[Backsim] Lt. JG Kivik: The Lucky Ones
Lt. JG Kivik
((Amity Outpost – Gallery of Art))
Kivik entered the gallery beside Scotty – looking about at the pictures.
Ne had been to the gallery once before, touring the station shortly after nir arrival aboard Amity. The Anthropologist in Kivik had been delighted at the collection of works from various Federation worlds… the J’naii in nem felt disappointment that nir own world still counted itself out. Ne could imagine Syrkan’s “Pillars of H’naii” or the ancient Agamic Masks – or even ‘pop’ art, such as Relis Cryto-Njet’s “Courthouse Scene” here on these walls…
Thinking of home made Kivik all the more grateful to be here. Each moment, each opportunity, had to be counted as special. As ne walked beside Scotty, ne recalled just how fragile their ongoing mission in the Delta Quadrant was – and how dangerous it could be…
((Flashback – Scotty & Kivik’s Apartment, Days Earlier))
Kivik sat, reading a study on nir PADD and sipping a mug of jibrore, as Scotty walked in. Nir attention was pulled from the reading material by an unusual silence. Nir typically-chipper roommate had entered silently, bringing with him an uncomfortable stillness in the air. Kivik glanced up and a quick look told nem he was feeling sorrowful.
Reade: :: poor mood:: Hey Kivik.
Kivik: Scotty? What’s the matter? ::Putting down nir PADD:: Anything you want to talk about?
Reade: We lost the Ensign on our away mission.
Kivik was stunned. Questions raced through nir head. oO How could that be? What happened? Are you alright? What about Bec and Ukinix? Oo …but what really struck nem was the fact that ne didn’t even know the Ensign’s name.
Someone had lived their whole life looking to the stars, hoping to find something greater out there. They had trained for years, come halfway across the galaxy… and on their first assignment, before they had even had time to meet all their colleagues, it had all ended.
The science officer felt as if ne’d been punched in the gut – and could hardly imagine what Scotty must be feeling.
Instinctively, ne stood and silently walked to Scotty, wrapping nir arms around him and hugging him tightly.
Kivik: I’m so sorry… I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now… But if there’s anything I can do…?
Reade: Yes, there will be a memorial service in the shuttle bay tomorrow, will you come with me?
Kivik: ::Holding Scotty close:: Absolutely.
((End Flashback))
Joining Starfleet changed everything. What you thought you knew about yourself and your place in the universe – everything. That was one of the first things Kivik had realized stepping off the shuttle onto the deck of the Veritas. It had been some time since ne thought of nir academy friend’s parting words to nem: “Don’t get killed.”
Now that felt more poignant than ever. Disaster had been nearly averted at the Expo – and danger lurked around every spatial anomaly. At the same time, despite the odds, Kivik was still there. So was Scotty. So were all those assembled there that day in the Gallery.
They were the lucky ones.
Vataix: Welcome everyone, and thank you for coming! Before you head off on your mission to support the USS Kitty Hawk's journey out into the Delta Quadrant, I wanted to first make sure you all received the proper recognition for your fine work over these last few months. So, let's begin.
The Ambassador glanced down at nir PADD before looking up and beginning the ceremony.
Vataix: First, Lieutenants Reade and Kivik, please come up here.
Scotty stepped up first, and Kivik followed suit.
Reade: Good day Ambassador.
Kivik: ::A bittersweet smile:: We’re here.
Standing beside nir friend and flatmate, Kivik felt a combination of pride and heartache. It was a powerful emotion – and ne expected Scotty felt the same. Ne reached out and put a hand on his back, in support.
Vataix: There were many precarious situations during the expo, but none moreso than a potential accident that would have harmed thousands. For your work in preventing that tragedy, I have named you both to receive the Legion of Merit! Congratulations, you two!
Reade: ::blushing:: Thank you very much, Ambassador.
A pang of guilt struck Kivik then, but ne set it aside. Regardless of the conditions under which the incident had unfolded, it had been quick thinking and teamwork that had prevented utter disaster. The J’naii had never expected, nor felt prepared to receive an accolade – however, it was one of those things that one sometimes simply must do. If not for nemself, then for the symbolic meaning. For others.
Kivik: Thank you, Ambassador.
And with that, they returned to the crowd. Kivik was grateful to stand in silence once more, melding in with the other senior staff. It gave nem time to breathe – and focusing on the others as they went up to commemorate their own accomplishments was a relief.
Vataix: Next, Lieutenant Ceciri Ariadust? In recognition of your injuries sustained, you are to receive the Purple Heart.
Ariadust: Response
Kivik clapped with the others and, as the ceremony moved on, began to feel less numb. There was something about receiving praise that still felt unnatural to nem. It was far easier to recognize the deeds of others.
Vataix: Next, I'd like to recognize Lieutenant Wong. Mr. Wong, if you'll please approach?
Wong: Response
Vataix: Lieutenant, you helped solve a mystery and bring a corrupt Romulan captain to justice. For that, you shall receive the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. You also helped save the lives of injured racers during the rally, along with Mr. Reade. For that, both you and Mr. Reade shall receive the Lifesaving Ribbon.
Kivik leaned in to Scotty and whispered in his ear.
Kivik: ::Whispering:: Well deserved, Mr. Reade!
Wong: Response
Reade: Thank you once again, Ambassador. :: To Wong:: Great work mate!
Vataix: Next, I'd like to recognize Lieutenant Commanders Wil Ukinix and John Carter as well as Ensign Rebecca Iko. Wil, John, Bec, would you come up here?
Ukinix: ::Gesturing:: After you two.
Carter: Response
Vataix: Although we may not agree with them or their past actions, we have a duty as Federation representatives and officers to serve by our ideals, and that includes protecting those against harm. For protecting the Vidiian ship Indefatigable when they were attacked on their way to Amity, you three shall receive the Good Conduct Ribbon.
Ukinix: ::Nod:: Thank you, Ambassador.
Carter: Response
Iko: Thank you, Ambassador
Kivik and Scotty applauded together as the ribbons were given out. Kivik was glad to see Bec up there. Ne knew she had struggled in many of the same ways that ne nemself had – but she was a dedicated and passionate officer who deserved support and recognition.
Vataix: Finally, Ensign Iko. You have served with distinction during your time at Amity since you arrived from the academy. I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that come with it. Congratulations, Lieutenant!
With that, Kivik finally broke through nir malaise. A big grin spread across nir face as ne whooped and hollered with Scotty and the others. That was a big moment.
Iko: Thanks... oh thanks so much I-...
Ukinix: ::Patting Bec on the shoulder:: Congrats, mate. Or should I say, *Lieutenant* Iko.
Reade: :: high-fiving:: Great job Lieutenant! You totally deserved it.
Kivik: ::Joining the group surrounding Bec:: Not the baby anymore, Bec. ::Grinning:: Congratulations!
Any: Response
Vataix: Good job everyone and good luck out there when you head off on the Independence! Have fun and get back safe!
END Scene for Kivik
