Capt. Shayne: I (Actually) Swear To Drunk, I'm Not God.
Quinn
((The Garden, Earthside))
Expository dialogue and crew encouragement out of the way, Shayne was again ready to return to his primary, if delayed duty.
The shinies awaited.
Shayne: Step forward Mr. Collins.
It was a coincidence that Collins was on top of the list, but it seemed to make a great deal of sense. The man’s consistent belief that Shayne was disappointed or dissatisfied in him would be combatted with irrefutable and irreparable examples to the contrary. He was doomed to be reminded of Shayne’s respect for him at every opportunity. It amused the captain, as the commander strode to the front, that he was becoming this good at finding people’s weaknesses. If he did it right, he could turn them into strengths.
Shayne: Commander, the role of Chief Science Officer is one I’ve never attempted, but I see the difficulties you experience throughout. Under normal circumstances, you are placed through immense difficulty. However, this time around, you took over a multitude of roles which you’ve not had significant experience with. You performed this double or even triple duty with aplomb, and for this, I am pleased to award you the Legion of Merit. In addition, your efforts on Mercia are not unnoticed. I am glad to present you with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Congratulations.
One hand shook Collins, and the other presented the small stack of boxes that were now indelibly assigned to the bashful science chief.
Collins: Response
Shayne wasted no time.
Shayne: Mr. Dewitt! To the front.
As Dewitt navigated the chairs, Shayne delighted in the fact that this young, enthusiastic engineer had not only proven himself on his first outing, but was in a position to do so much good, on the ship and in the galaxy at large. This was a young man to watch.
Shayne: Mr. Dewitt, I have witnessed firsthand how your technical proclivities helped us succeed in our latest adventure, but I also see the courage necessary to invoke those abilities. Consider me extremely impressed. I am pleased to award you the Good Conduct Ribbon, as well as the Lifesaving Ribbon, for your efforts on behalf of this crew, and the lives and principles that we protect. Congratulations.
Dewitt: Response
A handshake, a warm glance, a dispensing of boxes, and the next contestant rose to the challenge.
Shayne: Lieutenant Jacin! Step forward.
The unusually energetic science officer, who might find a kindred spirit in the recently departed Maria Alvarez, had nevertheless exhibited considerable skill and bravery in the performance of her duties.
Shayne: Lieutenant, without the efforts of you and your fellow (in some cases impromptu) medical colleagues, we would all be dead, and the Sheliak would be free to commit barbarous atrocities across the Alpha Isles. For your dedication to duty, I am pleased to award you with the Medical Science Ribbon. Congratulations.
Jacin: Response
He shook the lieutenant’s hand.
Shayne: Mr. Ar’Gorvalei!
He didn’t both with the specific command- by now everyone ought to be finding the rhythm.
Shayne: Lieutenant, you were likewise instrumental in the neutralization of the Sheliak weapon. For your excellence in the line of duty, I am pleased to award you the Medical Science Ribbon. Congratulations.
Ar’Gorvalei: Response
He shook the Efrosian’s hand. It occurred to him that the youthful and less experienced members of the staff had performed above and beyond his expectations, much like the older guard. That was… delightful to the cagey old clogger.
Shayne: Commander R’Ariel!
There was an extra layer of admiration when it came to R’Ariel- she dealt with the duties and tribulations of a senior role, while dealing with special vulnerabilities of her own, on top of the mental buffeting her psyche endured.
Shayne: Commander, I am singularly impressed with your creative and resilient work to save us from a uniquely uncomfortable death. You have my gratitude, and as of now, you are the recipient of the Innovation Ribbon. Congratulations, and thank you.
R’Ariel: Response
Shayne: Commander MacKenna!
Shayne rather regretted having to bring attention to their relationship in this way; what he shared with Ash was private to him, and even in this professional environment, showing praise or affection was almost too much for him to bear. Still, she deserved recognition, like anyone else on his crew.
Shayne: Commander, your services to this ship remain varied, indispensable and substantial. That said, Starfleet frowns upon generalized commendations, so I will focus on one particular success- your assistance with interdicting the Breen on Mercia. For your service therein, I am pleased to present you the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Congratulations.
He offered his hand, but with his eyes, he conveyed nothing but pride.
MacKenna: Response
Shayne: Commander Serinus!
The fit and ready Security and Tactical officer had often been a foil to Shayne, but now he saw only an effective and instrumental member of his senior staff.
Shayne: Commander, your expertise in the field and capacity to keep your crewmates safe sets you apart, and your actions on Mercia will not be forgotten. The first step in ensuring that is awarding you the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Congratulations.
Serinus: Response
And finally…
Shayne: Commander Rodan!
If he said “Joint Meritorious Unit” without flubbing it one more time…
Shayne: Commander, I won’t lecture you about the importance your position bears, but I can’t imagine these past few months have been easy. As such, I am pleased to award you the Captain’s Commendation for your continuous dedication to service, and the Moint Jeritorious- Toint Merijorious…
He pursed his lips, snarled slightly, offered his hand, slammed the last two boxes into Rodan’s open palm, then threw up his palms in a “veck!” motion.
Shayne: Bah! You get it. Before you go and eat things, Commander Waters has something to present.
He stepped aside as the young helmswoman took the stage.
Waters: Response
END
Captain Randal Shayne
Commanding Officer
NCC 69829
G239202RS0