OOC: Congratulations everyone!
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
It was awards season once again and this time it had crept up on Anton. He had just been released from two days of torture - his extensive list of medical exams, security checks, and interrogations left him exhausted and he looked the part.
The ceremony on the other hand was spectacular and the Solar Sail Observation Hall was buzzing with energy and despite Anton’s situation it was definitely one of his favourite choices for ceremony thus far.
Many of his fellow crew had been up and received their promotions and rewards and it was almost Anton’s turn and he had no idea what to expect.
Promontory: We have some additional officers that deserve special recognition.
Promontory took a brief pause as he looked at the crowd.
Promontory: Will Ensign(s) Yinn/Loq and Lieutenant Richards please come forward.
Anton stood accompanied by two bodies, one of which he had served on the bridge with and the other being the said person's second half.
Promontory: And as before, let’s hold the applause.
The three figures approached the stand and as they did Anton noticed several people looking at them strangely. Maybe it was the dark bags under his eyes. He saw a man lean over and whisper something to the woman that was standing next to him. She giggled as she looked back and forth between the man and three standing up front.
Anton ignored the pair in the crowd and stood up as straight as he could manage and gave a brief nod and smile towards both Yinn/Loq one after another.
Promontory: Ensign, despite the challenges and strain of your two-body problem, you have continued to perform—even excel—in your assigned duties. I also understand you spent some time last mission phase shifted, but were able to help yourself and others get back. Throughout your time onboard, you have served the ship and your crew with distinction over several missions now and it is my genuine pleasure to recognize those efforts by awarding you the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Promontory walked over to Yinn and placed a black pip on each of their collars.
Rouiancet: Congratulations, Lieutenant.
Anton looked back and forth towards them individually, again smiling.
Richards: Congrats. You earned it!
Yinn: Response
Promontory: (quietly to Anton) Alright, Anton—you’re up! (Out loud) Lieutenant Richards, come forward!
This ought to be good, Anton thought.
Promontory: With some of our personnel changes of late, we find ourselves without a chief of security. (smiling at Rouiancet) I understand without regard to your own career, you’ve stepped up to ensure the ship remained safe from enemies both near (another look at Lia) and far. In light of this, we’d like to officially recognize you as our Acting Chief of Security.
Anton stared for a moment at Promontory in disbelief and without saying anything turned to face Rouiancet. He had half expected them to bring him up in front of everyone and demote him to a new made up rank of Half-Ensign Jr. Grade.
Rouiancet: You've really been holding things together, Lieutenant. You deserve this.
Anton was at a loss for words. He analyzed Rouiancet’s choice of words very closely. There were about one-thousand different scenarios in which he could have and probably should have been passed up for this job. Nonetheless he had been taking on the responsibilities of the job mostly because there was no one else to do so.
He said the only appropriate thing to be said with a hard swallow preceding it.
Richards: Thank you, Sirs.
Yinn: Response
Promontory: Lieutenants.
Rouiancet: Congratulations. (raising her voice) And now, please, a round of applause!
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Lieutenant Anton Richards
Security Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850
T239802AR1
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