LtCmdrs. Christopher Caldwell & Lael Rosek-Skyfire: All Good Things, Pt. 3
Lael Rosek-Skyfire
Caldwell: Doctor, if you’ll please remain here and Ensign Veylek, if you’d please come up.
When Chris had given the final of his awards, she motioned for Mei to take Chris’s place, then indicated to Chris that he should get the boxes containing the Good Conduct Ribbons ready.
Mei’konda: Response
Shortrith / Veylek: Responses
Mei’konda: Response
Rosek-Skyfire: ::smiles:: Congratulations, Ensigns.
Caldwell: Congratulations, a credit to the uniform!
Any: 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
At last, the officers stood in front of her and she brushed a hand over the tops of the boxes on the dais beside her.
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.
Rosek-Skyfire: Congratulations, you three.
Caldwell watched as the First Officer presented the trio of officers with their Silver Stars, commendations that he knew were not given out lightly. He was pleased to see Ral recognised, was proud of Tovaan and was glad that their new tactical officer, Veylek, had made such a promising start to their Starfleet career.
Mei’konda: Response
Caldwell: Well done all of you, very much deserved!
Any: Responses
She turned to Renaie, smiling.
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: Response
Wright / Teela: Responses
Mei’konda: Response
Wright / Teela: Responses
He gave a respectful nod as he began to clap, it was pleasing to see such recognition. It was also pleasing to see that the ceremony was proceeding so smoothly, a fitting and orderly tribute that served as a nice counterpoint to their rather chaotic mission.
Caldwell: Congratulations to all of you!
She smiled, applauding as they received their Captain’s Commendations.
Mei’konda: Response
Ral / Alentonis: Responses
She stepped up behind Mei, offering him the boxes containing the Starfleet Investigative Ribbons as he asked for them.
Mei’konda: Response
Ral / Alentonis: Responses
As Mei wrapped up his portion, she smirked as she reached for one of the two remaining boxes. She’d had to plead with the Captain for this particular honor.
Rosek-Skyfire: Commander Caldwell. Front and center.
The sound of his own name and rank cut through his thoughts, catching him off guard. He blinked, momentarily confused, wondering if he had imagined it.
oO This wasn’t on the schedule. Oo
Truthfully he hadn’t expected he would have been up for consideration for anything, he already had a rather impressive haul during his career and most of the mission he’d spent his time keeping an eye on far more specialist officers, his actual contributions were, in his opinion, wholly insignificant. Making sure the others assembled couldn’t see, he shot Lael a glare.
Caldwell: ::Whispering:: Don’t think I won’t get you back.
The smirk only widened as she observed his reaction.
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.
He stood there, somewhat uncomfortably as he listened to her words. Many of the words being spoken were not words he would have typically associated with himself. He’d often seen himself as a pragmatist, one that was often abrasive and impatient. To hear her describe him otherwise… he didn’t know what to say or how to feel.
Any: Responses
Caldwell: Thank you, Commander… it means a great deal.
She placed the box in his hand, locking her gaze with his.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::whispers:: You’re going to make a hell of a first officer someday. ::grins:: A permanent one.
Her whispered words struck him harder than being awarded the ribbon. As his career had progressed he’d been increasingly uncertain of what it was he really wanted. Selfishly he wanted more, but that didn’t mean he was sure he was actually capable of it. For the briefest of moments, one thought popped into his mind.
oO A permanent role… not long after she’s announced she’s stepping down from the position… does she know something that I don’t? Oo
He almost laughed at the thought, immediately dismissing it. There was no way his name would be on a shortlist for such a position. Even if it was, Starfleet Command was a bureaucratic nightmare made all the more worse by Frontier Day, it was enough it could drive a Vulcan to tears, he’d even heard rumours that a team of Medusans had been brought in to assist but after a single look at a proposed new chain of command, had been driven completely mad.
The thought, as crazy as it was, soured quickly. The idea of another promotion didn’t bring with it a thrilled expectation for the future, instead there was an unpleasant familiarity. A bitter taste that he’d experienced all too often in his career. He’d only been made the ship’s helm officer after his predecessor was injured during combat with the Romulans, if not for that he might still be a relief officer. He was certain that being made the acting First Officer during a prior mission had cost him his relationship with Esa Kiax, in turn allowing him to end up as the ship’s Second Officer. Every step up for him seemed to be at the direct expense of someone else. He hated the pattern, the cost. He didn’t want the same thing to happen now. He quickly banished such thoughts from his mind, his future, and whatever cost to others it came at, could wait.
Caldwell: ::Whispering back:: You might change your mind in a moment.
He shot her a mischievous smirk and politely gestured for her to yield her position.
Caldwell: ::Whispering:: I did promise you I’d get you back.
He quickly traded places with her, a smile on his face.
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?
He produced a presentation box that he had concealed up his sleeve and handed it to her, followed by a respectful handshake. He held the gaze and the handshake a moment longer than necessary, a final salute to the outgoing First Officer who had been so instrumental in his career progression. When she needed a number one, she had trusted him, it was something that he would never forget.
She smiled, accepting the ribbon graciously. While she didn’t openly seek recognition, she’d learned how to receive it. As long as her crew received recognition for their performance as well.
Mei’konda: Response
Any: Responses
((OOC: For any other crew announcements you may have, Aaron.))
{{Mini Time Jump}}
She smiled as her “surprise” for Mei arrived at the perfect time. Clearly the galley staff had been listening closely.
The cake was so large that it took two galley staff to carry it. It was a perfect cake replica of the Astraeus made to scale. She’d spent at least an hour with the galley lead working out the math on the proportions. She was amazed that they were able to get it onto the table without dropping it.
Rosek-Skyfire: ::raises her voice:: Attention, all hands! The Captain has an announcement!
A smirk crossed her lips. She’d seen the feeds, and it wasn’t a secret to her. She’d only shared the good news with Chris so far, but felt the rest of the crew should be in on it, too.
Mei’konda: Response
==========/\==========
Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell
Mission Specialist & 2nd Officer
USS Astraeus, NCC-70652
A240101CC1