Ensign S'Rorr - Auspicious First Steps, Part 1

[S'Rorr]

((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus, The Awards Ceremony))

S'Rorr arrived at the lounge once again wearing the formal dress uniform, neatly pressed, black and blue. And once again, he went right for the snacks.  Picking up a tiny, delicate plate, he filled it with lots of tiny, delicate treats; little cakes, cookies, and confections with fruit toppings he had carefully removed the fruit from with the tips of his claws to discard later. He engaged in casual conversation with some others that he had known, though he felt a deep sense of regret that he hadn't had enough time to really get to know everyone on the crew.

He picked up a cup of cinnamon tea and sniffed at it, then took an experimental sip, which he immediately spit out. Not that he didn't like it. It was delicious. It was that he'd just spotted Divya Tam looking like what you would get if you asked a holodeck to mix a disco ball and a fire truck into a dress. Incredible! Luckily, nobody was hit by his tea. He set it down.

When others began to sit down on the rows of chairs facing the low stage, he discarded his empty plate and yucky fruit and cleaned his whiskers with a napkin that he put in his pocket on his way to his own chair, where he sat beside the other ensigns: Munshi, Shortrith, and Veylek.

Commander Rosek-Skyfire, Commander Caldwell, and Captain Mei'konda stood front and center, holding PADDs and small boxes, and S'Rorr perked his ears to pay attention.

Rosek-Skyfire: We’re going to do this a bit differently than we usually do. This last mission, myself, the Captain, and Chris each had an opportunity to lead teams. So it only seemed right that each of us take part in handing out those awards.

Caldwell's team were up first. The commander took center stage and began to speak.

Caldwell: Thank you, Commander. Our last mission to planet Sierra-Six-Nine - Vine World, proved to be a great success, what started as a systems test, resulted in discoveries which will keep Federation scientists busy for years… ::Dryly:: although it felt like that happened already. Together you went boldly into the unknown, discovering and then investigating a strange new world. You made peaceful contact with a truly alien lifeform of unimaginable scale. And you endured a hazardous and unpredictable environment with the professionalism that Starfleet experiences. For these collective achievements, I am proud to announce that you have all earned the Explorer’s Ribbon, the First Contact Ribbon and the Wilderness Deployment Ribbon… don’t worry, I won’t make you all stand though.

The crew lit up with applause. S'Rorr had been around enough humans to know the silly custom of slapping one's hands together to make lots of noise, and so he participated, too, but threw in a Caitian hrrowl as well to show his appreciation.

Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods:: Lieutenant Tam, Ensign S’Rorr. If you could both step forward.

S'Rorr stood up with Tam and approached. He exchanged glances with her and showed her a friendly smile. Tugging lightly at the hem of his uniform jacket, he felt a deep sense of relieve that he'd get to stand next to Tam. Something about her made him feel safe. And her five alarm dress made him feel practically invisible, even though he was standing in front of a crowd.

Tam: Responses

Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Mei:: If you could join them a moment, sir?

Mei'konda let out a little chuckle.

Mei’konda:  Well, previiously, it has always been Captain’s prerogatiive, but I suppose that may be different soon…

Caldwell: ::Smirking slightly:: I hope you didn’t think that you hadn’t made the list, Captain.

Caldwell stepped aside to show the boxes behind him as S'Rorr, Tam, and Mei'konda stepped forward. S'Rorr's heart was beating quickly. He felt nervous, thrilled.. and a little overstimulated. Caldwell took a few of the small boxes from the table and presented them to Rosek-Skyfire.

Rosek-Skyfire: We have been proud to see your growth as officers. ::to S’Rorr:: Though you’ve been with us only a short time, Ensign, your passion for Starfleet and your duty is evident in all you do. Diplomacy is not an easy thing, especially in the face of the unknown. But the two of you handled yourselves with poise and grace. ::smiles at Mei:: And always, sir, you showed us all why you were given command of the Astraeus. The fleet is blessed to count you among its leaders. ::accepts the boxes from Chris:: It is my pleasure to award each of you with the Diplomacy Ribbon.

S'Rorr's breath caught in his throat when she looked right at him. He swallowed. S'Rorr stepped forward in his turn to accept the box, taking it carefully. He shook her hand, then stepped back again.

S'Rorr: Thank you. This is an honor.

Tam: Thank you, Commander.

Any: Responses

Rosek-Skyfire: Congratulations. ::pauses:: Ensign S’Rorr, Captain, if the two of you could remain.

S'Rorr had just lifted a foot to step back out of the spotlight when he was asked to remain. That landed back at the place it had lifted off, but now the orange caitian was squirming a little. He repeated a mantra over and over in his mind, tried to force himself to relax, and reminded himself that nobody would choose to look at him when they had the option to look at Divya's amazing dress.

Caldwell: Thank you, Commander. I’d now like to ask Ensign Renaie Shortrith to please step forward.

Caldwell: Ensign, your performance on Vine World was exemplary. You were faced with a medical situation that I’m pretty sure wasn’t covered at medical school - namely the removal of Borg implants from a planet spanning sentient salad creature… ::Gesturing towards his PADD:: That’s exactly what I have written here. You acted not just as a medical doctor, but as a surgeon and as a diplomat, acting as a calming presence to your patient. For displaying an outstanding ability to apply your skills to a challenge far beyond your training, I am pleased to award you with the Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon. Congratulations, Doctor.

Mei’konda: Congraatulations, Doctor. I caan only imagine what Silenya thought of our own appearaances, Commander Caldwell.

Any: Responses

Caldwell: Next, Ensign S’Rorr. You were quite literally thrown into the deep end for your very first assignment. You quickly proved yourself an essential member of the crew, quickly adapting to circumstances that were entirely alien to us all and providing valuable insight into a new lifeform… all the while dealing with… allergies.

S'Rorr remembered. Just the thought of it made his nose tickle and his whiskers flatten to his face. The moment the transporters were back online and he'd had a chance to get proper medical supplies, he'd been able to take antihistamines to calm his immune system down. But it's absolutely no fun to sneeze into the helmet of an EV suit. NOT something he had included in his debriefing.

Caldwell: You showed a resilience that would have been impressive for an experienced officer, let alone one that had only just graduated from Starfleet Academy. It is my pleasure to award you the Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon. Well earned, Ensign.

The caitian counselor tried his best not to cry. He always cried at these kinds of things, and he was already feeling awkward and nervous. But his diplomatic and counselor's training served him well, and he kept up appearances as he accepted the ribbon in it's beautiful presentation box and shook Caldwell's hand, remaining stoic if a little watery in the eyes.

S'Rorr: Th-thank you, C-Commander.

Any: Responses

Caldwell: Captain ::Giving a curt nod before studying his PADD, returning his gaze to the Captain and narrowing his eyes:: Hmm ::Checking the PADD again:: Captain… Sir, your leadership has been the bedrock of this crew, it is the foundation on which everything else, on which all of this ::gesturing to take in the room:: is built. As you have so many times before, during our last mission, you placed your trust in your subordinates, you guided us with a steady hand and, under your leadership we were able to forge a peaceful relationship with a new lifeform in the finest tradition of Starfleet. Your command is defined by a list of superlatives too long for me to list, but your wisdom and your empathy inspire the best in all of us. For that, I am deeply honoured and privileged to present you with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon.

He handed the Captain his presentation box.

Mei’konda: Thaank you, Chris. Your career here has been a meteoriic one, and… though you and I may not have always agreed, I hope you’ll contiinue to keep your fellow officers on their toes. Mister S’Rorr, you can step down for now.

oO Doctor.. actually. Oo

But, it wasn't the time for corrections. AND, he had been invited to return to his seat, which at that point in time would have been all three of his wishes, had he found a wish-granting genie in one of his ribbon boxes. So he took the opportunity happily, shaking the Captain's hand before returning to the Ensign's row.

Any: Responses

Caldwell: Doctor, if you’ll please remain here and Ensign Veylek, if you’d please come up.

Mei’konda: Everyone, to saay that our last mission was unconventional is to put it miildly. Ensign Munshi’s discovery led us there, and you all worked hard together that we left the Vine World better thaan we found it, all without creatiing too much of a diplomaatic incident with the Romulans. Some of you performed exceptiionally well under high pressure situations. Ensign Veylek, pleaase join Doctor Shortrith.

Mei’konda: For your actiions in safeguarding this ship and our crew on the surfaace, I’m happy to award you both the Good Conduct Ribbon.

Rosek-Skyfire: ::smiles:: Congratulations, Ensigns.

Caldwell: Congratulations, a credit to the uniform!

Shortrith / Veylek: Responses

Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Veylek:: If you could remain. ::turns to the crowd:: Lieutenants Ral and Tovaan, if you could join us please.

Veylek: Response

Ral / Tovaan: Responses

Rosek-Skyfire: Our line of work is inherently dangerous. Thus is the nature of Starfleet. However, Starfleet knows that there are officers who go above and beyond the call of duty with their actions. We strive to recognize these individuals and their commitment.

Veylek / Ral / Tovaan: Responses

Rosek-Skyfire: It is my privilege to award the three of you the Silver Star for your unwavering commitment to the safety of your fellow officers and the risk you put yourselves at to protect them.

Veylek / Ral / Tovaan: Responses

She handed each officer a box, shaking their other hand as she did. S'Rorr marveled at the sight of those silver stars.

Rosek-Skyfire: Congratulations, you three.

Caldwell: Well done all of you, very much deserved!

S'Rorr applauded with the rest!

Mei’konda: Response

Caldwell: Well done all of you, very much deserved!

S'Rorr: Good job!

Any: Responses

Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Ral:: If you could both remain. ::to the crowd:: If Ensign Wright and Teela could please step forward. Also, Commander Alentonis.

Mei’konda: I’ve been privileged to know you siince before you went to abbreviated officer’s school, Tim, and your genius has never escaaped my notiice or appreciation. The saame is true for you, Lieutenant Ral. You’ve been on thiis ship since you were an Ensign… you rose to Chief Engineer, and you’ve kept this ship together through some incrediibly difficult times.

Mei’konda: Well… in either caase, I’m honored to present you both wiith the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. You both plaayed big parts in ensuring we were able to help Silenya, in learniing how to work with technology that is almost unfaathomably old and daamaged. Thank you both.

Mei’konda: Some of that help came from a very unexpected source, so… You and Teela both will be joining you as an official recipient of the Captain's Commendation.

Alentonis: Thank you, sir.

Ral / Wright / Teela: Responses

Caldwell: Congratulations to all of you!

Rosek-Skyfire: Commander Caldwell. Front and center.

Rosek-Skyfire: I’ve been very blessed to watch you grow into the officer that stands before me today. I had to plead with the Captain for this privilege. ::grins:: Fortunately, he was feeling generous. ::opens the box:: You have grown into a strong leader and I’m proud to call you not only a colleague, but a friend. This last mission is just another example of your ability to not only accomplish the mission, but to support your team. You have distinguished yourself as someone our crew can trust to be an example of what leadership means. Therefore, it’s my distinct privilege and honor to award you the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Congratulations, Commander.

S'Rorr: ::clapping:: Congratulations!

Any: Responses

Caldwell: Thank you, Commander… it means a great deal.

Mei’konda: Revenge taastes sweet, Chris. Enjoy the admiraation of your colleagues. You’re not a paarticularly conventional officer, which is exactly who Starfleet needs in the field right now. Congratulations.

There was a brief exchange between them that S'Rorr couldn't hear, but then Commanders Caldwell and Rosek-Skyfire traded places.

Caldwell: Lael Rosek-Skyfire. I know you’ve had some good news recently, I’m pleased to tell you that it’s my honour to present you with some more. You have been a mentor, a leader and a friend to every senior officer on this ship. During our most recent mission, you commanded this vessel with distinction, facing down a hostile threat and ensuring the safety of the entire crew. Your leadership is not just excellent, it is the standard that we should all aspire to. It is therefore my distinct privilege to award you with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon… ::Smirking:: I believe you’re familiar with it?

Caldwell then produced a box that had been hidden in his sleeve and presented it to the first officer with another hand for a shake, and a proper salute.

Mei’konda: Well, now that that’s out of the way… thank you, everyone. Let’s taake a brief break. I believe the refreshments are almost here.

Ensign S'Rorr
Ship's Counselor
USS Astraeus NCC-70652
A240206S04