LtCmdr. Brek – Announcements (Everyone)

[spiral.arm1]

(( Holodeck - Starbase 118 ))

::Brek entered the holodeck, and right away he regretted that he had not been wiser in his choice of clothing. Somewhere in his quarters, he had a few colorful hawaiian shirts that would have done nicely for this Risian setting. Then again, it might had taken him ages to actually locate where he had put them.::

::So, with a little case and a PADD under his arm, he took in the view. The sun was just perfect, and the sand looked the type that would actually feel nice on one's feet. As a younger man, he had spent some time on Risa, but he had only visited a busy seaside town for its gambling houses. The breathtaking landscape, he had been foolish enough to ignore.::

::He found comfort in the fact that the crew seemed to be enjoying itself, and he walked by the arch. He had an important announcement to make, followed by an award ceremony. Only, with his diminutive height, he needed a place where he would feel comfortable.::

::He replicated a stone structure, with a couple of steps that blended in naturally with the sand, then he played around with the acoustic, to make sure his voice would be heard properly.::

::Once he was happy with the result, he walked to the stone steps, and consulted his PADD. There were several things he needed to disclose to the crew, and he could have stayed here longer, just memorizing his lines. But he had an idea that he looked a little silly standing there on his own. Besides, on a few occasions, he had spotted Jo looking quite nervously in his direction. So he put his PADD on the floor, and he spoke up, loud and clear.::

Brek: If everyone could gather around here, please! I have some very important announcement to make.

Everyone: ?

::He looked at the diverse group now in front of him, and despite his wide experience in talking in public, he blushed. Thankfully, no one among the crew would be familiar with that distinct Ferengi-orange tinge that signaled embarrassment.::

Brek: As you may know, Captain Ben Livingston returned to us with a serious case of radiation contamination. Unfortunately, because his body has not responded as well as expected to treatment, Starfleet will be sending him to a special medical facility, where he will be able to recuperate at his own pace. 

Everyone: ?

Brek: ::He nodded his head at what was being said, and carried on.:: Due to this sad turn of events, Columbia needs a new C.O. Since Starfleet has approached me about this role, I have accepted to continue Captain Livingston's legacy, by commanding this fine crew. Hopefully, Livingston has trained me well enough this past year that I won't break, steal, or subcontract Columbia at the first opportunity. ::Grins.:: 

Everyone: ?

Brek: We will of course, receive a new First Officer, who will join us in a few days. ::He took a deep breath.:: But enough life-changing news for now. Let's move on to our traditional award ceremony. Lieutenants Tatash, Whittaker, MacLaren and Kaji, if you would please step forward.

Tatash, Whittaker, MacLaren, Kaji : ?

::Brek observed them for a few seconds. It wasn't that he was a big fan of suspense, rather that he was impressed how, although markedly different from one another, those officers had always showed courage and tenacity.::

Brek: Lt. Tatash, for your exemplary conduct throughout this past mission; your ability to lead our Marines when Columbia needed added protection, and your aptitude to run our Security Department, it is with great honor that I promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant, and present you with the Good Conduct Ribbon. Also, because with added privileges come new responsibilities, I also appoint you Chief of our Security department. Well done, Chief!

::Brek took a little box from his larger case, he then handed it to the young Gorn in festive attire, and he shook his hand.::

Tatash: ?

Brek: Lt. Whittaker. Without your ingenuity and dedication, our shuttles would never have been able to fly to Avronis. You were also quick to rise to the challenge when it became necessary to add yet more modifications to the Bhujerba, this despite the fact that you had barely recovered from serious injuries. I'm hereby promoting you to the rank of full Lieutenant, and place you in charge of our Engineering department. I also present you with the innovation ribbon. Congratulations, Chief.

::Once again, Brek fetched a little box, handed it, and shook the Terran's hand.::

Whittaker: ?

::Next, Brek looked at their CMO. In this whole galaxy, only three women had been brave enough to give him a hug, and she was one of them. She was also a doctor who had literally been through hell, and had gone back to service with renewed energy, always giving the best attention to her patients.::

Brek: Dr. MacLaren, although you are a fairly recent addition to this crew, you have been in the Fleet for years. There, no matter the dangers that you faced, you have always showed an absolute dedication to your patients, healing not only their injuries, but also making sure that their morale remained high. For those years of service, it is with great pleasure that I promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. I also present you with the Medical Science Ribbon, for your work on the radiation vaccine.

MacLaren: ?

::Now that moment, it would have been the perfect occasion for another hug, but one mustn't be too greedy, he knew that, so after the customary handling of the little box, followed by a handshake, he moved on to his next 'target'.::

Brek: Lt Kaji. ::Slight grin.:: You are very new to this crew. However, your reputation of being an excellent officer, both in the field of Medical and Counseling, has followed you. Due to this, for service rendered onboard USS Victory, and the hardship you suffered in the line of duty, it is an honor for me to give you this belated promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

::Here too he gave a box, and a handshake.::

Kaji: ?

::There had been a lot of talking in those presentations, and out of reflex, Brek snapped his fingers to call a waiter and get some refreshments. He ended up with a pineapple cocktail, from which he took a long sip. While doing so, he spared a quick glance at Captain Nugra. He knew that his presentation wasn't conventional, but Ferengis were like that...::

Brek: ::To the assembly.:: I needed that. Now, moving on... Ensigns Flynn, Ezo, Beyett, if you would step forward.

Flynn, Ezo, Beyett: ?

Brek: Ensign Flynn, for your piloting prowess, without which our flight to Avronis would have not been so swift and successful, I present you with the Good Conduct ribbon. You also have my heartfelt thanks for organizing this luxurious holo party.

::Another box passed from one hand to the next, and the handshake lasted a little longer, because Brek hadn't forgotten how scared he had felt in the shuttle to Avronis. Knowing that they had the best pilot had helped him to simulate courage and get on with their mission.::

Flynn: ?

Brek: Ensign Ezo. Without your expertise in epidemiology, our search for a vaccine would have taken much longer. And, as will all know within the Fleet, time is a commodity that we seldom have. As a reward for your perseverance, I present you with the Medical Science Ribbon. I have also heard many good things about the work you've done in sickbay, and I've decided to transfer you to our Medical Department.

Ezo: ?

::He gave the box, followed by a warm handshake; then again, under that beautiful sun, he was getting a bit hot.::

Brek: Ensign Beyett, without your vigilant work throughout the mission, facilitating the tasks of other officers, this mission would have been much more complicated. I hereby present you with the Good Conduct Ribbon.

Beyett: ?

::Once both ribbon and handshake had been delivered, Brek turned his attention to their only civilian.::

Brek: Mister Stennes. For your contribution to Engineering during our mission, along with the perfect plan you devised when it became necessary for us to go to Avronis's surface, I present you with the Innovation Ribbon. ::Pause.:: Later on, we'll also need to discuss the modality of your contract with us.

::He gave the little box, plus a handshake.::

Stennes: ?

Brek: Ambassador MacLaren, I've some news for you too. The Diplomatic Corps is giving you the opportunity to stretch your wings on Columbia, if you so wish. Should you accept, you'll become our very own Federation Ambassador.

Gavin MacLaren: ?

Brek: ::He smiled at Gavin, and then he resumed his serious stance.:: Those officers who couldn't join us today have not been forgotten, and in due time, I'll present them with their own awards. ::Another quick sip of his drink.:: Now, here is my first order as a C.O.: make the very best of this shoreleave. You all deserve to take it easy for a little while. ::As the crew dispersed, Brek made an effort on himself not to join them right away..:: Captain Nugra, I guess that now is as good a moment as any to have a little conversation about Columbia's future.

Nugra: ? 

tag/tbc

Lt. Cmdr. Brek

F.O.

USS Columbia, NCC-85279

O238809B10