Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds - Commendations and Celebrations

[Quinn Reynolds]

((The Penultimate Evening - Vessine Glade Camping Site, Trill))

::The camping trip had been a few days of rest, relaxation and total surprises. By the end of it, she had more-or-less wrapped her brain around the idea that she was going to be a married woman at some point in the not too distant future. She wasn't afraid of commitment -- after all, when she dared to think about her future, it was always with Walter. But there was something about marriage itself that made her twitchy. 

::But to the present, rather than the future. On the penultimate evening, the senior staff -- and a few guests -- had gathered around one of the campfires. Sharing drinks (no doubt some alcoholic), and yet more marshmallows (where *did* they keep coming from?), the conversation was light and relaxed. Those involved in the shuttle accident had received their treatment and were safely returned, this time courtesy of a well-maintained and engineered Starfleet shuttle.

Reynolds: If I can steal your attention for a little while? ::She paused while the conversation quietened.:: Since it's our last night here, I thought it was a good time to present some awards from our last mission.

::She waited a few moments until she had everyone's attention and then continued on.::

Reynolds: And it was… quite a mission, wasn't it? I know I didn't come into expecting to be battling Andorian pirates by the end of it. ::She paused, growing more serious.:: Unfortunately, those unexpected events meant that some of you were injured. I know that being hurt is a strange thing to win an award for, but the reason we recognise it is because of the dedication it represents, the willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others. ::Usually, she presented this award last, but perhaps from now on, she'd do it first.:: Lieutenant zh'Aella, Lieutenant Junior Grade Yiggtissi, Ensign Lanta, it is with a strange mix of regret and pride that we present you with the Purple Heart.

zh'Aella/Yiggtissi/Lanta: Response?



::Ayiana was keeper of the actual ribbons today, and Quinn waited while the Gorkon's first officer moved around the circle of people, passing out small boxes containing the service ribbons. Once that was done, Quinn moved on to ribbons that were somewhat less grim in nature.::

Reynolds: Lieutenant Junior Grade Yiggtissi, Ensign Namura, Petty Officer Denato. What you did on Sikuna was remarkable, and your efforts stopped a pandemic in its tracks, saving countless lives. You represented the Federation at its best, offering aid to those in need, and we recognise that achievement by awarding you each the Medical Science Ribbon.

Yiggtissi/Namura/Denato: Response?

::Applause this time, a service ribbon due celebration rather than sombre reflection. Quinn was genuinely proud of their achievements, and she hoped they were, too. She smiled and joined in, waiting until each had their ribbons in their hands before moving on.::

Reynolds: Lieutenant zh'Aella, Lieutenant Junior Grade MacFarlane, Ensign Krugol and Petty Officer Gwinnett, the actions you took about the warbird in order to retake the bridge were a particularly striking example of heroism. You put yourself in harm's way to protect the colony and your fellow crew, and Starfleet is proud to recognise your bravery with a Silver Star.

::Ayiana did the rounds to the sound of cheers and claps, some of the recipients now possessing a small stack of boxes containing ribbons. Hard won, but well won. They deserved every single one of them.::

Reynolds: Lieutenant Commander Reynolds, Lieutenant Junior Grades Marshall and MacFarlane, Ensigns Smith and Lanta, you too showed honour and valour in the line of duty, supporting Lieutenant zh'Aella's team in securing the warbird's bridge. As such, we present you with the Good Conduct Ribbon in recognition of your actions that day.

::Her alternate self blushed, a crimson that flared quickly and deeply across her cheeks. Barely lifting her gaze, the blonde woman flashed a shy smile at Ayiana when she was passed her award. This must be the first service ribbon she had received in a long time -- or perhaps at all. Survival had been the only recognition she had won, and perhaps needed, for many years.

::Once the applause had died down again, Quinn moved on to something slightly different. A variation on the theme of recognition and reward for jobs well done.::

Reynolds: Ensigns Lanta, Sim and Smith, would you come forward?

::She waited for the three men to bring themselves forward, a faint smile lingering about her lips. This was, perhaps, one of the things she most enjoyed about command.::

Reynolds: Gentlemen. You've each performed your duties above and beyond the expectations of your current rank, proving that you are capable of more. Therefore, I'm delighted to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, with all the associated duties, rights and responsibilities.

Lanta/Sim/Smith: Response?

::Whoops and cheers accompanied this pronouncement, and Quinn brought her hands together to applaud the promotions. Some of them had wobbled on the mission, but there were few careers without mistakes, and she believed in the potential of each of them. There were no handshakes, but she made sure to congratulate each in person, just before Ayiana handed them the small presentation box containing their newest pip. 

::After they had returned to their seats and received a few more personal congratulations, she continued on.::

Reynolds: Lieutenants Junior Grade Marshall, MacFarlane, and Yiggtissi, would you come forward?

::At this point, it was obvious what was going to happen next, but still she gave her short little speech. Maybe it wasn't necessary, but she liked to make sure they knew just how appreciated they were on her crew.::

Reynolds: Each of you have conducted yourselves as exemplary officers, showing courage, ingenuity and integrity and under great pressure. I believe that each of you has a very bright future, and so it's my very great pleasure to promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant, with all the associated duties, rights and responsibilities.

Marshall/MacFarlane/Yiggtissi: Response?

::Before applause could break out, Quinn held up a forestalling hand. Ayiana hadn't moved to give them their pips, and that was because the Gorkon's CO wasn't quite done yet.::

Reynolds: There's more. ::She smiled wryly at the three officers in front of her.:: Lieutenant Marshall, I'd like you to take up the post of Operations Chief, effective immediately. Lieutenant MacFarlane, you are the Gorkon's new Assistant Chief Engineer. ::She paused, glancing at the Saurian with whom she had a somewhat contentious relationship. For all their personality differences, she respected his ability to do his job.:: Lieutenant Yiggtissi, you are the Gorkon's Chief Medical Officer.

::And then the applause broke up, several of the onlookers getting to the feet to convey their pride and happiness for their fellow crew. It went on for quite a while, with individual congratulations, pats on the back, and thumbs up for the newly promoted officers, and she waited until it had run out of steam before finishing up.::

Reynolds: And with that, I'll let you get back to your marshmallows and drinks. ::She moved to sit down, then paused.:: Oh, and Boer Station asked me to remind you all that the baryon sweep is scheduled for twenty-two hundred hours tomorrow, so make sure that all pets and biological samples have been moved to the station by then, as they'll take no responsibility for the destruction of anything left aboard.

::Now she did sit down, watching as the congratulations for the celebrated members of crew kept rolling in. A comfortable feeling of contentment settled over her, almost as warm as the blanket Walter draped over her shoulders to compensate for the jumper she had forgotten in her pre-ceremony nerves. It was times like this that she cherished, and she had no doubt she'd look back on the evening fondly in future days.::

--
Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds
Commanding Officer

USS Gorkon

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