Lt. Cmdr. Lhandon Nilsen - The Sound Of Awards Pt 3
Lhandon Nilsen
((OOC: I broke convention slightly with this one so the tags may seem like there are more but I needed to give this scene the respect it deserves, and I'm also mindful that Mark and Lynn are also simming on the Thor.))
((Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Lhandon did wish Shyvo was here to help him, like Lohkina was helping the captain, but he'd sent the Orion off to do something that was just a little more important and set up a very special box for someone, and he'd be catching up with the crewman later on. For now, he roamed the tables on his rounds.
His first stop was table 12. On it were two people he respected highly: the former second officer, and now the first officer of the Thor. Lhandon approached with joy, and any attempts at a nonchalant greeting were thrown out of the airlock.
Nilsen: Hey, you two.
Herrick/Saa: Response
Lhandon then said the joke he'd been working on for at least six hours.
Nilsen: So Josh. I stole your job.
There was a slight laugh from Lhandon at his own joke. It wasn't as cool as he hoped it sounded, but it didn't matter in that moment.
Herrick: Response
Nilsen: I know I should be giving you these pretty medals right now, but I'll hold them hostage for a moment. Any wise words for me?
Herrick: Response
There was a smile at the words, and he'd remember them until the end of time.
Nilsen: I could yap on and be all emotional here and reminisce when we first met, not Paradiso, we didn't really talk there, but rather in the OC of the Oumuamua, you brought in the new replicator and we installed it together. Feels so long ago now. Anyway, I wish you all the very best on Thor. Commander Promontory couldn't have asked for a better XO.
Herrick: Response
Nilsen: So now the awards. If you could stand, please, sir. ::beat:: As my first official act as second officer, I want to recognise your contribution. In addition to the Explorer's Ribbon that we all have, I want to also give you two others. The first, in recognition of the relationship that diplomacy and intelligence have, but also in recognition of your skill and leadership, something I myself look up to. I want to award you with this star to affix to your Department Chief ribbon. ::beat:: May I?
He opened the ornate dark box, and it revealed a gold star, which took pride of place on Herrick's orange ribbon.
Herrick: Response
Nilsen: The rest of these are for me. ::laughs:: I'm joking. I have another ribbon for you, sir…Commander Herrick. What we faced was the stuff of nightmares. There is no training or course that you can take that will prepare you for such a horror, and you steeled yourself and led your team with bravery, valour, and a whole can of kick-butt. For this, I present you with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon, or rather, yet another star to add, may I?
Lhandon, just as before, took the star and affixed it to Herrick's ribbon.
Herrick: Response
He then held out his hand.
Nilsen: Thank you for being a damn good friend and the example to follow. Once again, I wish you all the best for the Thor.
Herrick: Response
Lhandon then turned his attention to Saa.
Nilsen: Sevantha, Lieutenant…::smiles:: Commander Saa. I remember when we first met. You gave me control over my abilities and answers to questions that had been haunting me for years. Since then, you've been a trusted confidant and someone I'm privileged to not just call a crewmate, but also a friend. First, I want to congratulate you on not just your promotion but also your new role as second officer of the Thor.
Saa: Response
Nilsen: In addition to your fancy Explorer's Ribbon, you have been nothing but our ship's rock. All this time, you have supported not just me, but also the crew during your time here, and in the last mission, you stepped above and beyond. You were a faithful counsel to Tox and you helped to facilitate communication with the crew. It is my privilege to recognise this and to present you with the Superior Support Ribbon. May I?
Lhandon, as before, opened the box, and it revealed a black ribbon with thin red lines and then, mirrored on either side a group of four lines - on the outside, bright green, and on the inside, a more earthy orange. He affixed this to her ribbon rack.
Saa: Response
After this, he had a moment of hesitation. He paused, his mouth went dry, and he was in contemplation for a moment.
Nilsen: I don't want to do this last one. Both Commodore V'Airu and Captain Rouiancet would make me promise them that I would make this ribbon my last ribbon…I used to think it was funny.
Lhandon took a deep breath and then opened the box. He hid that his left eye watered and blinked to clear it.
Nilsen: Lieutenant Commander Sevantha Saa, please make this your last one. In recognition of the horrors you faced, the assault you had to endure and the consequences you are now having to live with, I present you with your second Purple Heart. May I?
The box contained a star, a first star to add to the prior purple and black ribbon. As before, the star was attached to the ribbon.
Saa: Response
Nilsen: Commander Saa, I'd like to also wish you all the best as you step up to become the second officer of the Thor…and both of you, don't be a stranger, please stay in touch. I want to hear how boring your lives are now I'm not around you all the time. Tell me how dull the Thor is and how you're just flying around at a leisurely pace. Promise?
Saa/Herrick: Response
He held his hand out again, part as respect from officer to officer and part as a way to say goodbye. Lhandon found that he had matured somewhat since the mission and his stint as acting 2XO under Katsim Peri. Amity helped with that, and the time away formed almost a mental time jump in his mind. But if he'd known he'd be saying goodbye to a whole group of his friends, he would have savoured those moments way more than he did.
With Saa and Herrick's awards done, he departed the table. He had another table to visit, and then one more duty after that.
Lieutenant Commander Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
Second Officer & Senior Diplomatic Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)