Capt. Shayne: Don't Let Me Down
Quinn
((Ceremony on the Beach, Casperia Prime))
Shayne: And now, for the first presentation…
He reached for the first set of boxes, which he’d given up trying to arrange in anything approaching a dignified assemblage, and had settled for simply stacking them atop one another. He moved them with judicious caution, squinting in pain as he did so at the undignified display. When they were safely deposited upon the podium, he looked at the assembled crowd resentfully.
Shayne: Jesus, people. I tell you not to get yourselves hurt, and what do you do? You go and get hurt more. I mean, really. Nevertheless, it is my dubious duty to award the Purple Heart Ribbon to Commanders Collins, Rodan, R’Ariel, along with Lieutenant Waters and Ensign Ar’Gorvalei. Please step forward and receive your ribbons- or, as is the baffling case with most of you, your stars.
As the five rose to accept their strip of purple in a box of mahogany, Shayne waited. There was another piece of business to attend to with just the five of them. When the five boxes were distributed, he signaled that they ought to remain, eliciting a small chuckle from the assembly. To this, Shayne pulled out a PADD. He began to read in the exaggerated fashion of someone spelling out “I told you so” with every word.
Shayne: “To Shayne, Captain R. from the office of Thy’quirn, Admiral S. Subject! Recent distribution of ribbon assortments. Captain Shayne; in light of recent submissions to the Office of Records and Personnel, it has come to my attention the great need you and your crew have for Purple Heart ribbons. In light of this, please find enclosed within this message one casket of Betelgeusian Magenta Wash Dye. In addition, please be aware that I have accorded provisions for replacements of said dye to be made available at any Federation facility in the Alpha Isles. Wishing you good health and fair tides, signed Thy’quirn, Admiral, ya-da-ya…”
He placed the PADD down, and bent to retrieve the casket of dye, which was hidden within the podium. It came up to his knees, and sloshed slightly, the innards of the clear container spattered with a purple liquid.
Shayne: Look what you mad people have done. I want this to be the last time this is earned aboard my ship- and if it is awarded, the ribbon comes from here. In the meantime, this goes in our historical section, where it shall remain quite untouched going forward. I insist.
Dropping the facade of anger, he began to clap, though his face was still contorted in his signature grumpy putrescence.
Shayne: Commanders MacKenna and Serinus, step forward.
When they were beside him, similarly glowing in the light of moons and torches, he continued.
Shayne: Commanders- leadership is challenging. Leadership in a situation like what we faced on the Midnight Planet was ever more so. Between keeping your crewmates safe and your subordinates well cared for, you both demonstrated exceptional and outstanding service, to which I bestow the Distinguished Service Ribbon upon. Exceptional work, commanders, and thank you.
MacKenna/Serinus: Response
Shayne waited for the pair to depart before summoning his next victim.
Shayne: Mr. Rodan! To the front, please.
Rodan approached, and Shayne prepared the next box.
Shayne: Commander, your injuries are known, but the display of courage and judgment you exhibited during that dire time may not be as well understood. Nevertheless, even while down, you were not out, and your thoughts stayed with the crew throughout your ordeal. For this, I am pleased to present the Good Conduct Ribbon, with my appreciation. Congratulations and thank you.
More applause, and Shayne took a moment to appreciate what a fine staff he had aboard.
Shayne: Doctor Mason, to the stand please.
As Mason approached, he prepared the accolade.
Shayne: Doctor, your ability to care for those in high-stakes situations demonstrates the high faith and confidence that Starfleet has in you. I and this crew have each benefitted from your abilities and willingness to go above and beyond. In light of recent events, please accept the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon, for your selfless actions at a time of great need. Congratulations and thank you.
Mason: Response
The applause rose and faded, and then there were more.
Shayne: Messrs Ar’Gorvalei, Jacin, and Waters, to the front.
The three stood again, and Shayne, not for the first time, decided to invest in a less clunky way of commending those under his command.
Shayne: Ladies and gentlemen- you each saved lives. It’s as simple as that. We all contributed, but your capable interventions made a difficult situation manageable, and you each ought to be proud of your contributions to your fellows. Please accept the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon in light of this. Congratulations and thank you.
The ribbons were passed out, and as the applause finished, Shayne held out a hand.
Shayne: Ah, before you go- there’s another matter to attend to.
He pulled out yet more boxes- in addition to dye, they might need their own forest just to make these charming little alcoves for awards.
Shayne: Ensign Jacin, your recent performance, during your first mission, no less, was impressive and exemplary. You were placed in a position any officer would be glad to avoid, and yet you acted for the best interests of your crewmates. You have earned my appreciation and trust, and for this reason, I am pleased to promote you to the rank of lieutenant junior grade, with all the commensurate responsibilities and rewards. Congratulations, Lieutenant.
Jacin: Response
More applause- those poor hands!- as Shayne proceeded to place the box in one of Jacin’s hands, and shake the other.
Shayne: Mr. Ar’Gorvalei, it takes eight years of hard work to become a medical officer in Starfleet, and yet you have demonstrated in a matter of months that you are a formidable and capable addition to this crew, or any crew worth its salt. I am pleased to have you aboard my vessel, and more pleased still to recognize your recent service to the ship by promoting you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the commensurate responsibilities and rewards. Congratulations and thank you.
Ar’Gorvalei: Response
Finally, there was but one person near the podium.
Shayne: Lieutenant Waters, your career has spanned a number of ships thus far, and I have had the pleasure to serve with you for a great deal of time. In that time, I have watched you grow from shy, silent outsider to slightly less shy, slightly more talkative, and very much equal part of this crew and family. I am proud of where you are, and how far you have come, and in line with this pride, it is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of lieutenant Commander, with all the commensurate responsibilities and rewards. Congratulations.
Waters: Response
Something else he’d do differently next time- lights that could be flickered on and off with a touch. His hands were beginning to become quite raw.
The short time on stage was a necessity for efficiency, but he resolved to welcome anyone on board to speak with him in greater depth once he was removed. Before he left however, there were some further matters to attend to.
Shayne: Now- that is all for those present. However, despite her recent and unexpected leave, Lieutenant Junior Grade Maria Alvarez demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment to her role aboard the ship, and to this crew. For this, I am pleased to present her with the Legion of Merit, in absentia. We hope for her speedy return. And finally…
This was something he’d been dreading all evening.
Shayne: Were it not for ill-considered promises, I would never consider this. However… following the absurdity of awarding a couch an honor, this feels almost quaint in comparison. Last mission… involved a bug. A rather… large, distinctive bug that, for reasons I am still not entirely certain of, proceeded to save the life and well-being of certain officers aboard this vessel. It is thus my deeply… confused… privilege to award the Good Conduct Ribbon to… Millie the… Millie. Yes. That.
By this time, his usually authoritative tone had been lost in the utter confusion of what he was doing, but he hoped that the miscreants various in the crowd enjoyed it.
Any: Response
Shayne: And that, dear crew, concludes the official proceedings. I believe we now have a barbeque to enjoy, and Mr. Nakada’s cooking expertise to sample.
With that, he left the stage, and began to mingle.
Tag/TBC…
Captain Randal Shayne
Commanding Officer
USS Arrow
NCC 69829
G239202RS0