Doctor Renaie Shortrith - Recognition & Revelling (Part 1)
H M
((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus))
Renaie smoothed the creases of their dress uniform sub-consciously. Their vitiligo had been covered for the awards ceremony, Renaie understanding wholeheartedly that this was a formal occasion and wasn't the right place to show it.
Wordlessly, the medical officer drifted to one of the rows of seats, wordlessly acknowledging the other ensigns before resting their eyes on the stage.
They sat up a little straighter when Commander Rosek-Skyfire began to speak.
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.
Commander Caldwell and Captain Mei'konda approached the stage upon being acknowledged.
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.
Renaie applauded with the rest of the room, smiling with pride for everyone.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods:: Lieutenant Tam, Ensign S’Rorr. If you could both step forward.
Tam: Ma'am
Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Mei:: If you could join them a moment, sir?
Caldwell: ::Smirking slightly:: I hope you didn’t think that you hadn’t made the list, Captain.
Mei’konda: Well, previiously, it has always been Captain’s prerogatiive, but I suppose that may be different soon…
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: Thank you. This is an honor.
Tam: Thank you, Commander.
Rosek-Skyfire: Congratulations. ::pauses:: Ensign S’Rorr, Captain, if the two of you could remain.
There was a moment of silence before Commander Caldwell spoke.
Caldwell: Thank you, Commander. I’d now like to ask Ensign Renaie Shortrith to please step forward.
oO Me? Oo
Renaie raised from their seat and joined the people standing, noticing a reassuring smile on the Captain's face.
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.
oO Sentient salad creature? Well… He's not wrong… Oo
Mei’konda: Congraatulations, Doctor. I caan only imagine what Silenya thought of our own appearaances, Commander Caldwell.
Shortrith: Oh wow… Thank you.
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.
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.
S'Rorr: Th-thank you, C-Commander.
Renaie smiled at S'Rorr, wordlessly congratulating him.
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.
oO Congrats, Captain. Oo
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.
As S'Rorr stepped down, Renaie stepped back into the shadows, ready to discreetly make their way back to their seat.
Caldwell: Doctor, if you’ll please remain here and Ensign Veylek, if you’d please come up.
oO I'm staying here? What did I do this time? Oo
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.
Renaie gave a reassuring smile - or at least, they hoped that it looked like one - to Ensign Veylek as she made her way up.
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: ::offers hand for Veylek to shake:: Well done, you did amazing.
Veylek: Responses
Renaie returned to sitting with the other Ensigns, offering a smile to the others.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Veylek:: If you could remain. ::turns to the crowd:: Lieutenants Ral and Tovaan, if you could join us please.
((Mini timeskip - to awards refreshments thing))
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.
Renaie's eyes widened slightly as an enormous cake was wheeled into the room.
Mei’konda: I haate to think of the tiime they put in. My goodness. It’s amazing! And smells like… coconut?