Ensign Jania Nis - An award for two
Jania Nis
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Yirin Nis had been Nis's first host. That one was a bit much. Not even Nis really cared for her, and being its first experience with a humanoid, it considered returning to the pools after her.
Yirin’s problem was her ego. It led her into politics, and more than that, into a cult of personality, where she was practically worshipped. There, it got her into lots of trouble. She searched for accolades and recognition wherever she could get it, and said whatever it took to get it, until she finally said the wrong thing to the wrong people and Trills got hurt because of it.
After that, she retired from the public eye, becoming a teacher. She was a good teacher, too.
More than five hundred years later, Jania Nis sat with her back straight and her hands on her lap. Her hair was gelled and she wore her dress uniform.
Her superior officer sat a meter or two away and almost immediately let out a cheer that startled Nis. But she, too, cheered for her fellows.
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!
Amidst the applause, yeomen descended on the three with the Leadership Excellence Ribbons. As the applause quieted, Lia spoke again.
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!
Dr. Toz sat there with her mouth open, as did Nis. Again, yeomen swooped down on the medical officers as the applause crescendoed. Toz clutched the ribbon as if someone would grab it away from her. She mouthed a congrats to Nis.
Jania stared down at the silver ribbon. It was not complicated, but it was beautiful in its minimalism. Symmetrical, with silver stripes flanked by blue bars.
And you know, she did deserve a cool metal. She felt pretty good about herself. Maybe she felt a little like Yirin. Someone had noticed the work she’d put in, the lack of sleep, the copious amounts of coffee. Beaming, she turned to the others at her table.
Miash: Response
Nis: Thank you so much!
But Miash had been there too. Where was her medal? Miash had done just as much to save them. Slowly, Jania’s shoulders sank. She stared down at the medal and thought of Yirin and her ego. Not a good habit to be in.
Nis: But what about you? You deserve this as much as us.
Miash: Response.
Jania rubbed the spots on the side of her cheek. 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: Response.
At this, Jania felt a little embarrassed, but happy anyway. Luckily she didn’t have to say anything else, because Rouiancet interrupted their conversation with more awards.
[End of scene for Jania]
Ensign Jania Nis
Medical Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler NCC-82850
O240108JN2