JP: Capt Handley-Page and LtC Taybrim - Honors (Tags: ALL)

[Jamie LeBlanc]

((OOC - As a note, in general pNPCs are not mentioned in this post; unless the player of said pNPC either played the pNPC more than their primary PC or is intending a character switch in the near future. Please consider this a ‘highlights’ reel and rather than your pNPC getting snubbed for the work they did in the past mission. As IC awards honor the players as much as the characters assume any accolades for pNPCs are given 'offscreen'))

((StarBase 118 - Officer’s Lounge))

::Sal had opted to set the casual ceremony up in Ops’ underutilized gem of an establishment - the Officers’ lounge.

It had the benefit of being comfortable, private and the food was delicious. The proprietor, a charming retired warrant officer with a family legacy of good cooking, had set them up in the back room. It was a rich chamber paneled in warm wood and furnished with old fashioned, comfortable chairs both in the armless dining variety and the overstuffed reclining variety that dotted the outer walls and surrounded the fireplace on one side of the room and the large observation window on the other. The table was set buffet style, and the scents of roasted meat, vegetables and some sort of curious mashed bake of sweet roots and fruits were centered around what the Terran chef had called a ‘cornucopia’ which was indicative of an Earth harvest custom. Sal knew little about cornucopias, but the variety of food, welcoming smell and comfortable location was certainly inviting.

He offered a wide smile and a pleased wave to Leo as he entered.::

Taybrim: So, how do you like the decor? ::he started on a cheerful note.::

:: Leo looked around, and gave the ginger commander a nod of approval.::


Handley-Page: Very nice. Homely and inviting. I could live here quite comfortably.

Taybrim: I’m hoping it gives everyone a chance to relax a little. ::he sighed:: It’s been a crazy few weeks. ::He took a deep breath in. It had been nearly a week since the chaos in sickbay, and word on the affected trio was slow.:: How are Wulfantine, Douglas and Ambassador Calderan?

:: Leo paused thoughtfully for a moment, trying to get his words put as delicately as possible.::


Handley-Page: They are… alive. Nia is mostly her old self, but I fear that we are going to have to take Eyas and Sian…. :: He used their names separately although they were still one entity physically:: to the genetic experts in the Byzallian Resistance. It is their only hope.

Taybrim: ::he sighed a long empathetic sigh:: The past seems to always catch up to people. ::an earnest pause:: I’m sorry, Leo. I wish we could have dealt with Y-Rocck sooner.

Handley-Page: Thank you. I do too, but I was duped. I let Nia and the others go to the Noguwip, and then didn’t fix the problems it raised. I think I need to find my answers back home on Byzatium….

:: He paused and drew breath.::

Handley-Page: Anyway, I’m sure we will have justice in the end. So… how did the crew perform?

Taybrim: They were incredible. We had a bit of movement and transfers, but we’ll be welcoming some fine officers into the fold tonight. I trust you have met most of them? ::he offered a PADD with all the information on it:: I was very proud of our entire team.

Handley-Page: I have met most of them, now, I think - although not under the easiest of circumstances. I have no doubt they are the finest in Starfleet. Have you awards in mind?

:: Leo smiled warmly.::

Taybrim: I do. ::He grinned, indicating the PADD he had just offered over:: I detailed everything in that report, though I also took the liberty of filling a bit of paperwork into Starfleet command. Just waiting on an official four-pip signature. ::he winked::

:: The Terran/Byzallian chuckled and studied the PADD. He nodded his *four pip* approval and confirmed the selection.


Handley-Page: Spot on. Although I wasn’t here in person, from what I’ve heard and seen, this looks a very comprehensive appraisal.


::Sal grinned, leaning back just a little bit. He maybe - just maybe (meaning of course) put that little extra bit of time and effort into making things perfect where Leo and the crew were concerned.::

Taybrim: Thank you, I tried to make it easy on you after all the fuss.

Handley-Page: You did that perfectly, Sal. Thank you.

::He looked up at the chronometer, and over as the staff was bringing in the last bits of buffet trays::

Taybrim: Oh, I expect everyone will be about shortly. I said 1800 hours, so the early ones should be arriving just about now. ::His twinkling dark eyes looked towards the door, taking some time to greet the crew as they entered::

Handley-Page: Jolly good.

~*~
((Time skip - shortly after dinner))

::The food was good, the drinks were good, the company was good. Who could have asked for more? As the dessert tray was moved from the side to the front and center part of the dining area, a staff person brought out an old polished wood podium, the sort that reminded everyone of the generations of commanding officers that must have stood behind it, handing out awards for many years. All at once it was both nostalgic and comfortable.::

:: Awards and promotions was Leo’s favourite part of any mission.::


Handley-Page: Looks like everyone is ready...

Taybrim: ::He gave a nod:: I’ll start with welcomes and let you take the official business. ::he winked:: You know, all that difficult Captainy-stuff you trained so hard for. ::grin::

:: Leo chuckled quietly.::


Handley-Page: The perks of the job, eh?

::Sal took the podium and waved for people to settle themselves::

Taybrim: Please, keep eating. I hear the cheesecake is quite delectable. ::A steady smile:: I wanted to get everyone together not only to recognize everything that has been done recently, but to be able to get everyone together and meeting one another in a comfortable place. To this end I wanted to formally welcome our newest crew members, and welcome back some old friends. ::a dramatic pause:: Lt Commander Ian West rejoins us as a security liaison, and Lt Commander Baylen Anders will be moving into the role of mission specialist. We are very glad to have both of you back, and warmest welcomes to old friends. ::he grinned.::

Anders/West: ?

Taybrim: I also wanted to welcome some of our newest arrivals who joined us in the middle of our last mission and provided integral support to our teams. Trellis Vondaryan came to us from the academy campus right here on StarBase 118, and joined Commander Falcon on her mission to Miranda VII and joins us as an intel officer; Ensign Freya Andersen joined us in security in the middle of our bomb sweep and Ensign Anastashia Broi came to us from the Duronis Embassy, she will be our counselor and we’re very happy to have her. ::He gestured to all the new officers and offered a warm smile:: Welcome all of you, in the few short weeks you have been onboard your service has been incredible and I can’t imagine having a crew without you with us.

Vondaryan/Andersen/Broi: ?

Taybrim: And now, I’ll give the stage to Leo, because I know he’s chomping at the bit to get up and speak. ::with humor:: Either that or I’m eyeing his prime place by the dessert tray!

::The two men shuffled position, the tone of the gathering becoming more sober, or at least more focused.::

Handley-Page: Greetings one and all.. It is very good to see you all here, although I would like to raise a glass to absent friends.

:: He waited for everyone to find a goblet before continuing.::

Handley-Page: It is now my much happier duty to announce the awards, ribbons and promotions from the last mission. Although I wasn’t present myself, I have been fully briefed by Commander Taybrim.

:: Leo nodded to his First Officer.::

Handley-Page: I must congratulate you all on the professionalism you have shown during the recent crisis. Once again you have proved to me, Starfleet and the Federation what a first class crew you are. Thank you.

:: He paused for a moment.::

Handley-Page: I echo Mr Taybrim’s hearty welcome to our new arrivals, LtCmdr Baylen Anders, Ensigns Vondaryan, Andersen and Broi. You have shown sterling efforts already, and I am very impressed and excited to have you on our crew. I am also happy to welcome back LtCmdr Ian West.


::Sal punctuated the short speech by a lifting of his glass and a call to all::

Taybrim: A toast, to the best crew a Starbase could ask for

:: Leo then continued.::

Handley-Page: Will Lieutenant Trel’lis join me here.

Trel’lis: RESPONSE

Handley-Page: For your actions in Sickbay, I am awarding you the Good Conduct Ribbon.

:: Leo presented the young woman with her award. He gave her a warm smile, trying to convey in an unspoken way that he hadn’t forgotten about the trauma she was going through with Sian.::

Trel’lis: RESPONSE

Taybrim: The medical teams spoke very highly of your poise and actions, even while in recovery. Thank you, Lieutenant. You saved a lot of lives that day.

:: Leo waited for Trel’lis to sit, then continued with the awards.::

Handley-Page: Will LtCmdr Falcon and Ensign Trellis Vondaryan please join us.

Falcon / Vondaryan: RESPONSES

:: Leo smiled at both, but naturally he tried to catch Kaitlyn’s eye. He had been keeping this a secret from her.::

Handley-Page: For your efforts in capturing the fugitive on Miranda VII, with no blood shed, I am awarding you the Captain’s Commendation.

Falcon / Vondaryan: RESPONSES

Taybrim: ::Sal grinned at both of them:: Starfleet was impressed by your surgical strike; and I couldn’t be prouder.

:: Leo gave them their ribbons, and then continued, taking a small pip from out of his pocket.::

Handley-Page: It is also my happy task to announce that Trellis Vondaryan is being promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all rights and privileges. Congratulations!

:: Leo pinned the pip onto Trellis’ collar.::

Vondaryan: RESPONSES

Taybrim: Congratulations, Lieutenant. ::A smile:: It is well deserved.

:: When the applause died down, Leo looked to the next award.::

Handley-Page: Will LtCmdr West please come forward.

West: RESPONSE

:: Leo gave the man a firm handshake.::

Taybrim: Commander. ::He smiled again, also offering a handshake::

Handley-Page: I am awarding you the Innovation Ribbon for your efforts in defusing the bombs around the station.

West: RESPONSE

Taybrim: You stepped in and lead a brand new team, and got everything done without incident. I could not have asked for better.

Handley-Page: You saved many lives, Commander. Well done.

:: As West departed, Leo continued.::

Handley-Page: Speaking of saving lives during the bomb scare and the civilian evacuation I am awarding the Lifesaving Ribbon to Ensign Broi, Ensign Andersen, Lieutenant JG Stevens and Ensign Jonathan Cumar. Will you all please join me.

Andersen / Broi / Stevens / Cumar: RESPONSES

:: Leo awarded each ribbon.::

Handley-Page: Congratulations!

Taybrim: ::Another grin:: All of you have helped this station stay safe, and I cannot thank you enough.

Andersen / Broi / Stevens / Cumar: RESPONSES

:: Leo coughed to clear his throat.::

Handley-Page: I also would like to announce ::turning to look at the Caitian next to him:: that Lieutenant JG Stevens is transferring from HCO to Security with immediate effect. I am sure you will be a great addition to keeping us all safe.


Taybrim: You’ll be a great addition to the security team, Lieutenant!

Stevens: RESPONSE

:: There was a general chatter in the room as all the crew were savouring the happy occasion. Leo raised his hand slowly to quieten down the buzz.::

Handley-Page: Last but not least, I have a bittersweet announcement. As you all know, a few days ago we had a medical crisis involving some of friends… Ambassador Calderan, LtCmdr Wulfantine and Petty Officer Douglas. I am happy to tell you that the Ambassador is recovering well, and I have hope that Wulfantine and Douglas can be helped. However, I need to personally undertake a mission to Byzatium where their needs can be best attended to. That means I will sadly be away from you all… ::his eyes caught Kaitlyn’s at that moment:: for a few more weeks, possibly longer. However, I am confident that under the excellent guiding hand of my friend and colleague… :: looking to Sal :: you will be able to continue your impressive efforts of protecting this Starbase and the region. However, it is my great pleasure to reveal that your Acting CO will have title as well as responsibility.

::Sal had only partially expected this. He knew the situation with Calderan, Wulfantine and Douglas was wearing on Leo; it was what had drawn him away from the station initially. And yet his head perked up a little at the last bit::

Taybrim: Sir? ::a gently query::

:: Leo turned and smiled warmly.::

Handley-Page: Starfleet has recognised the exemplary way you commanded this station in my absence, and your great service record before that. I have been permitted to promote you to full Commander. Many many congratulations!

:: Leo removed a pip from his breast pocket and pinned it to Sal’s collar, even though no one was in full uniform. It was the symbolism that counted. He then gave him a strong and enthusiastic handshake.::

Taybrim: ::Sal had the good graces to blush slightly:: I am honored, Sir. Thank you. ::he tipped his head downwards slightly before shaking Leo’s hand warmly:: I promise, we won’t let you down.

::a pause as everyone gathered, and the catering staff came out carrying what appeared to be a decadent chocolate cake that had a curious topping of sweet smelling alcohol dribbling down its sides. As an encore to the awards ceremony, they lit the cake, which burned with beautiful multicolored flames before slices of chocolate decadence were served to the assembled officers::

Taybrim: Please, everyone, eat drink and be merry. You have all earned it, and we’re so happy to have you all here to be able to celebrate with us.

Anyone: ?

~*~
tags/tbc
~*~

A JP by:

Captain Leo Handley-Page
Commanding Officer; Starbase118 Ops
wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Handley-Page,_Leo
SF Serial Number: I238711EW0

and

Commander Sal Taybrim
Executive Officer
StarBase 118 Ops



"Why do we fly? Because we have dreamt of it for so long that we must"

~Julian Beck
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