Capt. Shayne: Moments of Transition, Part I
Randal Shayne
((Deep Space 33, Arboretum))
Shayne looked sternly out one of the enormous parabolic windows atop the arboretum. The stars, uncounted thousands, twinkled mischievously, as if laughing at him. As he stared at her, Arrow’s nacelles took on a less vibrant hue, and her main deflector ceased its blue glow. She was asleep, dormant.
He’d never felt so vulnerable.
When he’d been told that there was an issue with their hull, his concern had been less than overwhelming. Even easy missions seemed to leave a small trail of debris behind them, and with two- now three- phenomenal engineers on the task, he was confident that there would be no need for excessive panic. And though he’d been correct in his assessment of his crew, the ship’s condition he’d judged with less accuracy.
A full cleanup. Like, three decks are flooded with backed up waste cleanup. Like, antimatter residue has built up on the main computer, cleanup. Leaving his ship in the hands of unmet strangers while he and the rest of the crew that he was familiar with tried to enjoy their shore leave below. Twenty four hours might as well have been twenty four years.
He grabbed his stretchy collar and pulled at it, both to straighten it and to relieve the itch he was feeling on his neck. He liked these grey uniforms, but they were not the most comfortable in a humid, warm environment- like, say, an arboretum. But it was him- he literally wore his soul on his sleeve. He’d deal. He always did.
Food and chairs had been placed out for interested parties, and as the transporter was ensuring that even a skeleton crew was impossible to maintain, the small celebration area had never been more full. The podium that awaited Shayne, and the appreciable collection of boxes there, would be utilized in short order.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Ash entering. He cast her a subtle wink and a small smile. There would be time to catch up, but right now, if he didn’t get a move on, the crew was liable to start on the libations without him. So he stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat. The noise rang about the cavernous room somewhat unpleasantly, and he blanched, ducking low for a moment before regaining his composure.
Across the room, familiar faces took their seats, and Shayne grimaced at the thought that he’d interrupted them. Well, dammit, this had to start sometime! He had a ship to wistfully stare at.
Shayne: Here we are again.
“Here they were again” was especially positive this time around; it wasn’t a weary slaughter they’d either effected or stood in the way of, nor an implacable foe they’d encountered. No, this time they’d been able to build. Grow. Help others reach their potential and put aside past wrongs. Whatever else Starfleet might be, its core was there, at the heart of their voyage to Emisa III.
Shayne: I have boxes for you. Commanders Water, Lieutenants Jacin, Zenno, Hobart, Ohnari and Ensign Zerva- step forward, preferably single file.
The small pack of peoples, spanning everything from old comrade to relatively new edition, walked dutifully up to the stage.
Shayne: First allow, me to express my gratitude- it’s much easier to honor you at once, so by all means continue doing what you’re doing; but for the love of god, don’t do that for the Purple Heart.
Word spread fast on a ship as… capable… as Arrow, and news of a certain brewing prank war had reached the captain’s ears. At first, he’d been horrified- had one of his officers lost a leg?! Varaan was an example to follow in most respects, but not that one. Then the truth had wiggled its way out, and Shayne’s forehead had dropped like a depressed Neanderthal’s. Then again, he hated giving out Purple Hearts, so this was actually quite a win, and not just because Ohnari got to stay fully limbed.
Zerva/Ohnari/Zenno/Jacin/Waters: Response
Shayne: First contact is the single most dangerous duty and responsibility an officer can engage in, and it’s harder to imagine a task with more riding on a successful outcome. While it may not have necessarily been how we’d choose to become acquainted with the Emisan people, your conduct in extraordinary circumstances is deserving of the First Contact Ribbon. Congratulations.
One after the other, he shook hands and offered a small box to each of them, letting his eyes linger a little longer, and a little more mischievously with Jacin. God, it was fun keeping people on their toes.
Jacin/Zenno/Zerva/Ohnari/Waters: Response
Shayne: Furthermore! As evidenced by your (relatively) safe return, and the overall success of our mission, I’m pleased to award each of you with the Diplomacy Ribbon, for your excellent representation of Starfleet values and negotiation. Congratulations.
Another round of boxes and applause. He wasn’t sanguine about simply dumping accolades on people- they needed to earn them- and yet, this quintet had doubtlessly done just that.
Ohnari/Waters/Jacin/Zenno/Zerva: Response
Shayne: And now I release you. Fly, or risk further praise!
It took a moment to again become alone on the podium.
Shayne: Mr. Dewitt! Step forward and be recognized.
Just because Dewitt hadn’t gone down to the planet or the station didn’t mean he hadn’t been instrumental in ensuring the success of their tasks. As he approached, Shayne prepared another box.
Shayne: Lieutenant, your efforts during this mission were instrumental in our success and I am grateful for your contributions- please accept the Captain’s Commendation.
Dewitt: Response
Shayne grinned to himself as Dewitt left the stage; he wouldn’t be gone for long.
Tag/TBC…
Captain Randal Shayne
Commanding Officer
USS Arrow
NCC 69829
G239202RS0