Lt. Cmdr. Lhandon Nilsen - Palace Fit for their Crew Part 1 & 2
Lhandon Nilsen
((Part 1))
(( Palazzo Level 6, I-Dorf Kiyoria, I-Kiyo Dyson Ring ))
Lhandon had spent a few weeks coordinating with the I-Dorf Kiyoria, making sure every detail was perfect for the crew's awards ceremony. When he finally stepped into the ballroom on the sixth floor, he allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The place was even more impressive than the brochures had suggested—cavernous yet intimate, with half-walls and sculptures breaking up the space, amber lighting casting everything in a warm glow. It was a far cry from his humble beginnings as a farmboy on Gault.
He spotted Lia and made his way over, Toxin joining them shortly after. As the three of them began to move toward the first table, Lia spoke.
Lhandon carried the ornate oak box carefully as it pressed into his arms - ten times the craftsmanship of anything he had made himself. Inside were the ribbons, arranged precisely. This was his first time taking the lead on something like this, and he wanted it to go well. Not just for himself, but for the crew. They deserved this.
Rouiancet: This was really an excellent choice of venue.
Arlill: Yeah, Lhando, you definitely did not do this place justice, it’s beautiful!
Nilsen: Anything for these lot.
He gave a little smile. This was the first ceremony where he’d taken the lead. Sure, it was just logistics, but Starfleet spending credits at I-Kiyo establishments mattered. It helped the Federation's image. It was diplomacy by way of a bar tab.
Lhandon just knew not to look at the bar tab. The FDC could sort that out... or he would send it over to Sherlock on the Chin to sort out now that she was a diplomatic officer. She would likely complain that they had not spent enough and that the whole crew were a bunch of sober teetotalers.
Rouiancet: Oh, yes. Any time we spend on the Ring is time well-spent, I think.
Arlill: I really think the I’Kiyo brought out the fine china for this event! It’s almost too decadent for a chaotic bunch like us ::laughing a little::.
Rouiancet: I'll take this first one, and then I'll back you both up for the others.
Arlill: Sounds like a plan boss. ::err: Captain.
Nilsen: I’ll hold off on booking your stand up tour.
While Tox was clearly still testing the waters, the two broroomies knew each other better than anyone. Lhandon knew where he stood with the great beard of Tox, and the jibes and jabs between them were almost second nature, like breathing, or Toxin's inability to pick up his socks.
Rouiancet: I hope you'll all forgive a few moments' interruption, but we come bearing ribbons.
Their first port of call was the table of Greaves, Peri, Kimonzi, and Alex. In the notes, Lhandon had jokingly written "love boat"—both pairs were #couplegoals.
Greaves: Your interruptions are always welcome skipper.
Lhandon grew to like that name when Greaves was acting as his XO in the bridge command exam.
Forsyth: Here we go…
Katsim / Lahl : Responses
Arlill: We hope you’re enjoying the evening thus far.
Lhandon nodded. Arlill could speak for them both. He was glad to see Wes again; the group had had dinner after the exam, and it had helped Lhandon process what had happened. He had found the marine colonel to be a font of knowledge and wisdom that Lhandon planned to drink from regularly. Who would have thought that the reckless ensign who had first stepped on the Oumuamua would admit what he didn't know?
Lhandon presented the box to Toxin in both arms, and it was opened. Arranged in order, each ribbon and star had been placed there by Lhandon in a way to make it super easy to just follow the list and take them. The more that he could take off the other two's hands to make the event go smoothly, the better.
Rouiancet: First, Wes, if you would stand, please? First, for the discoveries the Butler crew helped make at Marohu III, everyone present for the mission receives the Scientific Discovery Ribbon. But you, Wes -- you may very well have saved my life, and potentially the lives of everyone aboard, when you took on Toal'Dius, despite his weapons and his cloak and everything else. You've certainly earned this Captain's Commendation -- but you also participated in the counterattack on the surface to protect the archaeologists within the Dome, and for that, I think the Silver Star is only appropriate. Once again, and as always, I feel much safer with you around.
Toxin snapped to attention after pinning the awards on Greaves. Nilsen couldn't manage the same - he was holding the oak box in both hands, and after minutes at presentation height, his deltoids were burning. His forearms ached as he kept his grip tight to hold the box steady.
Greaves: Thank you. I am grateful, truly. It was a team effort the whole way through.
Forsyth: Well done, sir.
Lhandon shifted his weight slightly, trying to redistribute the load, but there was no escaping it, and he'd just have to push through the discomfort until they moved on to the next table.
Katsim / Lahl: Responses
Arlill: It’s well earned sir.
Lhandon had his own compliment.
Nilsen: Likewise, and thank you for your support in my exam Greaves, it meant a lot to me.
Rouiancet: Of course, the best security is often good tactical preparation. Lieutenant Forsyth, if you'd stand? Thank you. You'll also earn the Scientific Discovery Ribbon, but I also want to recognize the important assistance you provided nearly everywhere during this mission, including for supporting your team leader -- the well-deserved Superior Support Ribbon -- and in recognition of your outstanding valor, the Good Conduct Ribbon. Congratulations!
Forsyth: Thank you, ma’am.
He could see Alex's growth as if it were lines on a chart that was skyrocketing. When he had first met the officer, she had been a nervous wreck. Now she was growing in confidence, even leading a team. She had brought Shyvo home safely, and he knew that she wasn't happy with him, so to avoid ruining the night with a painful discussion yet to be had, he just nodded and smiled. Toxin took the two ribbons from the awards box and presented them to Alex.
Katsim / Lahl : Responses
Arlill: Keep this up and Anton’s gonna be looking for a new job!
Lhandon felt the faux pas from Toxin, but it wasn't meant in any way but as praise, and it wasn't meant as an insult to Richards. Forsyth smiled, and any other day, he would have shared the joke, but his own anxiety, and wanting to avoid certain matters on this evening, had him hold back.
Nilsen: Yep. Your growth over the past 18 months was amazing.
Forsyth resumed her seat.
Rouiancet: Commander, if I might ask you, too, to stand? The Scientific Discovery Ribbon is as deserved as it is proper for a science officer of your experience, but I want to complement it with a pair of additional ribbons that recognize the immediate impacts your actions had during this mission. You've also earned the Medical Science and Lifesaving Ribbons for your quick thoughts, actions, and leadership during this mission, but especially with respect to how you handled the situation with the Dosi mercenary Vuq, how you saved his life, and how you determined what Toal'Dius was doing to the mercenaries he contracted.
Lhandon's experience on Marohu III had been different. Apart from diving deep into childhood trauma (being reminded that before rugby and sports, before he became the adult who'd call himself a gym rat, he'd been a fat child who struggled in PE and was always picked last) he hadn't been shot at. All Lhandon had to do on Marohu III was help a single sentient program.
Katsim: Response
Greaves: You earned every one of those, Peri. Thoroughly deserved.
Forsyth: Congratulations, Commander.
Lahl: Responses
Lhandon couldn't claim a friendship with Peri; at most, he felt they had a "we're two very different people" vibe, but he respected her need for not being the center of attention, so after the ribbons were given, he moved just slightly towards the next person on their list, Lahl.
Arlill: Thank you Commander, I’m honored to serve with you. ::stepping back inline with the others::
Nilsen: Congratulations Commander.
He valued the friendship that he enjoyed with Lahl; being a part of one's zhian'tara was a privilege few could wear, and he felt he carried a little bit of Vedrin around with him. It was like the former host had gifted him a little bit of insight into his early career, and maybe his shoulders, or perhaps his hands, were placed in the same way when he sat down at the diplomatic table. Either way, Nilsen's posture had never been better.
Rouiancet: Kimonzi, if you please? Now, you'll also earn the Scientific Discovery Ribbon and, like Lieutenant Forsyth, your team lead support was invaluable, so you'll likewise earn the Superior Support Ribbon. However, and for the active leadership role you took during the mission, not only of the tasks assigned to you but, ultimately, the bridge and the Butler, I would like to recognize you with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Congratulations to you!
Lahl: Response
Greaves: You really held it together on the bridge in the worst kind of situation. Well earned!
Forsyth: Way to go, Bab- I mean Lieutenant.
Katsim : Responses
The wave of congratulations was, as Greaves had said, well earned. Although, he had had to stifle a laugh when Forsyth had accidentally called Lahl "Bab" - maybe he had found a new thing to torment and annoy Lahl with. He had already constructed the moment in his mind: o0 Nilsen to Lt Bab 0o.
Arlill: Well Done Lieutenant.
Nilsen: Well done…
His face had betrayed the held laughter, and he had stifled it down to get back to business. Not then, that had not been the time…to say hello to Lieutenant Bab.
Rouiancet: I always wish I could spend more time, but I'm sure everyone else is pretending not to bite their fingernails as they wait for us, so -- if you'll excuse us.
Greaves: You’re always welcome to swing by later skipper. We’d love to have you join us for a drink.
Forsyth: Yep, always welcome.
Katsim / Lahl / Forsyth: Responses
He heard just the tail end of the conversation as the trio headed to their next group of victims…award winners.
Forsyth: So, Kim, what should we do now?
The same thing they try to do every night.
Katsim / Lahl: Responses
((Part 2))
(( Palazzo Level 6, I-Dorf Kiyoria, I-Kiyo Dyson Ring ))
Arlill: ::as they walked:: I’m not afraid to admit it, I’m actually a little nervous.
Lhandon found himself surprised by the admission, but if Tox had been open about his feelings, then it had only been good things for the trio.
Nilsen: You, nervous. Come on Bro, you’ve got this!
Rouiancet: Response
Arlill: Oh I’m sure I will, it’s just I’ve not presented the awards while also under the watchful eye of the captain and my best… second officer.
Tox filled Lhandon with joy. Yeah, that was his guy! That was his guy. His brother. His broroomie. The one constant in the chaos, the steady hand when everything else felt like it was spinning out of control. Toxin Arlill, the great beard himself, had just admitted he was nervous, and somehow that vulnerability made Lhandon love him even more.
Arlill: Greetings everyone, I hope you’re enjoying the evening thus far?
Varik: Good evening, Commander.
Tarnas: Greetings, Commander. It’s a great night so far, thank you.
Woolheater: Commander Arlill, sir. Captain and Commander Nilsen.
Lhandon nodded in response, and his arms continued to scream.
Woolheater/Nis: Response
Arlill: Well, if you don’t mind the interruption? ::beat, turning towards Lia and Lhandon:: and unless you would like to say anything, I would like to recognize you all for your outstanding work during the last mission.
He shook his head to indicate that he had nothing else to say and let the proceedings carry on.
Varik: Thank you, sir.
Tarnas: Thank you, Commander.
Woolheater: Thank you, Captain, ::nods to both Commanders:: Sirs.
Nis: Response
Rouiancet: Response
The first on the list was the most recent officer addition to the marines.
Arlill: First Lieutenant Woolheater, if you would please stand at attention.
Then Toxin did something most interesting; he dropped the formality.
Arlill: ::dropping some of the formality:: Sam, I have to say, when I was reviewing the reports and read about your activities in the last mission, I wondered how you weren’t still recovering in sickbay. You performed your duties above and beyond expectation, and I’m happy to present you with accolades befitting your actions. ::taking a few notes out of Lia’s script:: Everyone aboard the OEB is receiving the Scientific Discovery Ribbon. In addition to that ribbon I would like to also present you with two very special recognitions, the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. When your team and the archeologists, who were strangers to you, came under fire you stood your ground and protected the innocent. You’ve been recognized for your bravery with the Silver Star and for the injuries you sustained, the Purple Heart. Congratulations First Lieutenant Woolheater.
Toxin stood at attention and nodded towards the marine officer, as he had done previously when pinning awards on Wes. He loved that Tox seemed to have this gift for just understanding what people responded best to and learning that within seconds of meeting them, from the completely formal to the most relaxed.
But what he also loved was being able to hand off that massive box to Rouiancet.
Nilsen: Great work Sam
Like with the others, he couldn't really comment on their experience; he wasn't there, and by all accounts, Nilsen's mission had been safe.
Rouiancet: Response
Varik: Congratulations, Sam!
Tarnas: Thank you, Commander.
Woolheater: ::to the presenter:: Thank you.
Nis: Response
Arlill: Congratulations again Sam. ::beat:: You may be at ease, have a seat. ::beat:: Doctor Nis, if you would please stand. It’s come to my attention that you got a taste of the combat activities that occurred on the mission and you served the OEB and your fellow crew members proud, rendering aide while others were taking cover—for these actions I recognize you with the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon. Please remain standing ::beat:: Of course you couldn’t stop there, I read that you were the linchpin in curing the poison antidote? You are not doubt a valuable member of this crew and for your actions I recognize you also with the Medical Science Ribbon and Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon. Congratulations Lieutenant.
Lhandon found himself standing there, arms still aching from holding the box for so long even though he had passed it off already. He watched as his crewmates received their ribbons, ribbons earned through genuine danger. His mind drifted back to Marohu III, and the comparison felt unavoidable.
Sam had been shot at, protecting archaeologists under fire. Nis had rendered aid while others took cover, working to cure a poison antidote while chaos erupted around them. Peri had faced off against Toal'Dius and his weapons, potentially saving lives in the process.
And what had Lhandon done? He had helped out a single sentient program. Sure, he had had to dive deep into childhood trauma, reliving being that fat kid who struggled in PE, always picked last, and it helped matters with the I-Kiyo, but he had not been shot at. He had not put his body on the line like Sam or Nis. He had not confronted a cloaked threat like Peri or Wes.
A small knot of guilt tightened in his chest. It felt almost unfair that he was standing there, second officer, presenting awards to people who had faced real danger while his own mission had been... safe. Comparatively speaking, anyway.
Rouiancet: Response
Varik: Well deserved, Doctor.
He tried to push the feeling aside; after all, every mission was different, every role mattered, but the thought lingered. Maybe that was what had made him hold the box a little tighter earlier on and why he hadn't complained, and maybe it was what had made him want to make sure every detail of this ceremony was perfect. If he couldn't earn ribbons the same way they had, at least he could make damn sure they got the recognition they deserved.
Tarnas: Well done, Jania. Well deserved, indeed.
Woolheater: Agreed. Well deserved.
Nis Response
Woolheater: Best dance partner in a haunted vault ribbon too!
Lhandon just hoped he wasn't asked to dance. The rugby player’s two left feet would’ve just caused an accident.
Arlill: Great ::beat, turning towards Tarnas:: Lieutenant, if you would stand please. ::beat:: Tarnas, you performed admirably on the last mission. Your team work and dedication to your fellow crew mates has been recognized and for that reason I’m honored to present you two special ribbons recognizing your focus on team work and creative investigating—I present you with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Starfleet Investigation Ribbon, both ribbons I was proud to receive when I was an ensign. Thank you Lieutenant.
He was glad that the older ops officer was getting the recognition he deserved too. Nilsen couldn't help himself the other night when he had dived into everyone's files and added their awards to the database, saving the effort so he didn't have to do it tomorrow, where he'd likely be a little hungover. From what he had gathered, Tarnas had really started to spread his wings on the OEB.
Nilsen: You were phenomenal down there.
Rouiancet: Response
Varik: Nice, Lieutenant!
Woolheater: Yes, yes, indeed. Really good work!
Tarnas: Thank you.
Woolheater: First rate, mate! First rate! Well done.
This moment was always nice.
Nis: Response
Then Toxin moved to someone else who had been on Nilsen’s radar.
Arlill: It’s not often that I’m given the great honor of recognizing an officer with more than just accolades for their efforts and duties performed, but ::beat:: before I get ahead of myself ::beat:: Ensign Varik, if you would please stand. ::beat:: Ensign, during this last mission you showed your versatility, adapting to the evolving mission from the start. For this and other reasons, I recognize you with the Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon, but let’s not stop there. I heard you demonstrated a underutilized skill that I only hope you continue to develop. Ensign you’ve been recognized by fellow officers for your excellent diplomacy tactics during the last mission, and for that reason I award you the Diplomacy Ribbon.
Varik had been somewhat of an unknown to Nilsen, with the two only having interacted during the awards, but he had heard great things from Percy - and Percy's judgment was something Lhandon had learned to trust implicitly.
Nilsen: Well deserved, at this rate, we’ll get you in purple by this time next year.
He gave a little smile. From the reports, Varik's background as part of the Rekarian Diplomatic Service had come into play in the last mission, and the Rekarian was a natural at it.
So why ops?
Rouiancet: Response
Varik: Thank you, sir.
Tarnas: Well done, Varik.
Woolheater: Excellent work!
And as was the way with things, and the current staffing levels, Lhandon almost wanted to beg Varik to move out of operations.
Nis/Tarnas: Response
Arlill: ::trying to catch Varik before they sat:: Just a moment Ensign.
Woolheater: ::grins, low:: Uh oh… somebody’s getting promoted.
He gestured for Woolheater to be quiet for Varik's moment in the sun, and not to spoil the surprise.
Arill: For the strengths you’ve shown, the quality of work you’ve accomplished, your dedication to your fellow crew mates ::beat:: it’s my honor to recognize you once more—this time I recognize you as Lieutenant Junior Grade, congratulations, you’ve earned it.
Toxin kicked off the clapping and Lhandon was in sync.
Rouiancet: Response
Varik: It is an honor, sir. Thank you.
Tarnas: Congratulations, Varik, and well done!
Woolheater: Welcome to the OG of the JG Lieutenant.
Nis: Response
There had been a certain spark and cheek to Woolheater in the moment, and in his interactions with Nilsen. The marine with a joke and a quip for any moment had seemed to be a master of morale.
Arlill: You may be seated now Lieutenant. ::beat:: Before we move on, I do want to say, every day I serve on the OEB, I’m so proud of our crew, our accomplishments, even the moments we get out of when I was sure we’d never make it home. And while a first officer should never admit that, I feel comfortable admitting that to all of you ::beat, turning towards Lia and Lhandon:: as well as you. When I was asked to be first officer, it felt like an immense pressure, but I know now, after serving just one mission as first officer, that I have an amazing crew backing me up ::beat:: backing us up, and you all should be proud of what you do every day aboard the OEB. ::beat:: Another round of applause for all of you. ::clapping::
Lhandon smiled toward Toxin and he too applauded.
Nilsen: The feeling’s mutual. Enjoy this evening and everything the I-Dorf has to offer. This is your evening.
Rouiancet: Response
As they departed, Varik offered a toast to the table.
Varik: If I may be so bold as to offer another toast.
The words, which faded into the background as the trio walked away, felt familiar, as if Varik had done a toast like this before.
Varik: To shadows we met and the death of Toal’Dius closing his tempest reign. To unity held and the work of the crew easing each other's strain.
Tarnas: Well said, Varik. Cheers!
Woolheater/Nis: Response
With a brief pause between tables, it was Toxin's turn to carry the burden.
((End Part 2))
Lieutenant Commander Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
Second Officer & Senior Diplomatic Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)