1Lt Arturo Maxwell - Adventure Cat

[Iain Turnbull]

(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))

Max was sat at a table with a random collection of other officers and crew. He had a large glass of scotch in one hand and one leg crossed, calf atop thigh. Sat as he was his kilt was therefore transformed into a little hammock for a curled up ball of ginger fur. There was a round of applause as a small phalanx of Yeomen descended upon a table filled with medical personnel.

For his own part, Max clapped against his leg with his free hand.

Rouiancet: I would like now to recognize a particular group of officers with two ribbons, the Explorer's Ribbon and the Federation Cross. Lieutenant Maxwell, Lieutenant Commander Katsim, Lieutenant Commander Promontory (a nod to Avander), and Captain Walker -- who couldn't be here today, unfortunately -- showed uncommon bravery and went well beyond the requirements of their duties as they experienced the crucible of the planet's surface. I honor all of you with these ribbons.

At the mention of his name, Max turned his attention away from the teal-heavy table and towards the CO. At the mention of a Federation Cross he half-choked on his drink, earning an inquisitive chirp from Haggis. The Petty Officer to his left slapped a hand on his back a couple of times and Max nodded his thanks as he placed his glass down and wiped at his face with a napkin. He looked up just in time as one of the roving Yeomen gently placed two small – open – boxes before him that contained his two newly awarded ribbons.

There wasn't even time to acknowledge their delivery before the Yeoman had slid backwards and moved on.

Rouiancet: Finally, before I turn over the presentation to Commander Promontory, I want recognize another group of officers with the Innovation Ribbon. Actually, I wish to recognize several groups, including those who were instrumental in understanding the phasing phenomenon, as well as those who contributed to our exploration and understanding of the OVIV system itself, whether from the Butler or as a team on assignment. Therefore, I'd like to recognize Lieutenants Yinn/Loq, Toz, Nilsen, Arlill, and Wauhk, Lieutenant Commanders Promontory and Katsim, Ensign Kovacs, and Petty Officer First Class Una Qualunque. And myself, I suppose.

Max smiled to himself at the CO's light-hearted jab at her own awards, joining in with the applause.

As the applause died down, the Captain turned towards the XO.

Rouiancet: And now, for the remaining ribbons, I present again Commander Promontory.

Promontory: Response

Exchanging places at the podium, Max watched as Promontory pulled out his PADD.

Promontory: First up, we want to honor Lieutenant Maxwell with the Medal of Commendation. We’ve already acknowledged the horrors on OVIV-B. (involuntarily shuttering) But in addition to experiencing all that, Max gallantly rescued a fellow crewmember. (beat) And Haggis.

At the mention of his name, Haggis chirped and hopped up onto the table. Tail swishing gently, he sat proud and looked around at all the people that had clearly come to give him scritches and fusses.

After all, why else would his human dad have brought him along?

As he raised his hands to initiate a round of applause, the XO looked over towards Max. Suddenly feeling as if all of Starfleet was watching him, Max gave a nervous raise of his hand in thanks to those applauding.

 

Promontory: And now for a ribbon we’d prefer to never award, but nevertheless, the Purple Heart is given to those who have been injured in the line of duty. Lieutenants Arlill, Sh'shelo, Nilsen and Ensign Caras put their bodies and lives on the line to get the Dow operational and out of the system. While I understand they will make full recoveries, the effects of radiation poisoning can be quite serve. And before we give these officers the proper applause, I want to mention one more officer who will be given the Purple Heart, in absentia, Lieutenant Kessler.

The glaring burn of the metaphorical spotlight vanished in an instant, and apart from a few smiles and nods from his companions at the table the ceremony had moved on and allowed Max to simply become a part of the crowd again. Haggis wasn't done with the attention, and proceeded to pad about the table fishing for strokes and pets.

Promontory: Because friendly fire is still fire.

 

As the Yeomen began delivering ribbons to recipients, another round of applause rippled about the room.

 

Promontory: And now, the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon is awarded to individuals who use investigative skills to solve a crime, defuse a threat, or resolve a dangerous situation. And this last mission had more than it’s share of threats and dangerous situations. From the bridge of the Dow, to the unpleasantness in its Engineering as well as those who navigated intelligence gathering on Port Coray we have over a dozen officers deserving of this award.

 

A nod to the small fleet of Yeomen, and they began circling around to deliver ribbons as the recipients were named. The Captain was first to receive hers, being the closest of those named.

 

Promontory: Captain Rouiancet, Lieutenants Herrick, Nilsen, Kessler, Richards, Arlill, Sh'shelor, Herrick, Toz, Maxwell, Xaivis and, of course, two of our newest Ensgins Caras and Lahl!

The following round of applause seemed much longer and far more vigourous than those before, and Max joined in with enthusiasm. From across the room he threw a congratulatory thumbs-up to Nilsen.

Promontory: And speaking of gathering intelligence, I’m pleased to award one of my personal favorites, the Intelligence Star. We entered the mission with almost no information about the system and in a short manner of time collected more than Starfleet had previously known. I’m happy to announce that Captain Rouiancet, Commander Walker, Lieutenant Commander Sherlock, Lieutenants Kessler, Arlill, Richards, Stendhal, and Ensign Caras will all be receiving this ribbon.

 

Another round of applause rolled around the room.

 

Promontory: One more award deserves your attention before we let you return to your meals. The Starfleet Medal of Valor is awarded to individuals who have displayed extraordinary bravery and courage in the finest traditions of Starfleet, even when not engaged in conflict with a traditional enemy. The acts of heroism our crew performed were particularly notable and involved a conspicuous risk of life, setting the recipient apart from their comrades. For their service we award the Starfleet Medal of Valor to Captain Rouiancet, Lieutenants Herrick, Nilsen, Kessler, Richards, Arlill, Sh'shelor, and Ensgins Caras, Lahl. Thank you thank you thank you.

 

The XO stepped away from the podium, joining in the clapping.

 

Promontory: And again, for all those who have been honored tonight and a general thanks to the crew overall! (clapping, but slower to spare his hands) And now, I encourage you to tuck in to the food. Be sure to congratulate your fellow officers and enjoy the evening.

Reaching out a hand, Max gave a grin as Haggis scampered back across the table to him. The ginger tom ducked under Max's hand, headbumping up into it and purring as the delightful scritches began. Stretching out a hand, Max clinked glasses with the officer opposite him. As conversations began to flow again, Max plucked one of his newly awarded ribbons from its box and gently pinned it to his cats collar.

Maxwell: There ye go, ye wee explorer.

--

1st Lieutenant Arturo Maxwell.

Marine Officer, 4/73 Marines.

USS Octavia E Butler: NCC-82850.

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