholm))

::Sat next to Ensign Flynn, Brek was deep in thought, his mind forever going back to TrueRelic, and how he could take his revenge on them. He was even considering calling his grandmother and ask for her help, when a familiar voice called him.::

Whittaker: “Commander?”

 

Brek: Lt. Whittaker. 

 

Whittaker: “I’d like to apologise for my behaviour just. I’m…” :: he looked again at the Risian :: “… just not feeling myself today.”

 

Brek: ::Turning round to observe the young Terran.:: I can see that. ::And then, without knowing why, he felt remorse.:: I also apologize for my impatience and hmm. greed. I had no call asking you to put so many hours trying to turn a pile of junk into something fantastically expensive. oO Then again, I was born on Ferenginar... Oo

Flynn: ?

Brek: Well, if the problem lies elsewhere, then I suggest that you both work on solving the issue. Believe me, life's too short to be anything but happy. 

::And that made Brek think, because it was always so easy to give clever advice to people. And yet, what wisdom did he possess? He who had made countless blunders and had always taken refuge in endless silences?::

Flynn, Whittaker: ?

((Time Skip - Echevar -  Peak Tower - Cypress Mountain))

::True to his reputation, Ensign Flynn had led them to their destination without effort. So much so that during the flight Brek even got the impression that the whole procedure was easy as 'pie'. Something that often happened when you witnessed something executed with perfect precision.::

::He was nonetheless glad when they touched down, as it meant that everyone would be able to sample the crisp air of the mountains and the famous blue snow. Once in the 'Great Outdoor' (ie a few inches away from the shuttle) Brek took a long breath of that fresh air, and he admired the view. In as much as he loved Starbase 118, there was something about walking on real soil that always felt a bit primitive and 'magical' to him. Planets, that was where all sentient beings were supposed to live, but he could spend months, and sometimes even years, without even visiting one.::

::He would have loved to stay there longer, but he got an odd sensation on his ears. A very sharp, almost burning pain. And so, fearing that his lobes were turning to ice, he decided it was time to head towards their ski lodge, which was a good ten minutes walk from the landing pad.::

Brek: ::To no one in particular.:: The brochure said that the Peak Tower offered invigorating holidays. I can see that they weren't lying. ::To the crew.:: First one to make it to the lodge gets to make a hot drink for everyone.

Anyone: ?

((Ten minutes later, inside the Lodge))

::It was warm, and cozy, and there was a fresh wood smell around that made Brek forget all his worries. He got rid of his parka, revealing a bright red jumper with snowflake patterns on it, and he placed his precious suitcase on the nearest table, made in solid wood.::

Brek: Before we all start to enjoy this shoreleave, we need to go through one official procedure. So if you'd all make yourself comfortable. 

::While they did so, Brek opened the case and checked that all the little boxes inside were in the right order. There was also a small PADD with a copy of his speech on it, and he took it, refreshing his memory on what he needed to say.::

::Once everyone had found a seat and the chattering had died down, Brek scratched his head, enduring a spooky stage-fright for a few seconds there. There was actually a difference between giving a speech to perfect strangers, and speaking to a group of people whom he knew, and respected. Maybe it was the guilt of having put them through so much danger that was surfacing again.::

Brek: We will all remember Hemix for the crewmembers we lost on its soil and the torments we went through while investigating that odd island, where nature had developed so fast. Yet, thanks to our unity and our perseverance, Starfleet's concepts prevailed. Also, not for the first time in our careers, we pushed the boundaries of known science further. And although we left the mystery that is Hemix II behind us, thanks to our discoveries and our sacrifices, the Skalur Expanse will never be left alone to pirates again. 

::He made a pause, and then went on.::

Brek: So, first off, for our venture in the Skalur Expanse and the role we played on the fringe of Operation 'Knife Point', we are all awarded the Explorer’s and the Prometheus Ribbons. Now, Ensigns Ezo, Flynn, and Beyett, if you would stand up please.

Ezo, Flynn, Beyett: ?

Brek: To reward your courage and resilience during this mission, I promote the three of you to the rank of Lieutenant tJG. with all the privileges associated with this rank.  As we have all adopted seasonal clothing, I will give you those little boxes instead. ::And he did so, placing said boxes in their hands.::

Ezo, Flynn, Beyett: ?

Brek: Lt. Ezo, for having survived capture by ruthless pirates, and for placing the safety of your crewmates before yours, you are also rewarded with those following ribbons: Prisoner of War, Purple Heart, and Gold Lifesaving. ::More boxes went into Ezo's hands.::

Ezo: ?

Brek: Lt. Flynn, for keeping us out of harm's way while we were orbiting Hemix, and also for discovering before anyone else that we had an assassin onboard, you are rewarded with the Good Conduct Ribbon and the Legion of Merit.

Flynn: ?

Brek: Lt. Beyett, for protecting your team in the face of danger and facing the 4th dimension creature which had found its way on the island, you are rewarded with the Good Conduct Ribbon and the Legion of Merit.

::Once the three officers had returned to their seats, Brek read some more from his PADD. He now needed to call two officers who had suffered greatly during the mission, but because his lines felt too clichéd, he decided to improvise.::

Brek: Cmdr. Kelly, Lt. Whittaker, I'm afraid it's your turn, now.

::The two men couldn't look more different, and Brek marveled at their characteristics. One was built for combat and, in this present state, looked as fierce as any Klingon. The other one was smaller, and possessed the type of mind that could resolve any engineering problem.::

Kelly, Whittaker: ?

Brek: You have both been subjected to terrible hardships on Hemix, and also during your captivity on the Lightness of Being. The Fleet will never be able to erase the psychological scars left by those encounters, but it will always remember your courage and your determination. You are hereby rewarded with the Prisoner of War Ribbon, the Purple Heart, and the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon.

::Brek gave them their three boxes.::

Kelly, Whittaker: ?

Brek: Captain Nugra has also been awarded the Prisoner of War ribbon, and it will be forwarded to his current address on Duronis I, where he has decided to take an extended leave of absence.

::After those words Brek made a symbolic pause, marking the significant decision of the renowned Captain, who, after a horrific twist of fate, had only been able to stay with them a month or so.::

Brek: Next on my list are: Cmdrs Rennyn, Breeman and MacLaren.

::And there was, getting up, his trusted F.O., a man who had quickly proven indispensable in the management of the Columbia. The Trill soon towered above two officers who, to Brek, already looked quite tall enough.::

Rennyn, Breeman, MacLaren: ?

Brek: Cmdr. Rennyn, for the manner in which you conducted your away team, both on Hemix, and then on Columbia, while chasing Que, you are rewarded with the Good Conduct Ribbon and the Legion of Merit. Here are your little boxes.

Rennyn: ?

Brek: Cmdr. Breeman, for your outstanding work on the 4th dimension and Hemix' striking ecology, you are rewarded with the Innovation Ribbon and the Legion of Merit. Without your ingenuity, I fear that we would still be plagued with giant 'dandelions' and doorways to the 4th dimension in random rooms. ::Two boxes went Breeman's way.:: I also place you in charge of our Science Department. Congratulations, Chief.

Breeman: ?

Brek: ::With the very first smile since he had started this speech.:: Cmdr. MacLaren, for your ability to communicate with the sentient spirit that lived on the island, and the ingenious plan which allowed Security to capture Que, you are rewarded with the Diplomacy Ribbon and the Legion of Merit. Here are your two boxes, Doctor.

MacLaren: ?

::Brek took the last box in his case, and called the only Romulan in the room.::

Brek: Tribune Shiarrael. As our liaison officer, I think it's about time that you partake in the Fleet's way of life. So, for saving my most precious possession: my life; you are rewarded with the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon. And here's your box. The ribbon's inside.

Shiarrael: ?

::Brek closed his suitcase, but instead of following his instincts, which were screaming at him that he needed to put his feet up, and find himself something nice to drink, he stayed where he was.::

Brek: Since we are all gathered here, I would like to introduce you to two new officers who have just joined our crew: Cmdr. Tito in tactical, who knows a thing or two about sharp repartees. ::He grinned.:: And Ensign Torza, in science, who's just graduated from the Academy. I count on you all to make her feel at home on Columbia. Now, at last, I can rest!

tag/tbc

Cmdr. Brek

C.O.

USS Columbia, NCC-85279

O238809B10