LCDR Aine Sherlock - Hope

[Aine Sherlock]

((The Writer's Room, Deck 8, USS Octavia E. Butler))

Aine wanted to move on from getting that ribbon, and sharpish. She returned the nod Richards had given her, internally reminding herself "be nice, it's not just about you." She then turned to Michele to take her up on the offer.

Sherlock: How about that drink?

Winters: Sure, sounds good.

Kessler: (unsure of what was going on with Michele) Sure, I think I need a double though.

Richards: You got this chief.

 Aine gave Kessler a thumbs up, hoping he understood that meant to double up hers too. But as he stood, one of those people, the ones from the Engineering table, quickly approached Jack.

Cabrillo: Kessler! I’d heard you were alive and back aboard.

Winters: You all healed up TK? Taking a round in the chest for Jack is no short order.

When Michele gave the newcomer a quick pat to the chest he flinched. Aine knew that feeling all to well. But she let out the slightest laugh nonetheless.

Kessler: TK, I am so happy you are ok.

Cabrillo: Careful Captain, I just had this uniform pressed.

Richards: Smart move.

Sherlock: ::turning to Richards, but still eyeing the others:: I always just leave mine hanging. And if your quarters have a water bath, hang it up in the head and take a nice steaming hot soak, ::brushing her hands down the front of her uniform:: perfect.

Michele looked back at Aine and Anton, but the look on her face took a turn and Aine wondered what she was thinking. The sudden declaration that came next raised Aine's eyebrows.

Winters: (looking to Aine) Excuse me Commander. The Lieutenant and I have something to discuss.

Cabrillo: We do?

Winters: Come with me, I need to talk to you right now.

Kessler: Excuse me Commander…Lieutenant. I think I need to check on my new posting.

Michele had hauled of Cabrillo and Jack suddenly bolted. Aine was stunned. But so far, nothing bad was happening...just suspicious. The last thing she needed was to review another report of assault, tonight of all nights especially. But there was nothing she could do right now...they were all just talking.

Richards: Go get em.

Sherlock: Just, please, for the love of all that is holy in this galaxy, behave.

Jack gave them a nod before he turned to follow Michele and Cabrillo. She took in a deep and calming breath and closed her eyes.

Richards: You only warned me about Ops

Sherlock: ::opening her eyes slowly and looking at Richards:: Those two have history. And she ::beat:: is not happy about his return. Plus we put him in her old position. ::flicking her wrist and pointing to the door:: But I don't know how the Engineer factors in.

Richards: That was certainly a lot to unpack.

Sherlock: Well, there's a lot of baggage. ::feeling around the table:: Where's my drink!?

((Ooc: Vignette 8, very short time skip.))

Once Lia had finished visiting all the tables, she returned to the dais and began to speak again. It was clear there was more to be given out. But Aine appreciated the more simplistic and direct manner of awarding individual ribbons. She absolutely hated having to get up in front of a room full of people and accept a ribbon.

Rouiancet: Might I have everyone's attention again for a moment? Thank you.

The room slowly began to quiet. A quick look around and Aine could see everyone looking towards their Captain.

Rouiancet: Each of you, everyone who served during the mission to Cheyd'lang, is now receiving four ribbons -- the Maiden Voyage Ribbon, the First Contact Ribbon, the Diplomacy Ribbon, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award -- along with stars, as appropriate. Even those officers whose service has taken them elsewhere for the time being, like Colonel Greaves, will receive these ribbons for service during the mission. Thank you, all, for making Starfleet's first contact with the Cheydalanga as successful as it could be. (beat, then a smile) Now I really am finished talking to you from up here. Please, enjoy your dinners and drinks!

The room grew noisy again, many congratulating each other. Aine offered a small clap. She was so ready for a drink...

Richards: You’ll have to tell me the story some time.

She looked down at the new ribbon she'd received that Anton was pointing at.

Sherlock: It's not much of a story. In fact...

Aine thought about it, her eyes looked up and to the side, recalling the details. A grin slowly spread.

Sherlock: ::looking around and quickly finding Nilsen who was approaching the Engineering table and pointing at him:: See that one, it was his fault.

Richards: response

Sherlock: Oh yeah. Before they could even get a word out, he promised them anything they wanted ::beat:: so they took us.

Richards: response

A brief thought crossed her mind: maybe this ribbon will be good for something...warning people about Ensigns who are too eager.

Sherlock: ::sarcastically:: He's no diplomat, that's for sure. But ::beat:: maybe one day, he'll get there.

It was a small slip, but one she believed. Hence the reason she'd asked Mel to help the kid learn something. Also in the hopes he'd never put a team in danger again.

Richards: response

tags/TBC

LCDR Aine Sherlock

Chief of Security

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

R239712AS0