Lt.(jg) Dr. Toz: Awards and Ribbons
Patty Boyle
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Deciding that her dress uniform wasn’t necessary, she knew she should also wear her best. The in-between uniform. Not the one she wore under her white lab coat but the one she wore when greeting guests. Sharp looking, it could pass for the dress uniform if it had to.
Already on DS14, Dr. Toz reconnoitered and made her way to the Solar Sail Observation Hall. Standing at the door, she looked in to see a sea of officers and Commander -no, Captain Rouiancet standing at the dais, XO Promontory at her side. Karen and Llandon was just leaving the stage and Ensign Yinn/Loq and Lt. Anton Richards was walking up. Looking around, Toz spotted a group of blue uniforms and headed in that direction. She was late but hoped no one payed attention.
Nodding at Peri, Nis and several of her senior staff, Toz took a seat just as the ensign was made a J.G. Toz was among the most vocal as she let out a cheer at the top of her lungs. She was suddenly struck that Lt. Richards made Acting CoS. Oooo… the responsibilities. She knew that feeling.
Rouiancet: As the commander and I award ribbons, yeomen around the hall will provide the named officers and crew with the ribbons and stars they've earned. (beat) First, I would like to recognize Lieutenants Anton Richards, Toxin Arlill, and Josh Herrick with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Each of these three lieutenants rose magnificently to the challenge of command, whether that was of a shuttle mission, a dangerous mission group, or the Butler's bridge. You can, and should, look to these three as future commanders. Congratulations!
Amidst the applause, yeomen descended on the three with the Leadership Excellence Ribbons. As the applause quieted, Lia spoke again.
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!
Dr. Toz sat there with her mouth open. She understood Dr. Nis getting the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon, but she never considered that she would get one. Again, yeomen swooped down on the medical officers as the applause crescendoed. Toz clutched the ribbon as if someone would grab it away from her. She mouthed a congrats to Nis.
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.
This time, Lokhina herself brought the pair of ribbons to Avander as he stood beside Lia on the dais, as two others brought the ribbons to the other named officers. Toz assumed Captain Walker's would be entered into her record so that she could add them to her ribbon cluster at her leisure.
Toz was simply thrilled. It was good that she was seated at the table and not required to speak. Like, say thanks or anything. And suddenly a whole group of them were being honored with the Innovation Ribbon. Her mouth again falling open, Toz smiled widely, looked around and nodded a congratulations to everyone as she reached for her newest ribbon.
Rouiancet: And now, for the remaining ribbons, I present again Commander Promontory.
Dr. Toz sat upright and payed close attention to the XO.
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.
Haggis. That cute little cat of Maxwell’s. She was interrupted in her thoughts by another round of clapping. Toz gladly joined in.
Purple Hearts were given out to Arlill, Sh’shelo, Nilsen, and Caras (well deserved). The mention of Lt. Kessler’s name for the Purple Heart made Toz feel suddenly sad. She’d gotten to know him back on the USS Thor and served with him on the Oumuamua. She didn’t know where he was but she hoped he was okay.
Loud applause brought Toz’s attention back to the present.
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 nodded to the yeomen to begin distributing the ribbons as he read out their names, starting with their command officer next to him on the dias.
Promontory: Captain Rouiancet, Lieutenants Herrick, Nilsen, Kessler, Richards, Arlill, Sh'shelor Herrick, Toz, Maxwell, Xaivis and, of course, two of our newest Ensigns Caras and Lahl!
Another ribbon! Toz was about to bust into tears suddenly. She did not expect any ribbons and it touched her to her core. Smiling at Peri, Toz blinked away tears and turned to the drink placed in front of her.
Whatever it was.
Lt.(jg) Doctor Toz
Acting Chief Medical Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
T239801T14