Capt. Rouiancet, Cmdr. Promontory, & Lt. Cmdr. Herrick: All That You Touch You Change, Part 5
Mark P
(( Main Sickbay, Deck 5, USS Octavia E Butler ))
The Sickbay was an odd mix of crowded and quiet, not a typical combination there. But it was clean and orderly with all the senior counselors and medical staff awaiting the visit from the command award team.
Promontory: I have some notes here from our previous acting CMO, Dr. Moydol. As you know, he has returned to his usual post on DS14 and we’ll be forwarding on his Peacekeeping and PoW ribbons, but he left the Captain a few recommendations. Josh?
Josh smiled; it wasn’t often he was here and uninjured!
Herrick: Dr. Toz, it’s great to see you under better circumstances. ::looking to the group:: As many of you folks know, the good doctor here has been covering as Chief Medical Officer following our departure from the station as we assess our current roster.
He waggled his eyebrows as he proceeded, sure that he was the first to share what would likely be today’s hot-goss featured in Scuttlebutt.
Herrick: You may not have been aware that our good doctor had taken advantage of her time away to obtain security specializations. As a result, she’ll be moving departments and reporting to our Chief of Security, Lieutenant Richards. I’m excited to see you bring your breadth of experience there.
Toz: Response
The officers exchanged handshakes, and Josh motioned for Toz to stay beside them as they continued handing out awards to her former staff.
Promontory: And with that, we’d like to ask Dr. Nis to serve as our Acting CMO of Physical Health. (smiling) I’m sure you’ll be well supported.
Josh titled his head as a sign for the Trill to join them at the front of the room.
Nis/Toz: Response
Herrick: And, despite the chaos happening on the ground below, you were able to find a moment of joy in discovering a new hybrid avian-reptilian species in the early stages of its development and supported ensuring it would successfully deliver its ::electing not to use spawn:: child. As such, I’m pleased to award you the Explorer’s Ribbon.
Josh wondered what the prime directive implications were of helping a non-warp civilization on a planet with multiple sentient civilizations at different stages of development. Either he’d not been paying enough attention in the academy or such edge cases were too rare to merit mention. He offered his hand for a congratulatory handshake.
Nis/Toz: Response
Promontory: And now we have some additional business to take care of with our mental health professionals, Lieutenant Salo, please come forward.
Avander adjusted the awards boxes as the Orion presented herself.
Promontory: You’ve assisted this crew for years fighting for the greatest frontier of all, the human heart! You are a leader in and out of the therapy room. We’d like to promote you to Lieutenant Commander and designate you as our Psychiatric Health Specialist.
After adding the third pip, he began a round of applause.
Salo: Response
Josh smiled broadly at the counselor who had helped him through some of his darker days. He motioned for her to stay up there with them.
Herrick: We’re not yet done, Commander Salo. We have a unique perspective with what went down on Maiton. You… ::pausing to find the right word choice:: played a significant part in making sure that frayed nerves didn’t result in something more explosive. As a result, it’s my honour to bestow upon you the Diplomacy Ribbon.
He paused momentarily, looking into her eyes before taking on a more sombre expression. He’d received the ribbon and already handed one out today, but this didn’t make it any easier. Being part of the away team, it’d felt like a partial failure on his part. He’d been forcing himself to remember that sometimes circumstances were beyond their control.
Herrick: We were also held captive by the combined Danni and Zet forces, and in the face of what occurred, you performed as the model Starfleet officer. You’re also awarded the Prisoner of War Ribbon.
He pinned both ribbons upon the officer and stepped back, offering a handshake.
Salo/Toz: Response
Promontory: And now, Lieutenant Saa, with me.
Avander couldn’t hide his pride as a cadet he had helped certify came up. She had already become such a mature and contributing officer.
Promontory: While the field can be a rough road to trod, you have risen to the challenge and met all the obstacles in your way. (grabbing something from the award box) In recognition of your accomplishments, we are promoting you to full Lieutenant.
He replaced her hollow pip with a full one.
Promontory: I also understand you’ll be transitioning to our Acting Chief of Mental Health–with Commander Salo’s tutelage. You’ll be a fine addition to our department heads.
Saa: Response
Promontory: It’s well deserved!
Keeping up with their two-punch tandem, Josh spoke next.
Herrick: Lieutenant Saa, you also performed exemplarily on our last mission.. Not only did you manage to subdue one of the Zet aggressors through a combination of sneak attack and hypospray, but, you also delivered medical care in a challenging situation. oO Both affliction and patient. Oo Which is why we’re awarding you both the Silver Star and Gold Lifesaving Ribbon.
He paused for a moment. This was the only officer he’d refrained from shaking hands with, given the notation in her file that it opened the gates for unwanted telepathy on both sides. Instead, he gave a small bow of appreciation.
Saa/Salo/Toz: Response
Promontory: Finally, for each of you, we are awarding the Peacekeeper Service Ribbon. Thank you for your service in preserving peace for the Danni!
He led another round of applause.
Herrick: Absolutely impeccable work, all of you. You make the Butler proud!
Any: Response
As they leaned back to let the medical (and former medical) staff visit, Avander leaned over to Josh.
Promontory: From “do no harm” to “do harm first,” eh?
Herrick: ::grinning:: Maybe not a lot of harm. Does it count if she can fix them up afterward?
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)