Fleet Captain Mei'konda Delano - Farewell, and Thank You (Part 1)

[Mei'konda Delano]

// Captain’s Log, Stardate 240208.10.

Astraeus has been recalled for refitting.

My feelings are mixed on this, I suppose. Since Frontier Day, her quirks have been… more noticeable. More system difficulties. More maintenance work that Mr. Ral has been hard pressed to keep up with. She needs at least a few more months in drydock to iron out all the bugs.

Just one more symptom of all the changes that have happened in the fleet since then. My own feelings involve not only my ship and crew, though, but the path my own career will take in the future now.

My time as a ship commander in Starfleet appears to be at an end. Starfleet has a different need for me now. Perhaps that will change for me in the future, perhaps not. But I do find myself anticipating the different challenge that service on Earth will bring, I think, and this is not goodbye. Just a new path in what is to come.

As we return to Federation space, I’ve begun wrapping up loose ends as this ship’s commanding officer. One of the more pleasant, an opportunity to acknowledge my crew’s accomplishments, comes this evening.

End Captain’s Log.

//

(( Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus ))

Out of uniform and dressed in comfortable black trousers, a white tunic, and his combadge, Mei’konda had lingered near the bar of the Pagrati lounge, sipping comfortably on a mug of cinnamon tea while Lael and Christopher spoke with the crew.

The two of them had grown into excellent leaders, and the sight made the Caitian smile. He perked his ears up when he was eventually addressed by his half Al-Leyan First Officer.

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. 

As Christopher joined Lael there, Mei straightened up, left his mug of tea where it was, and made his way up to join the rest of the crew, rather than up at the podium as he would normally be. He nodded polite greetings to the senior officers and prominent junior officers who had played such a big part in the ship’s recent missions.

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.

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

Tam / S’Rorr: Responses

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

Mei’konda straightened up, inclined his head in acknowledgment, then made his way forward.

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

The Caitian let out a chuckle.

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. 

Mei’konda folded his arms comfortably behind his back. He nodded in emphatic agreement with what Lael had had to say about S’Rorr, and offered her a level, but grateful smile at her words to him.

It was important, he thought, to acknowledge the opinions and the gratitude for those he’d been so close to, both in simple proximity and otherwise, in some cases for so long. He’d now served with Lael for many years, and he knew what she said came from the heart. Reaching out, he shook her hand in return when she stepped up to him.

Tam: Thank you, Commander.

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

Mei did as he was asked, his blue eyes flicking to the side to see if S’Rorr squirmed in place at the question.

S’Rorr: Response (If any)

Caldwell and Lael traded off places and the former continued.

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

Chris waited until the Klingon physician stepped up to join them, and Mei offered them what he hoped was a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Caldwell.

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.

Chuckling briefly at Chris’ use of the term salad, Mei shook his head.

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

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.

The ship’s second officer smirked down at S’Rorr before continuing.

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: Response

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.

Returning his calm gaze to Chris, Mei’konda listened attentively as the younger man spoke. Caldwell had joined Starfleet late, and had spent plenty of time in the stars before. His prior life experience served him well. Newer officers advancing quickly through the ranks was becoming more and more often as Starfleet needed to replace retirees or losses with people from less conventional sources, and in Mei’s experience, that served them well.

He’d decided early in Chris’ career that the young man’s potential was boundless, and he stuck to that view now, even as he smiled gratefully toward the Human officer and accepted the award 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.

S’Rorr / Any: Responses

Mei’konda then took his steps forward to join the others at the podium. Gazing out over the faces before him, the Caitian took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, briefly fighting with the sensation of nostalgia. In all likelihood, he wouldn’t see this place the same way again.

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.

He stepped forward, holding the first opened ribbon box to Ensign Veylek, and the second to 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

Mei’konda stepped back to make way for the others. He folded his hands in front of his waist and listened.

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.

Lael presented the Ribbons to each officer, one at a time.

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

Lael handed each officer a box, shaking their other hand as she did.

Rosek-Skyfire: Congratulations, you three.

Along with a few other ships attached to the logistics supply chain of Starbase 118, Astraeus had a crew that had been recognized for valor and scientific discovery disproportionately when compared to Starfleet at large. Mei was incredibly proud of them, and offered grateful nods to each three while lifting his fuzzy hands to clap politely with the others.

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

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.

Stepping to the center once again, Mei’konda slid the multiple ribbon cases into the center of the podium, looked up toward the three, or… four, he supposed. He smiled at Alentonis and Ral, then Wright and her companion Tribble.

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 paused, realizing he was straying off course for the exact reason for this particular award. He was slipping into the nostalgia that he was already starting to feel for his time with this crew.

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.

Turning his attention more directly to Hana, Mei continued.

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. 

Tam: ::whispering:: Hana, bring that little fuzz ball over here.

Ral / Wright / Teela: Responses

Caldwell: Congratulations to all of you! 

Mei accepted the boxes from Lael, and passed both Captain’s Commendation awards to Hana, the Investigation Ribbon to Tim and Hana, and shook their hands one at a time. For Teela, he offered a few of his fingers for her to briefly squirm up against if she chose to, then took a step back to the dais.

He knew what was coming next, and shifted his slight smile toward Lael.

Rosek-Skyfire: Commander Caldwell. Front and center. 

Caldwell: ::Whispering:: Don’t think I won’t get you back.

Lael smirked. One of her most honest expressions of joy, as Mei’konda had learned over the years.

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.

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

Mei had only a sweet smile for the other man.

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.

Rosek-Skyfire: ::whispers:: You’re going to make a hell of a first officer someday. ::grins:: A permanent one.

Caldwell: ::Whispering back:: You might change your mind in a moment.

Amused, Mei’konda listened to their back and forth exchange. With his highly sensitive Caitian ears, there was no avoiding it.

Caldwell: ::Whispering:: I did promise you I’d get you back.

Chris and Lael switched places, and the former began to speak once again.

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?

The Caitian let out another chuckle.

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.

The refreshments turned out to be very different than he thought they would, and Mei’konda’s eyes widened as a huge cake was brought in through the lounge’s double doors and pushed up toward the gathering near the massive front windows on a steady hover sled. He stepped up to admire it, then laughed.

Mei’konda: I haate to think of the tiime they put in. My goodness. It’s amazing! And smells like… coconut?

It was his favorite. Exactly the sort of thing that Lael would know about him, of course. 

======================================

Fleet Captain Mei’konda Delano

Commanding Officer

USS Astraeus, NCC-70652

M239002M10