Lt. Cmdr. Lhandon Nilsen - The Sound Of Awards Pt4
Lhandon Nilsen
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Lhandon had left Saa and Herrick's table and headed over to the next table on his rounds. He was glad to see these two; they were familiar faces. The first had made himself really useful in the diplomatic department in his short time here, and Lhandon had wanted to express his gratitude for that.
Nilsen: First. Commander Riley, welcome aboard. I can’t express how much we appreciated your help in the diplomatic department.
Riley: Response
He then turned his attention to Alex Forsyth and opened the box which contained her ribbon.
Nilsen: Alex, that…whatever that was was beyond terrifying, and you survived it. This is the only medal I have for you, but I want this to show that you got through that ordeal and came out on the other side with your hair still put together. That was something that would have destroyed lesser people, and you stand before me today. I present you with the Explorer's Ribbon.
Forsyth: Response,
Nilsen: I have to dash off, but I’ll be back soon. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening.
And he left them to their devices, and headed over to the table with the awards and picked up a box which had a handful of other oak boxes in it. He finished his champagne glass, making sure to give it to a waiter who was already taking used glasses away, and then he left the hall and headed through DS14 to the transporter room.
(( Arboretum Lower Level, Deck 9, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
His journey had taken him to the arboretum, but he had stopped by his quarters to pick up a special glass container that was maintaining a plant he had collected on his recent travels. He had arrived in the arboretum with the box under his arm from the Solar Sail Observation Hall.
Nilsen: Hey, V.
Morton: Response
Lhandon spoke kindly. He was glad to see her again, even if his duties did take him away.
Nilsen: I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to visit sooner. I got shipped off to Amity for a bit. I'm sure you're sick of the "how are you" question, so I'll just skip that. I did, however, end up picking up a present from a fellow Starfleet officer, Commander Alora DeVeau, and I thought you might want to see it, given your interest. I got to pick two, and I thought to myself, who do I know that would appreciate that and want to look after one? And your name was at the top of the list.
He revealed his gift, which was in perfect and healthy condition, and had been looked after to the very best of Lhandon's ability. It was a Chimera African Violet, one of the most sought-after types of African violets known for their pinwheel or striped pattern on their petals. The one Lhandon presented had light lavender flowers with a lime green centre stripe.
Nilsen: It's called an Emerald City because if you look at it, you could almost think you're looking down on that city in that old story. Yours will bloom in a few days. I think I got it here just in time. ::beat:: oh, and I named it, his name is Jeff.
Morton: Response
Nilsen: I took a Russian Violet, even though they're actually native to East Africa. I felt a little drawn to my heritage. Mine has these purple leaves with this bright yellow centre. They bloom a little differently, and it’s just started its process. I want to transfer it here, too. I'm just a little anxious because the last thing I want to do is interfere with its bloom.
He couldn't help himself when the flowers were offered by Commander Alora DeVeau.
Morton: Response
Nilsen: I'd appreciate that. I hope they both bring you joy. I'll be sure to be down every day to check on them. ::Beat::
Morton: Response
Lhandon had then turned his attention to the other reason for his visit.
Nilsen: This isn't the only reason I'm here. I know you didn't want to attend the awards, so I thought I'd bring them to you. First, I want to say thank you. I know it has been the worst time, but you did help me learn so much more about my abilities, and if you ever need use of them, just let me know.
Morton: Response
He had spoken with a little bit of humour and a smile that he had hoped would also bring Morton a laugh.
Nilsen: Your first ribbon is one that everyone got, the Explorer's Ribbon to recognise what we went through, so don't go thinking you're special just yet, I mean, I'm second officer now, so I'll be the special one today.
Lhandon opened the first box. It was a dark navy blue ribbon with a giant E in yellow in the middle and two yellow bars on either side.
Nilsen: Next, is your Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon. You performed duties that were more than above and beyond what was expected, and you did it with dedication and perseverance.
The box he opened contained a purple and silver ribbon forming a segment of a triangle.
Nilsen: I also present you with the Distinguished Service Ribbon, which is awarded to people who distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism. There are a great many people who see you as that.
The penultimate box he opened contained a black ribbon with two dark red triangles on either side.
Nilsen: This is the Prisoner of War ribbon. I don't think you need me to tell you why.
And then, finally, the last ribbon had been revealed. It was a dark purple ribbon with a black chevron pointing upwards and two thin black bars on either side.
Nilsen: This is the second of these I've given tonight; the first went to Saa. I won't patronise you with words you've heard before, but I hope that these show that we see you, and we are here for you, and we recognise all that you have gone through. This is your purple heart, and I ask for the same promise. Please make this your last.
Morton: Response
Lhandon then sighed and revealed one final box, a smaller dark oak box.
Nilsen: I'm just thinking... When I look back at what you have done for this crew, what you have done for this ship, and then I look at the story these ribbons tell. These ribbons mark who you are as a person, but there is something missing to tell the full story. I can't in all good conscience leave here without giving you the highest compliment that it is now in my power to give.
Lhandon opened a dark oak box, and resting upon the cushion was a singular black pin. With all the certainty in the universe, of which he had bucketloads, he nodded and spoke with a wide smile that was hard for him to put on but one he wanted to and needed to put on for Morton.
Nilsen: I hereby grant you full promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade with all the rights and responsibilities therein.
Morton: Response
Nilsen: Congratulations, Lieutenant.
[End scene for Nilsen]
Lieutenant Commander Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
Second Officer & Senior Diplomatic Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)