LT Lhandon Joseph Nilsen - Awards In The Moment!
Lhandon Nilsen
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Lhandon was hoping for somewhat of a quiet night; he was almost going to skip this function, but it had been mandated for him to attend. The food was enough to make him stay.
Then the promotion happened. Ro publicly praised him, highlighting his operations skills, his developing diplomacy skills, and taking the wind out of what seemed to be attacks on his character by Toxin Arlill.
Or whatever they were that he said.
His heart pined for what was before, for when he was an ensign and Toxin and Lhandon were roommates and inseparable.
But as Ro said, he's growing into his own; he can stand on his own.
Those going into the OC on the different shifts saw two wildly different leadership styles. Toxin kept everything orderly; everything had its place and its time.
Lhandon also had a sense of order, but if they needed to override something or pull out a couple of isolinear chips, he didn't mind.
But he couldn't be lost in thought at this moment; the cheering and celebrating from the Ops table had died down, but there were still congratulations being passed around the table, and Lhandon's collar felt slightly heavier with the now solid second pip on it.
He knew he had finally made the right choice. Ro was right, V'Airu was right, Promontory, Sherlock, Etan, all those supportive officers were right. He'd make a fine officer one day, and as he caught a reflection of the second pip, he felt what they had been trying to tell him.
He couldn't look at Toxin; it would bring him crashing down, and now he wanted to live in the moment… and for this moment to not end.
As the yeoman came around, they seemed intent on making this moment last longer, at least, that’s what he felt.
Rouiancet: Next, I would like to recognize a pair of medical officers who are a credit to their chosen duty post. First, Doctor Toz has earned the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon, both for her specific work in caring for the officers and crew of the Unity Dow as they rephased -- including one Barney Nilsen, notably, as the first returnee -- and in general for her role in ensuring the safe recovery of as many officers and crew as possible. (beat) I would also like to recognize Doctor Jania Nis with the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon. She found herself called up in the midst of an ongoing crisis and, with little context, was instrumental in preventing the loss of life in nacelle control. Congratulations and an enormous thank you to both of you!
He was glad that Barney got a mention. Barney had clearly been through so much more than Lhandon could imagine; from what he understood, his experience on the Dow was only a tenth of what Barney experienced.
He was also glad for Nis and Toz. The latter he had previously been a prisoner of war alongside, and they both broke out of the King's Path when they were taken prisoner together after Lhandon's first attempt at diplomacy went wrong.
Rouiancet: I would like now to recognize a particular group of officers with two ribbons, the Explorer's Ribbon and the Federation Cross. Lieutenant Maxwell, Lieutenant Commander Katsim, Lieutenant Commander Promontory (a nod to Avander), and Captain Walker -- who couldn't be here today, unfortunately -- showed uncommon bravery and went well beyond the requirements of their duties as they experienced the crucible of the planet's surface. I honor all of you with these ribbons.
He had applauded along with others and was so happy with Promontory being recognized, even though there were only a couple of years between them. If one were to say that Lhandon could be like Avander, our assistant chief of ops would not have been upset.
Rouiancet: Finally, before I turn over the presentation to Commander Promontory, I want recognize another group of officers with the Innovation Ribbon. Actually, I wish to recognize several groups, including those who were instrumental in understanding the phasing phenomenon, as well as those who contributed to our exploration and understanding of the OVIV system itself, whether from the Butler or as a team on assignment. Therefore, I'd like to recognize Lieutenants Yinn/Loq, Toz, Nilsen, Arlill, and Wauhk, Lieutenant Commanders Promontory and Katsim, Ensign Kovacs, and Petty Officer First Class Una Qualunque. And myself, I suppose.
o0 Say what? 0o
One of those ribbons that gold shirts love, his and Arlill's ribbon was given to them at the same time. In sync, almost. He then looked over to Eli… he'd gotten one too and his face painted a picture of joy. He almost leaped out of his chair with the urge to plant the biggest kiss on Eli and make everyone vomit with how much he loved him.
Even if he'd yet to say that to his boyfriend, after all, Eli wants to go slow, so slow they're go.
…but he did soon come up with an idea for a surprise.
Promontory: First up, we want to honor Lieutenant Maxwell with the Medal of Commendation. We’ve already acknowledged the horrors on OVIV-B. (involuntarily shuttering) But in addition to experiencing all that, Max gallantly rescued a fellow crewmember. (beat) And Haggis.
Lhandon helped lead some of the louder applause and he stood up with the marines even though they were on the other side of the room, a few other officers also followed suit.
But then the mood quietened down for a moment, and a slightly more somber moment took hold with the next ribbon.
Promontory: And now for a ribbon we’d prefer to never award, but nevertheless, the Purple Heart is given to those who have been injured in the line of duty. Lieutenants Arlill, Sh'shelo, Nilsen and Ensign Caras put their bodies and lives on the line to get the Dow operational and out of the system. While I understand they will make full recoveries, the effects of radiation poisoning can be quite serve. And before we give these officers the proper applause, I want to mention one more officer who will be given the Purple Heart, in absentia, Lieutenant Kessler.
Lhandon had made a full recovery and while he had lost a little bit of muscle mass, he was still fit and he could build that mass back up in due time. The scene of the Dow, however, would not be so easily covered up in his mind.
He shared this award with Lt. Arlill, and yet he did not cross eyes. Instead, he looked over to Caras with a nod of acknowledgement.
Promontory: Because friendly fire is still fire.
Everyone had heared the story in one from or another by now
Promontory: And now, the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon is awarded to individuals who use investigative skills to solve a crime, defuse a threat, or resolve a dangerous situation. And this last mission had more than it’s share of threats and dangerous situations. From the bridge of the Dow, to the unpleasantness in its Engineering as well as those who navigated intelligence gathering on Port Coray we have over a dozen officers deserving of this award.
He shivered at the mention of Port Coray.
Promontory: Captai: Rouiancet, Lieutenants Herrick, Nilsen, Kessler, Richards, Arlill, Sh'shelor, Herrick, Toz, Maxwell, Xaivis and, of course, two of our newest Ensgins Caras and Lahl!
He clapped along. He didn't like the reminder but at least felt a small sense of justice perhaps, although he would admit that it's wrong that Lahl and Caras were presented with such an award.
Lhandon wondered how he could show Lahl his gratitude. He owed her a huge debt for defending him, and it was one he was ready to pay at a moment's notice.
Promontory: And speaking of gathering intelligence, I’m pleased to award one of my personal favorites, the Intelligence Star. We entered the mission with almost no information about the system and in a short manner of time collected more than Starfleet had previously known. I’m happy to announce that Captain Rouiancet, Commander Walker, Lieutenant Commander Sherlock, Lieutenants Kessler, Arlill, Richards, Stendhal, and Ensign Caras will all be receiving this ribbon.
Lhandon had read the reports from the mission Arlill led in the OC on the way into that cursed system, and while he would have never thought of giving this ribbon, it did make sense the more he thought about it. He was starting to feel a sense of pride not just for his department but also for Caras, whose life seemed to have become somewhat intertwined with his own.
Lhandon couldn't place what it was, but he saw himself in Caras and figured, maybe unconsciously, that helping Caras where needed would be his way of paying it forward for all the support he got.
At least Caras isn't going to fly recklessly in the Denali Invitational and get chewed out by Etan.
One more award.
Promontory: One more award deserves your attention before we let you return to your meals. The Starfleet Medal of Valor is awarded to individuals who have displayed extraordinary bravery and courage in the finest traditions of Starfleet, even when not engaged in conflict with a traditional enemy. The acts of heroism our crew performed were particularly notable and involved a conspicuous risk of life, setting the recipient apart from their comrades. For their service we award the Starfleet Medal of Valor to Captain Rouiancet, Lieutenants Herrick, Nilsen, Kessler, Richards, Arlill, Sh'shelor, and Ensgins Caras, Lahl. Thank you thank you thank you.
One more... he had liked this one. This was the virtue he had wanted to have the most, even though he had been scared beyond his wits, perhaps more scared than he had been in a long time during that cursed mission. This was a medal with a story, one that he wouldn't repeat any time soon.
Promontory: And again, for all those who have been honored tonight and a general thanks to the crew overall! (clapping, but slower to spare his hands) And now, I encourage you to tuck in to the food. Be sure to congratulate your fellow officers and enjoy the evening.
Emotions aside, Lhandon heard his favourite word…food.
Lieutenant Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
Assistant Chief of Operations.
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)