Senior Chief Petty Officer Miash - Emotions
Toxin Arlill
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Enlisted personnel typically had their own award ceremonies, often less formal than those for officers. Miash, however, was no stranger to either type, having attended many as both guest and honoree. At 122 years old, she had certainly experienced her fair share of pomp and circumstance.
She was quite honored when Toz and Jania asked her to come along today. She had planned to read a good book at a cute boutique café she'd spotted earlier on the promenade during shore leave. However, Miash was never one to turn down an opportunity to get dolled up and put on her dancing shoes. Any chance to thumb her nose at Ferengi traditions was a welcome one.
Rouiancet: As the commander and I award ribbons, yeomen around the hall will provide the named officers and crew with the ribbons and stars they've earned. (beat) First, I would like to recognize Lieutenants Anton Richards, Toxin Arlill, and Josh Herrick with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Each of these three lieutenants rose magnificently to the challenge of command, whether that was of a shuttle mission, a dangerous mission group, or the Butler's bridge. You can, and should, look to these three as future commanders. Congratulations!
Though Miash had no expectation of receiving any awards tonight, she felt honored to simply attend and bring a sense of warmth and familiarity to the table of medical officers.
Rouiancet: Next, I would like to recognize a pair of medical officers who are a credit to their chosen duty post. First, Doctor Toz has earned the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon, both for her specific work in caring for the officers and crew of the Unity Dow as they rephased -- including one Barney Nilsen, notably, as the first returnee -- and in general for her role in ensuring the safe recovery of as many officers and crew as possible. (beat) I would also like to recognize Doctor Jania Nis with the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon. She found herself called up in the midst of an ongoing crisis and, with little context, was instrumental in preventing the loss of life in nacelle control. Congratulations and an enormous thank you to both of you!
Miash beamed with pride. In her book, the doctors had truly earned this award. She had read the after-action report detailing Dr. Toz's crucial efforts during the last mission. Moreover, she had witnessed firsthand Dr. Nis's instrumental role in rescuing the wayward ensign in the nacelle's operations center. Miash felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that both of her colleagues were receiving well-deserved recognition for their outstanding service.
Miash watched with admiration as Jania stared down at the silver ribbon. She reminisced about her own feelings when she'd received her first ribbons some 60 years ago. Unlike many, she took no pride in the mere receipt of those ribbons. Rather, their significance lay in what they represented—for a female Ferengi, that day had felt like shattering the glass ceiling forever.
Miash: It’s well earned dear, congratulations. ::placing her hand on Jania’s::
Nis: Thank you so much!
Jania's brow furrowed as she pondered, momentarily lost in thought.
Nis: But what about you? You deserve this as much as us.
Miash: Oh my dear, I have so many ribbons I could plaster my quarters with all of them. (beat)
Realziing she was boasting unintentionally.
Miash: I’m fine dear (beat) really.
Jania's next action brought tears to Miash's eyes. Miash had worked tirelessly to reach her current position and earn her rank. The ensign doctor's gesture was so profound that Miash knew she would cherish the memory forever, replaying it countless times in her mind. She took the steak knife from her plate and sawed the silver medal in half. This left it a little frayed, but she grinned anyway and held it up for Miash to take.
Miash: I’m (beat) I mean (beat) ::tears poured down her cheeks:: Thank you my dear, you are so wonderful.
Before Miash could say another word, the Captain continued with the remaining awards. However, whatever was said faded into the background as Miash gazed at Jania, a smile spreading across her face and a permanent sense of awe overtaking her. No one had ever done that for her before, it was an act of kindness and compassion, and she felt it at her core.
Without even asking she grabbed up the young ensign and gave her a giant hug.
[End of Scene for Miash]
Senior Chief Petty Officer Miash
Head Nurse
USS Octavia E Buttler NCC-82850
Writer ID.: O239910TA4LT