Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds - Recognition and Reward

[Quinn Reynolds]

((Wardroom, USS Gorkon))

::Normally, the wardroom was off limits to ensigns and enlisted crew, intended only for those of Junior Grade or above. But tonight was a special occasion, and given that some of the invited ensigns would leave the room JayGees, she thought no one would mind. It was a pleasant space; green carpets of course, with luxurious cream and grey armchairs and sofas to relax in. Art from across the Federation adorned the walls and some tables, and the large windows provided a stunning view of space and the swirling clouds of the habitable moon below.

::There was also a dining space, and that was where the senior staff of the Gorkon were currently sat. Quinn had organised a full course meal -- Trill cuisine, in a subtle nod to some announcements that would come later -- and once every had finished eating, and were on their coffee or digestifs, the captain of the Gorkon pushed her chair back and got to her feet. Stood at the head of the table, she soon had everyone's attention without saying a word.:: 

Reynolds: It's not usually considered appropriate to talk about work in here, so I hope you'll all forgive my upcoming breach of etiquette. We've had so many large ceremonies, I thought it might be nice to have something a little more intimate. ::She smiled.:: And quite frankly, the wardroom's lovely and I don't get to come in here very often.

::Traditionally, the CO of the ship only paid the wardroom a visit when they were invited. It was easier for the officers of a ship to relax when they weren't worried their captain was going to roll up at any given moment.::

Reynolds: The first thing I'd like to announce are a few changes in leadership. Lieutenant Commander Sevo will be the Gorkon's new first officer. She's proven herself a leader as chief of science, and she's worked hard for this opportunity, so I'm delighted to see her take up the post.

::She led the applause, and offered Ayiana a smile. No one was perfect, and if she was honest she did have some lingering concerns about the woman's temper, but she was confident that the Trill woman had the potential to go further.::

Reynolds: I'm also pleased to announce that Lieutenant zh'Aella will moving into security and tactical, and taking on the position of chief. It's an exciting change of role and I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do in it.

::She understood that zh'Aella had already been reaching out to her staff and other officers on the Gorkon, building herself some contacts and learning about the new role she had taken on. It was both pleasing and impressive.::

Reynolds: Last of all, Lieutenant Commander Reynolds has kindly agreed to resume active duty, and she'll be working as our Chief Science Officer.

::Her alternate universe self -- now called Erin, now blonde, now wearing a teal collar instead of gold -- smiled shyly at the other guests at the table, her cheeks colouring pink as the officers in the wardroom clapped. Rumours were that she was popular with the crew already, and Quinn bit down on the jealousy that knowledge provoked.::

Reynolds: I do have some service ribbons to award. First, due to the presence of the Syndicate aboard the station, everyone on the away teams is awarded the Orion Syndicate Service Medal. It's unfortunate that we keep running into them, but you all did yourselves proud.

::She left it to Ayiana, in her first official duty as the ship's First Officer, to pass out the ribbons. As duties went, it was a pleasant one -- most people were delighted to receive an award and that their hard work had been recognised.::

Reynolds: One of our teams did their jobs through extraordinary circumstances; dealing not just with the dangers of the rifts opening around the fusion reactors, but repeated assaults from the Orion Syndicate. Lieutenant Stoyer, Ensigns Burke and Sienelis, I'm proud to award you the Silver Star for your heroism aboard Starbase 173.

Sevo/Stoyer/Burke: response

::Sienelis looked a curious mix of pleased and uncomfortable at her ribbon, and Quinn saw her stare down at the small ribbon with a bemused expression on her face. Why, Quinn had no idea. The team had more than earned their award, battling through explosions and phaser fights to discover the artefact needed.::

Reynolds: Another of our teams fought hard to save the life of one the injured survivors aboard the station, risking their own lives in the process. Commander Vess, Lieutenant Junior Grade zh'Aella, Ensign Krugol, for your courage and dedication to preserving life, you're awarded the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon. ::She smiled.:: I'm told Lieutenant Sulia is recovering well, thanks to your efforts.

::Indeed, that trio of scientists would be joining the Gorkon soon, once Sulia had completed her recovery. Quinn had found their histories and skills… intriguing, and after saving his station, the CO of the Starbase had owed her a *very* large favour.::

Sevo/Vess/zh'Aella/Krugol: response

Reynolds: A number of individuals also showed just how brilliant Starfleet officers can be, using their brains, rather their brawn, to bring about the successful rescue of the Starbase's population. Ensign Sienelis, I'm pleased to award you the Captain's Commendation. Ensign MacFarlane and… uh… ::she flushed a little pink, unable to quite hide her embarrassment,:: ...myself… are awarded the Innovation Ribbon for the clever application of technology to resolve a dangerous situation.

Sevo/MacFarlane: response

::With a smile that somewhat resembled a grimace, Quinn took the ribbon from Ayiana was it was presented, resiting the urge to stuff it in her pocket and instead carefully placing it on the table in front of her.::

Reynolds: Unfortunately, the danger of the mission did mean that there were injuries. Ensigns MacFarlane, Burke and Sienelis, Starfleet honours your bravery and sacrifice by awarding you the Purple Heart.

::She was quiet as Sevo presented them with their ribbons, remembering that there had not only been injuries, but a life lost. Losing crew didn't get any easier with time or experience, of that much she was certain.::

Sevo/MacFarlane/Burke: response

::Finally, it was on to one of her favourite parts of being a commanding officer. Service ribbons were by no means a small achievement, but nothing commended hard work, dedication and skill quite as much as a promotion.::

Reynolds: I'm delighted to say that I also have some promotions to award. Ensigns MacFarlane, Burke and Sienelis, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, with the rights and responsibilities that come with it. Congratulations, each of you. You've earned it. 

MacFarlane/Burke: response

::She smiled, applauding along with the other crew as Ayiana presented them with their new, hollow pip. Sienelis looked as though she didn't quite know what to do with herself, and Quinn saw Nkai send a huge grin and a wink the Romulan's way, which finally prompted a smile from the woman.::

Reynolds: And last of all, not only is she our newest department chief, but now a full Lieutenant. Congratulations, Lieutenant zh'Aella. I'm very proud of you.

::Another round of applause, and the likely the last of the evening. Quinn knew that zh'Aella was popular among the crew, and she had every faith that the woman had a grand future ahead.::

Sevo/zh'Aella: response

Reynolds: That's it. We have the wardroom booked out for the evening, so relax and enjoy yourselves. The bar's open, and it even has real alcohol-- ::she paused, and then wryly added,:: --just don't do anything to me make ban it again.

Any: response

--
Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds
Commanding Officer

USS Gorkon

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