Capt. Shayne: To The Old And New

[Quinn Friedl]

((Arboretum, Deep Space 3))

He had almost decided to set the ceremony elsewhere. This felt like his place, and her place, and bringing others here felt almost sacrilegious. But this wasn’t their property, and the memories of what transpired in the arboretum a few nights before would remain firmly locked in his mind. Beauty notwithstanding, this evening was different from his engagement night with MacKenna. This was for the crew. 

And what a crew it was, though Starfleet Command saw to it that nothing could remain stable for even five damn minutes. The boxes on the small table beside the stage had changed and varied as orders and information flowed in and out of his presence. Procedure and duty might have thwarted a proper celebration of certain accomplishments, but it would not detract from the recognition itself. They were better than that. 

As the crew slowly assembled, some nibbling on the buffet available at the side of the room, Shayne considered his notes and reminders. Serinus’ words had been well-taken, and he would be doing things a little differently. That, combined with the unique circumstances of the awards he was offering, meant that he’d have to think more clearly than usual during these things, though he was starting to get good at it. 

He stepped up, calling the ceremony to order. 

Shayne: Here we are again. 

Alarm? Delight? Dread? Pride? There was room for it all, and then some. They raced night- and the night was big. 

Shayne: Step forward Lieutenants Caden and Anders. 

The pair of boxes, made of mahogany, glittered in the soft light as the officers approached. 

Shayne: Lieutenants, there’s no denying the valuable assistance you provided during our last mission, in line with your tendencies to get this crew out of tricky circumstances. For your work, amidst uniquely difficult circumstances, please accept the Scientific Discovery Ribbon, and the Innovation Ribbon. Congratulations and thank you. 

Caden/Anders: Response 

The applause sounded different in the arboretum, like their verdant surroundings were offering praise. Once it died down, and the officers had returned to their seats with their new shinies, Shayne continued. 

Shayne: Step forward Lieutenant R’Ariel. 

R’Ariel did so, lithely and gracefully. He smiled at her gently, breaking with his chitin-like exterior for her. It was uncomfortable, but appropriate; R’Ariel seemed to do her best work in an environment that permitted freedom, and what work it was. 

Shayne: Lieutenant, this past mission posed unparalleled challenges for you that compounded your already overwhelming responsibilities. And yet, this crew has emerged from this disturbing experience largely intact thanks to your professional and personal character and care. For this, I am pleased to award you the Trauma Support Ribbon, and the Unity Ribbon. Congratulations and thank you. 

R’Ariel: Response 

The clapping died quickly as Shayne held up a hand. 

Shayne: In addition, due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be the recipient of the first of several changes in staffing. Don’t take this to mean that this change is unearned, because nothing could be further from the truth. In light of the needs of the ship, and your unfailing devotion to the crew and Starfleet’s ideals, I am pleased to promote you to the position of Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Arrow, effective immediately. Congratulations and thank you. 

R’Ariel: Response 

The applause was more prolonged this time, and Shayne could feel the question hovering over the crowd- what had happened to Ensign Mason? He would address it shortly, but now was a time for celebration all the same. 

Shayne: Step forward Commander Serinus. 

Serinus stepped up, and Shayne regarded the strapping and athletic Chief of Security with prideful, friendly eyes. 

Shayne: Commander, one day you are going to make a hell of a captain. For right now, though, I can’t imagine anyone else in the role of Chief of Security. 

He meant that most sincerely; in a strange and somewhat uncouth dichotomy, while Shayne was not a violent murderer and Serinus was not a timid creature, the Chief of Security had bluntly advised Shayne against more aggressive methods of completing a mission. From his first shaky steps in the leadership position, Shayne had relied heavily on Serinus’ council, and he was pleased to note that, instead of discussions of martial law and blunt assertions that such actions would not be supported by the crew, Shayne was receiving guidance on the optics of award presentations- something he was taking to heart in the present. 

Shayne: Your service, guidance and steadfast protection of this ship and the souls aboard her afford you our respect, gratitude and admiration. As such, please accept the Legion of Merit and our sincere thanks. Congratulations. 

With his left hand, he offered the box with the ribbon, and his right hand crossed over to shake Serinus’. 

Serinus: Response 

As Serinus exited, and the applause rose happily and then faded, Shayne was already moving to the next officer on the list. 

Shayne: Step forward Ensign Alvarez: 

Shayne had done her wrong last time. Whether it was intended or not, it was wrong, and he intended to make good on it. 

Shayne: Ensign Alvarez, you have been a… well, I’ve never been able to box you in during duty hours, so why should I try to do so in words here? But you’ve left an inimitable impact on each person here, and I believe we are better for it. Some of you may already be familiar with Ensign Alvarez’s extended detached service to the Gentii, due to begin shortly. We hope she will return to us again soon, but in the meantime… 

He reached for a slightly darker box. 

Shayne: …you’ll need a rank befitting the ambassadorial station you are undertaking. As such, it is my genuine and- frankly, incredulous- pleasure to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the privileges and responsibilities concurrent with that rank. Congratulations. 

He pinned the hollow pip onto her collar, and as he was close to her, he whispered almost silently into her ear. 

Shayne: Don’t let it go to your head. 

He flickered his eyes upward, and in them, away from every other prying gaze in the arboretum, was one unavoidable message. 

I’m proud of you. 

Shayne stepped back, and clapped along with the rest of the crew at Alvarez’s ascension. 

Shayne: Step forward Lieutenant Waters! 

Waters walked up, and Shayne bent down to provide a loving ear scritch to Mandy. 

Shayne Lieutenant, there is only so much I can ask of my officers, and somehow, you and others seem to exceed it with a disturbing regularity. Whether this is good or bad is up to you to decide; however, there is no escaping the fact that, in the midst of an unexpectedly dire set of circumstances, you provided a stable and strong hand of leadership while I was not in a position to do so. As such, please accept the Unity Ribbon for your watchful protection of the crew’s morale, and the Captain’s Commendation for your capable guidance in the midst of obstructive circumstances. Congratulations and thank you. 

Waters: Response 

The boxes were passed, and the words exchanged. 

Shayne: Step forward Commander Collins! 

This was something he both had and had not been looking for. Hopefully, the commander would accept Shayne’s words as they were intended. 

Shayne: Before I begin, I would like to make it objectively clear to all hands- Commander Collins has taken a temporary break from the role of first officer. This was a joint decision, made with the good of the ship and crew in mind- even if he is not in the role for the time being, he has the mind, leadership and commitment to service of a first officer. I know I don’t have to explain this to anyone. I know each of you here is a good, decent soul that understands that a transfer is not a sign of weakness or trouble. But I want to make it beyond clear- I have never had more faith, respect or appreciation for Commander Collins than I do right now. Thank you for your service to our ship as first officer, and I am looking forward to it continuing as our Chief Science Officer. 

Shayne passed another box. 

Shayne: In addition, for various acts of selflessness, courage, grace, composure, heart, and kindness, please accept the Captain’s Commendation as a token of my gratitude, and as a symbol of my certainty in your continual rise. Congratulations. 

Collins: Response 

Shayne: Step forward Lieutenant Rodan! 

Boy, was he in for it now. Shayne regarded his new first officer with a mischievous glance, but his gaze grew more somber as he approached. 

Shayne: Mr. Rodan, I’d like to thank you for agreeing to take on the role and burden of first officer. Your recent conduct has been exemplary, and I’d like to recognize that with the Good Conduct Ribbon. 

The applause was again cut short as Shayne reached for the second box. 

Shayne: In addition, in accordance with your new position, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all the responsibilities and privileges that rank affords. Congratulations and thank you. 

Shayne couldn’t keep the feldercarb-eating grin off his features as he pinned the hollow pip to Rodan’s collar. 

Rodan: Response 

The applause could continue more fully now, and Shayne joined it as Rodan returned to his seat. 

Shayne: Step forward Lieutenant DeBarres!

She approached, and the taste of Andorian Ale burbled onto his tongue as he remembered their evening. 

Shayne: Lieutenant, there is nothing like a steadfast officer that can fill in a gap and make the most of any circumstance. As such, the Good Conduct Ribbon is yours, for your distinct assistance during this past mission, and in all previous missions we’ve engaged in. Congratulations and thank you. 

DeBarres: Response 

As the applause died down, he spoke further. 

Shayne: Though she is not here at the moment, Ensign Mason has fully earned her Medical Science Ribbon for her breakthroughs during our less-than-amicable exchanges over Gentii. And finally, I’m pleased to announce that all hands will be receiving the Diplomacy Ribbon, as well as the Extended Service Ribbon. And I believe that concludes-

As he spoke, he turned, to find that Ash MacKenna was joining him on stage. Surprised, he stopped and turned toward her, eyebrow raised. She wasn’t normally one for the spotlight. What did she have in mind? 

MacKenna: Response 

Tag/TBC…

Captain Randal Shayne
Commanding Officer

USS Arrow
NCC 69829
G239202RS0