Lt. Cmdr. Lhandon Nilsen, Lt. Cmdr. Toxin Arlill, & Cmdr. Katsim Peri - "Reflections In The Mirror" (Part V)
Amanda Nordstrom
(Botanical Arboretum, Lower, Deck 9, USS Octavia E Butler)
Peri spoke not a word, but continued in silence. The path lay out before them, but eventually, another view came into sight. As they drew closer, the officers could see a larger clearing right in the centre of the arboretum where benches lay at strategic points in a square. There, other chairs were set out on the edges, along with tables bedecked with all manner of foods, each culture represented by two or three dishes.
Somehow, they had coordinated it all so well. As Peri approached with her group, Toxin appeared with is from her left, and Lhandon from her right, and all the crewmembers with them. Before the others could do anything else, however, Peri held up a hand. While most of the crew had received the honours rightfully bestowed upon them, there were still two left. Stepping forward, she took a position in the middle of the square, and the ground glowed with a gentle light. More light appeared along with the chimes of the transporter. Two boxes appeared. That time, they were both open.
Katsim: Lhandon Joseph Nilsen. A Superior Support for the unwavering support during a crisis. An Excellence in Leadership ribbon for vital displays of leadership. A Captain's Commendation for taking charge, even when all seemed dire.
She extended one box to Lhandon, then focused on the man beside him.
Katsim: Toxin Arlill. A Joint Meritorious Unit for working with an alternate to find a way home. A Superior Support taking the role of First Officer. An Excellence in Leadership for leading a team not only on the Butler, but also on an enemy vessel. An Intelligence Star for getting what we needed to return home.
Toxin could have simply thanked Peri, as he had done with many officers who’d offered him accolades before. But the weight and solemnity of this moment called for something more—something with grace. He bowed his head in quiet appreciation.
With that, she offered Toxin the last box. Then, as one, Lhandon, Toxin, and Peri stepped into the circle and then turned to face the officers gathered together.
Katsim: For your bravery.
Arlill: For your resilience.
Nilsen: For you determination
Katsim: For all that you have endured, for all that you have done, we honour you.
With that, Peri stood at attention, the position matched by the two men that had led the entire ship through the ordeal, and lifted her hand to her brow in a formal, respectful salute.
Toxin stood at attention and returned the salute. He could count on two hands how many times he’d given a formal salute, a traditional long diminished but so solemn and sincere in its presentation and delivery–he appreciated that.
Arlill: A starship is only as strong as the crew who serve her—with skill, heart, and unity.
Nilsen: ::to all:: And you have that in spades. Thank you ::to just Toxin, quietly:: Nice speech Picard, you brought a tear to my eye.
Lhandon gave a wink to Toxin and with that, the awards ceremony came to a close. The dim lights strengthened, illuminating the area so others could see more clearly. Motioning toward the repast, Peri silently invited all gathered to enjoy some refreshments. The time for recognition was over, the time to celebrate had just begun, and soon enough, the time for action would draw them into another mission, but that time, with everyone back where they belonged.
Motioning toward the tables, Peri indicated the variety of food and drink waiting for them. On cue, lights brightened, not enough to blind, but enough to softly but clearly illuminate the area.
Katsim: Please enjoy some refreshments as well as time with one another.
Tags all!
(OOC: Everyone, please feel free to sim enjoying food and fellowship at the after-party. Tony will get us started on our mission in a few days!)
-- Commander Katsim Peri Chief Science Officer USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0