Cmdr. Kelrod: Some things are a matter of perspective
Kelrod Dickens
((USS Juneau - Deck 18 )))
IC:
While Kelrod was busy dealing with the prisoner as they decided what to do with him, he picked up the conversation about where they'll hold him given the lack of installations and equipment on the experimental vessel they were on.
Teller: Since I'm pretty sure the smallest room on this boat is my quarters, I'm voting no on that one. ::The ship rocked again, the unmistakable impact of weapons fire vibrating through the deck:: In fact, I've got the perfect spot in mind for this guy.
Hyden: Well I’m sure the warp core would be a viable option if we were cold-blooded killers. What did you have in mind Teller?
As Rahman was present too he let the situation develop.
Rahman: Response
Maddi gave him a confused look as he moved to the opposite side of the compartment. She had no idea what he was up to but it was bound to be interesting.
Teller: Don't worry, I removed the data storage array - it's in my toolkit. But I thought it would be downright rude to send the fella home empty handed, especially after all the gifts the Orions have left aboard the ship.
Teller's attitude was a bit strange for him, at least to what he's used from him on the Veritas. It seemed that the man was up to something, but he couldn't quite put the finger on it.
Teller: No more, no more, to go to sea no more....I made up me mind that I was inclined to go to sea no moreee....
Geoffrey manipulated the console and in a few moments the shields were down and the prisoner, along with the artifact beamed out. He was somehow surprised and was about to ask for an explanation when the monitor changes and showed the Orion ship being attacked by the Romulans. All of a sudden an internal explosion lead to others that ended up with the ship destroyed. He felt strange, the threat was gone, but what he'd done was something that the old Kelrod would do, when he was a soldier of an ancient war. Right now it doesn't seem right. Maybe they were in a tight spot, but he felt that that's been a bit too much, more as he hadn't checked it with the captain of the Juneau.
Teller: I Used the powercell to give the mine a little extra oomph. Never been a great shot with these anyway. ::He stretched his neck and shoulders, the stress of the day finally dissipating.:: Well...I don't know about any of you, but it's been one hell of a morning. I'm going to go get a cup of coffee and see if there's still an engine room aboard this crate.
Kelrod was a bit taken by surprise as he left. He hoped that he'll show a bit more of a remorse dor doing what he surely thought it was the only way to protect them and the Juneau, but before he could react, Hyden moved towards him with her hand on her phaser she sprinted out of the room and caught up Teller blocking his path.
Kelrod looked their way and saw that the captain had joined them and they talked, finally seeing Hyden and Teller leave, with Rahman remaining on the place. He approached his captain and when he was next to her he could only say...
Kelrod: Is that the Geoffrey Teller we know?
( Days later )
((Main Shuttlebay, USS Juneau))
A few days had passed and they were summoned to the Shuttlebay. Appartenly there was a gathering to mark the end of the Juneau testing. His mood was still strange. He has gotten back to his usual duty, but as it was more relaxed than the previous ones, he had more time to think and felt the others had it too. The mood on the shuttlebay was a bit strange, so he took a sip of his manufactured flask with some Moscow Mule to make the passing of the situation a bit easier.
Oddas: Attention, please.
Kelrod put the flask on the inner of his jacket and payed attention.
Oddas: A few years ago I was a young Lieutenant who did some math which didn't make sense and asked a mentor for advice. I didn't imagine it would lead me here, to a ship, an engine, and a crew redefining what the Warp Scale looks like. Our voyage was meant to be a simple cruise but like all things, in Starfleet, it became something more, proof officers from across the fleet could be thrown together and perform under pressure, get the job done, and do it with a grace befitting and expected of the service. I am proud to serve with you and to call you my colleagues.
She led the group in a small round of applause.
Oddas: I promise to make this sort since I know some of you have other plans, but we do want to recognize some important people. First, because this is the Juneau's first mission everyone aboard is Awarded the Maiden Voyage Ribbon. Likewise, due to your work on the project and your Warp XV Engine, in general, you have been awarded the Project Capstone Ribbon and the Warp XV Pioneer. Thank you very much, please wear them with pride.
Kelrod joined the others in the applaus, thoug a bit easier than others. Three ribbons in a row was something not usual, but they've dealt with some difficult situation.
She waited for the applause to die down a bit before she began speaking.
Oddas: Next, because those things did not go as planned, you are receiving both the Legion of Merit and the Orion Syndicate Service Medal. This is in recognition that things do not always go as planned, but individually, and as a crew, Starfleet always overcomes.
Kelrod: oO Two more, and one of them for dealing with the Orions again. I might become an expert on them... maybe Oo
Kiliak: Each of you has individually proven your mettle, your wits, and your bravery in the short time we've spent together aboard our surprisingly capable little ship. It is a unfortunate truth that in Starfleet, rare constellations such as ours cannot hang in the sky for long. But I am proud to have been a part of this crew, for this time.
Oddas: Now, if the XO could help me pass out of a few individual awards. :: pause:: It is unfortunate, but a mission such as ours did lead to a some injuries, and for that we recognize them in the only way we can, though it seems insignificant. Mister Peters, Sienelis, and Hyden, all received injuries in the line of duty, :: blushing slightly and speaking quickly to get past her own name:: along with their Captain, and to acknowledge that we extend a small token of our thanks, the Purple Heart, as well as an admonishment to please not make it a habit.
As Kiliak passed out the boxes containing the ribbons she shook each of the officer's hands and offered a thank you.
Kiliak: You've shed blood in the line of duty. I salute each of you. Thank you for your service to Starfleet and to the Federation.
Peters/Sienelis/Hyden/Kiliak: Response
Oddas: Likewise, the barebones nature of our mission meant more improvisation than usual, and this was readily apparent as Commander Adea worked saved Ensign Dhawan with the minimal of equipment available to him. For his efforts, he is awarded the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon.
Kiliak: Well done, Commander Adea.
Kelrod: Good work commander!
Genkos gripped his cane and marched over to the presenting officers. He shook their hands once firmly and thanked them for the honour, before retreating back to his corner. Once the awards were completed, Genkos turned to his companions, a glass of sapphire wine in hand.
Adea: To the Juneau, gentlemen.
Oddas: When the Juneau was being boarded Commander Kelrod went to great lengths to put himself in harm's way, showing gallantry and heroism. By definition, this qualifies him for the Good Conduct Ribbon and I am proud to present it to him.
Kiliak: ::shaking his hand:: And besides, we were fresh out of Bad Boy Ribbons
Kelrod: :: not quite getting the Bad Boy ribbon he accepted it with proud ::Thank you. I did it the best I could. I was a bad boy a long time ago, so I'm okay with this one.
He shook their hands and turned to get back to his place on the shuttlebay, thinking that he really did his best and wear this one with honor.
Oddas: It is not often an officer is in a position to present an award to a teacher, a mentor, and a superior officer. Today, I am just that lucky. Captain Rahman was not only instrumental in this project but also in the successful completion of this voyage. I am doubly honored to be able to give her the Captain's Commendation. Thank you very much, ma'am.
Kiliak: We couldn't have done it without you, Doctor.
Rahman: Response
He clapped at his captain, knowing that she wasn't one to like being the focus of attention in such situations as she usually was on the other end of the ceremony.
Oddas: It has been my pleasure to serve with you all on this endeavor and despite its obvious dangers, fun. You have made an Engineer's dream come true. :: picking up the glass of blue liquid already poured :: To the crew of the Juneau!
Kiliak: Here here!
Kelrod: Here here! :: he accepted the glass and raised to the rest of the crew ::
He cheered with others around him. One of them was Geoffrey and he felt that the man could use some cheer to help him get back to be his usual self
Kelrod: Well, we've made it.
Teller: Response
Kelrod: This could be a great ship, once it's finished, but I'm eager to get back to the Veritas.
Teller: Response
Kelrod: Besides, I'm eager to you showing me your draft of my new arm. If this has showed me anything, is that we're never overprepared for what we can find out there.
Teller: Response
The movement on the front of the group showed Reynolds taking the stage, so everyone went silent waiting to see what remains to be said.
Reynolds: Response
TBC:
