Capt. Rouiancet, Cmdr. Promontory, & Lt. Cmdr. Herrick: All That You Touch You Change, Part 3
Mark P
(( Chief Security Officer’s Office, Deck 7, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Avander looked at the box that held Jack Kessler’s awards and felt another pang of sorrow for his friend’s departure.
oO At least he wasn’t kidnapped by the Zet… This time! Oo
He looked at the assemblage of yellow shirts in front of them. The remainder of the tactical department had joined security for this award celebration. Hopefully Anton could look after both until they had a more senior officer in place.
Promontory: Thank you for gathering here. We want to celebrate our crew on the success of our latest mission but we also want to allow each department to be able to strengthen their respective teams. Tactical and security are two of our most essential departments and have done a fine job of keeping the crew and the ship safe.
Herrick: No matter what the Kissoben Reach, the Gamma Quadrant, or even the Zet throw at us, you manage to keep us safe while showing restraint and only using force as a last resort
Avander indicated the stack of boxes they had brought with them.
Promontory: We have a few ribbons to award to those present, but first…
He keyed a button and a hologram of Lt Jack Kessler appeared.
Promontory: As most of you know, Lt. Kessler has taken an assignment on DS14. Missions with the Zet hit very close to home for him but he nevertheless excels in all his duties. While we wish him all the best in his new role, we would be remiss if we didn’t formally enter these ribbons for his personal record.
Avander keyed another button and the list of new awards appeared on Lt Kessler’s record on the display.
Promontory: The Peacekeeping Ribbon and the Innovation Ribbon. His decisive thinking allowed the ship to minimize the number of casualties and avoid a larger confrontation. In fact all of you will be awarded the Peacekeeping Ribbon for your efforts in this mission. (beat) Josh?
As the holo of Jack snapped back out of existence, the second officer scanned the crowd of faces until he found the woman up next.
Herrick: Lieutenant Junior Grade Alex Forsyth, front and center.
Forsyth: Response
The young Scottish woman made her way through the crowd to the front of the room, Josh had reflected on his time with her since they’d first met. While she was timid at times, she’d demonstrated she was able to push through and deliver.
Herrick: You’ve proven yourself a more than capable officer, both on the ship and the ground. You kept a calm head while facing down an enemy, never afraid to toss out innovative ideas. And, while the forest blazed around you, you stayed focused on your goals. For that, we award you the Good Conduct Ribbon.
He withdrew the ribbon from the box, and leaned over slightly to affix it to the badge rack that was slowly filling out with the time here on the Butler. He felt the magnetic pull as he released it and it snapped into place. Leaning back, he stook out his hand.
Herrick: Congratulations.
Forsyth: Response
Richards: Response (optional)
Promontory: Lieutenant Anton, come forward.
As he did so, Avander pulled a red and black ribbon from its box.
Promontory: I’m sorry you had to go through this. (with a side glance to Josh) I understand it was an emotionally challenging experience. Please accept this Prisoner of War ribbon to commemorate your efforts.
Richards: Response
In a previous conversation between the first and second officer, they’d reviewed his full career and the commendable service that accompanied it. Koreli IV was a blip, when it came down to the brass tacks, there was no doubt in either of their minds that what came next was the right decision.
Promontory: (to the assembled) We’d also like to drop the “acting” part of Lieutenant Richard’s post. May I present to you your Chief of Security!
The thundering sound of applause filled the small room, hoots, hollers, and whistles, as the team shared in the joy of the title being formalized.
Richards: Response
Herrick: ::with a warm smile:: Congratulations Chief ::shaking his hand::
Richards: Response
Josh regretfully shook his head.
Herrick: Unfortunately, the commander and I have another stop up on Deck 5.
Promontory: Enjoy your celebrations. (in a mock whisper) I understand Commander Sherlock left a bottle of whiskey in the chief’s private cabinet!
As they made their way through the celebratory crowd, Josh spotted pint glasses being passed out, full with frothy amber beer. A shanty had even broken out, and the two officers had just caught the tail end of it before the doors had slid close.
Oh, the Butler sails on a cosmic tide,
Her weathered hull and spirit wide,
Tags! and TBC!
–
Cmdr. Avander Promontory
Executive Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
O239910AP4
&
Lieutenant Commander Josh Herrick
Intelligence Officer and Second Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)