Lieutenant Divya Tam: Cheers to the Astraeus
Kara Clark
(( Crew Quarters, Deck 6, USS Astraeus ))
The mood of the crew had been somber for weeks. Decommissioning the ship was a blow to everyone. All but the newly graduated Ensigns understood that military life meant change and the upheaval of one's life, but they all still felt the loss. Losing a family would always get to her. Divya knew everyone would be fine but walking away knowing they would all be separated was worse, especially after the triumph of the last mission. Playing with vines and befriending a planet should have had them giddy for months. Instead, they walked around as if they were carrying weights on their shoulders.
Divya stood in front of the console and made a snap decision to wear the most obnoxious dress she could replicate to the awards ceremony. After a few minutes she found the perfect red dress. The bodice was tight, and the red sequins shined in any amount of light. Strips of red sequin fringe covered her from waist to floor. If everyone was sad, the least she could do was to be a living disco ball.
((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 6, USS Astraeus))
In a sea of uniforms, Divya was extremely overdressed and she didn't care. She was going to make someone smile today. She quickly made her way to the bar to get a glass of anything she could find to give her hands something to fidget with. Fortunately, the ceremony started quickly.
Rosek-Skyfire: If I could please have everyone’s attention, we’re going to get started with the service ribbon portion of our evening. ::to Mei’konda:: Captain?
Divya wanted to dart to the closet seat she could find but took her time and found a seat near the front. She sat down in her best interpretation of an elegant disco ball.
Mei’konda: Response
She applauded the beloved captain when he finished speaking and watched the first officer take the podium.
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.
The second officer took his turn at the podium.
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 crowd laugh as very few of them enjoyed the spotlight.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::nods:: Lieutenant Tam, Ensign S’Rorr. If you could both step forward.
oO Why am I always surprised to be called up? Oo
She stood next to the counselor and nodded at first officer.
Tam: Ma'am
S’Rorr: Responses
Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Mei:: If you could join them a moment, sir?
Mei’konda: Response
Caldwell: ::Smirking slightly:: I hope you didn’t think that you hadn’t made the list, Captain.
Caldwell stood slightly to the side, presentation cases at the ready as he watched the trio step forward. He could see the pride in Lael’s expression as she prepared to honour her colleagues. It was a formal, well-practiced dance that he’d seen her do several times by this point, whilst she took centre stage he was content to play his supporting part.
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.
Divya was stunned. As a security officer, she had never expected to be acknowledged for diplomacy, or to be doing with diplomacy. She was touched and grateful for the honor. She shook off the surprise and accepted the ribbon box.
Tam: Thank you, Commander.
She patted S'Rorr on the back and made her way back to her seat. She was elated to be recognized and to no longer to be the center of attention, which made her laugh at herself given her outfit.
Any: Responses
Rosek-Skyfire: Congratulations. ::pauses:: Ensign S’Rorr, Captain, if the two of you could remain.
Mei’konda / S’Rorr: Responses
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.
Divya joined the applause, proud of their new doctor.
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.
Whatever award they give S'Rorr, Divya knew it would be well deserved. He had done an outstanding job with Silenya and she know they couldn't have completed the mission without him.
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.
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.
Divya clapped and whistled for her Captain.
Any: Responses
As the awards continued, Divya's thoughts drifted to Mei'Konda flying on a monstrous vine, crawling through tunnels, and fighting with Romulans. This had been an amazing mission and she was proud to have been a part of it. The name of her friend pulled her out of her thoughts.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::to Ral:: If you could both remain. ::to the crowd:: If Ensign Wright and Teela could please step forward. Also, Commander Alentonis.
oO Did she say Teela? Oo
Sure enough, Hana walked past her holding her service tribble, looking confused.
Mei’konda: Response
Wright / Teela: Responses
Mei’konda: Response
Wright / Teela: Responses
Divya clapped louder than ever. She was tickled that the they had honored Wright and her tribble. When Wright left the stage, Divya motioned for Wright to join her.
Tam: ::whispering:: Hana, bring that little fuzz ball over here.
Wright: Responses
Divya spent the rest of the ceremony petting Teela when she was not clapping for her crew.
{{Mini Time Jump}}
The crew chatted in the lounge after the ceremony. Divya took a drink of her champagne and wished there was dance music. She was very happy to this time with her friends but was feeling upbeat for the first time in weeks and wanted to celebrate. Her attention was stolen by two galley staff struggling under the weight of a large, tiered cake.
Tam: ::pointing:: Look at that. Is it a cake?
Wright: Response
They slowly and carefully walked to a large table and set the cake down. It must have weighed a ton because it looked like they were ready to collapse when their burden was removed.
Tam: It must have taken them a week to make such a perfect replica of the Astraeus.
Wright: Response
Tam: I'm going to make sure my piece of cake comes from the security section of the ship so I can eat my office and all the PADDs waiting for my attention.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::raises her voice:: Attention, all hands! The Captain has an announcement!
Mei’konda: Response
Lieutenant Divya Tam
Security Tactical
USS Astraeus
A240104DT4
She/Her (character and player)