Lt. Commander Toxin Arlill & Thomas O'Reilly - The Next Awards Table
Toxin Arlill
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Toxin reflected on his pride for Woolheater, Alt Nilsen, and Lahl. Though he had known each for varying lengths of time, they all held a special place in his heart. His respect for them surpassed even that which he felt for some admirals.
Toxin made his way around to a few more tables before he approached the final table he’d been assigned to give awards to, his anxiety about conducting the awards ceremony melted away. Even more familiar faces greeted him here. He placed down the awards box and surveyed the group before him: Morro Caras, one of their Chief Engineers; Percy JerLegrand, his recent second-in-command from Operations; and Thomas O'Reilly, a Marine he knew well. Toxin was particularly pleased that Thomas had accepted their invitation to join the ceremony, he wasn’t entirely sure he would.
Arlill: Good evening.
Caras/Jer-Legrand: Response
Thomas had been hesitant about attending the awards ceremony. He questioned what he deserved recognition for—simply surviving? Or failing in his duty as a marine to protect the encampment? Yet Miash convinced him the atmosphere alone would be worth experiencing, and when Commander Arlill personally extended an invitation, Thomas felt obligated to accept.
O’Reilly: Good evening sir.
Arlill: Thomas, I’m glad you’ve joined us, I’d like to start with you ::beat:: would you please rise.
Toxin was uncomfortable asking the marine to stand at attention, he could only imagine how Thomas was still getting used to his prosthetics—while the docs may say the pain is quickly managed, he still felt there was a extreme learning curve, especially when injured in the way that Thomas had been.
Arlill: I'm honestly glad you're here, Thomas ::stepping closer to the marine:: You are a remarkable human. No other person I've ever met could have withstood what you went through and still survived to share your story. I'm honored just being given the opportunity to present you with an award that doesn't even begin to recognize your amazing sacrifice and our immense gratitude. ::beat, standing at attention:: Marine First Class Thomas O'Reilly. You have been formally recognized by the 4/72 Marines command and the OEB command team with the Purple Heart for your heroic actions on Koreli IV and your valor in the face of danger.
Thomas didn’t really feel like there was any valor involved, he felt like he’d just been there to provide safety, overwatch, a back up to the crew members helping the Danni and Koreli IV inhabitants, well, before being knocked out by aerial bombardment to awake with a few less limbs and about a dozen or so surgeries to survive. But he was a marine at heart, and he would never question command’s choices, of both words and awards.
O’Reilly: It’s an honor sir, thank you.
Thomas remained at attention, as his training dictated, until a senior officer released him.
Arlill: That's not all, Private. ::beat:: It's been a journey that couldn't have been easy for you. Department chiefs have informed me of your interest in joining Starfleet and your search for the right specialty among our crew. ::beat:: I understand you've ruled out engineering and medical, and Science informed me that you felt underqualified ::beat:: even though I'm certain you could accomplish anything you set your mind to. Well, ::beat:: I did some research and found your original application to Starfleet—the one where you chose the marine path instead of becoming a Starfleet officer. I've personally spoken with both Marine Command and Starfleet Command, and they've authorized me to commission you as an officer in Starfleet. Based on your experience and the recommendations of your previous officers, you'll receive an immediate promotion to Junior Lieutenant. ::beat:: You don't have to choose a specialty right away—for now, I've listed you as a specialist, but I hope you'll find a department that fits you best. I’ve also spoken with Security and Ops and they welcome your shadow visit any time.
Thomas wasn’t expecting this. He’d been walking aimlessly for a few months now and just felt lost, unsure what to do, but in that moment a focus he’d not felt since before Koreli IV came back, a focus that made him feel needed, wanted.
O’Reilly: Thank you sir ::enthusiastically, as Toxin handed him his pips:: I won’t let you down sir.
Arlill: I’m sure you won’t, congratulations Lieutenant.
Toxin went to move over to the next officer but realized the new lieutenant was still at attention…once a marine…
Arlill: At ease, Lieutenant. ::beat:: Lieutenant Caras, would you please rise. ::beat:: During the recent mission, we all faced an extremely dangerous threat that incapacitated some and severely affected others. Throughout this crisis, you proved yourself as both an officer and department head. You led by example and showed others how to survive such a gruesome incident. Your leadership in the face of danger was exemplary, and for these reasons and more, I'm honored to award you the Leadership Excellence Ribbon, in addition to the Explorer's Ribbon. It's truly an honor to serve alongside officers like you.
Toxin stepped forward to attach the two new ribbons to the Lieutenant’s uniform.
Arlill: Congratulations Lieutenant. You may be at ease. ::turning to the last officer at the table:: Commander Jer-Legrand, Percy, if you wouldn't mind ::motioning to rise:: It's been an honor to serve with you as my second in command in operations. I have no doubt that Operations is in good hands, ::leaning in pretending to whisper, but not:: although you might have to remind me that I'm not in Ops anymore, from time to time. ::chuckling and standing back at attention:: For your efforts during the recent mission and incident, and for taking the lead in Operations while I transition to first officer, I want to recognize you with the Good Conduct and Innovation Ribbons. ::attaching the ribbons:: Thank you for always aspiring to go above and beyond what’s expected of you.
Jer-Legrand: Response
Arlill: ::Stepping back from Percy and the table:: I’m honored to recognize all of you for your contributions to the OEB. Without office like you ::looking at Thomas:: all of you, the OEB would not have the reputation it carries—I can only hope to represent you and our ship with equal distinction as your first officer. Congratulations to each and every one of you. ::partially bowing/nodding::
Toxin gave them a proud smile and stepped back. He saw Lhandon finishing up with his second table across the way and moved to intercept him next.
((ooc: Those at the table can drop the following, this will become another scene))
Arlill: Have you finished with your tables?
Nilsen: Response
Arlill: Me too. That was… that was really amazing. I know I’ve been an awarder in these ceremonies before, but something felt different. It’s either what we all went through, or the significance of my new role. Either way, it was awesome. ::beat:: want to get a drink at the bar ::motioning::
Nilsen: Response
As they walked over to the bar Toxin placed his hand on his brother’s back.
Arlill: Not to get sappy or selfish, but I’m also really proud of us. Look how far we’ve come brother! You’re the head diplomat in the Gamma quadrant and we’re both command staff now. ::beat:: I might even write my dad, just to rub it in his face ::chuckling::
Nilsen: Response
Lieutenant Commander Toxin Arlill
Chief of Operations (First Officer Pro-Tem)
USS Octavia E, Butler NCC-82850
Writer ID.: O239910TA4
&
Private First Class Thomas O’Reilly
4/73 Marines, USS Octavia E Buttler NCC-82850 (Discharged)
Writer ID.: O239910TA4