Lt. Kiliak Jo - We Did Our Job

[Lennard Noller]

((Juneau))

The relief Kiliak had felt upon hearing the news that the passengers of the Ascent Vine had, in fact, survived, was immeasurable. She had been forced to choke out a polite request to leave the briefing, duck into a janitorial closet and weep. Joy, relief, exhaustion, shame, each had washed over her until she was utterly overcome by the swell of emotion.

After a moment, she composed herself, straightened her uniform, and emerged from the closet with none the wiser, except for a passing Ensign, who gave her quite the quizzical look.

Perhaps she had underestimated the capabilities and motivations of Captain Jaycul. While she would have naturally preferred that the Juneau had saved the Vulcan passengers, she was fascinated to discover his bait had been some form of bluffing and he was unable to allow anything to happen in the end when he had not been able to count on Starfleet's well-known sensibilities as reliably as he had planned. Kiliak soon decided it didn't actually matter who saved the Vulcan passengers to her beside the concerns of her own ego. They were alive. That was what mattered most of all, at least to her.

oO Toryn, my friend, you were right! I should've listened to you. Oo

((Timeskip))

(( Main Shuttlebay, USS Juneau, Mynok Spring Concerns )) 

Not long after, Kiliak joined the Captain and crew gathered in the Main Shuttlebay. She could tell by the return of a few smiles that news had already spread quickly, as it usually did on Starfleet vessels, and most people were now aware things of the true sum of recent events. The grim cloud was lifting.

Oddas: Attention, please.  

Captain Oddas waited for the talk to die down, straightened her uniform, and looked from face to face.

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.

Captain Oddas led the group in a small round of applause, Kiliak beside her.

Any: Response

Oddas: I promise to make this short 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.

Any: Response

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.  

Any: Response

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 sincere 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: 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.

Adea: Response

Aria shook the man's hand and then looked to her next to awards and took deep breaths.

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: Response

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

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!

Any: Response

Kiliak caught the eye of Rear Admiral Reynolds, who had a look in her eye that said she was about to speak. They weren't quite done yet.

Reynolds: Response

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Lieutenant Kiliak Jo

First Officer

USS Juneau

A239509KJ0

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