Lieutenant Commander Esa Kiax - Ribbons, Ribbons Everywhere!
matt...@virginmedia.com
((OOC: As of 01/05/2021 @ 00:00EDT, I will be taking a month long LOA to focus on the closing weeks of my Masters Degree, making this my last post – apologies that I didn’t manage to make any headway with the pirate scene! Have a good May everyone, and I’ll see you all in June! 😊 ))
((Brew Continuum, Port Observation Lounge, Deck Ten, USS Chin’toka))
Once finished with his call, Esa made her way over to Chythar.
Kiax: Looks like our work has been well received, wouldn’t you say?
Skyfire: I would say it has indeed. Thanks for your assistance.
Esa waved a dismissive hand past her face.
Kiax: Oh, it was no bother. Besides, I’m happy to have helped. Got any plans for your first Expanse-Inspired recipe yet?
While it was mostly a small talk-esque question, she was genuinely interested.
Skyfire: Maybe something to do with that comet, perhaps. Once I figure out which of the blue collars discovered it first.
Kiax: Ah, well I’m sure you’ll come up with something. I hear you’re quite good at these things… Speaking of which, I was sent a packet of Rose Capaya seeds from a relative of one of my previous hosts’ children. I was wondering if you’d fancy attempting to craft something with them?
The barista quirked a brow in reply. Clearly she’d piqued his curiosity.
Skyfire: Interesting. I am certainly interested. :: Leaning forward. :: Tell me more.
Kiax: It’s a fruit that grows on Trillus Prime. A bit like a raspberry, grows on a similar kind of vine, but bigger and far sweeter. They tend to grow to be about the size of a fist. I’ve never tried one, but I’m assured that they’re quite appealing.
A heavy sigh, followed by another pause was the immediate response Esa received to her comment. Clearly there was a story there, given her companion’s expression, but she felt it rude to pry.
Skyfire: I regret I never had the opportunity to do any sightseeing of the botanical gardens on Trillius Prime last time I was there.
Kiax: My first host had quite the green thumb - won awards for his orchid collections. I can’t say I share his aptitude for it, but the one who sent me the seeds thought that I might enjoy indulging in botany as a pastime. So far, I’ve only managed to grow one or two orchids in the flower beds down in the Hydroponics Bay.
Skyfire: Interesting. I’ll have to take another look.
Kiax: ::With a wink:: Yeah, the white ones in the bed next to the tree. They’re mine, though I don’t tend to publicise it.
Skyfire: And why not? I’d be happy to teach you what I know, and you can exercise those memories a bit?
Kiax: I dunno… I guess I’m just trying to keep it more of a private hobby. Somewhere I can go when I need a bit of space. Though, I’ll admit the thought of learning some more about what I’m doing is appealing.
Skyfire: In all seriousness, Esa? I would be delighted to work on new plant cultivations with someone of your host’s expertise for the BC here.
Esa chuckled, slightly.
Kiax: Well, Korrul’s expertise isn’t really my expertise, I only get the odd inkling of what I’m supposed to be doing from Kiax – the rest of it is just vague memories from three-hundred odd years ago.
There was a brief pause in the conversation, which Esa used to take a look around the room. Noa was speaking with Serala and Kurt, who’d sneakily entered the room not moments ago, and Cadfael seemed to be engaged in discussions with Counsellor Azorius, though about what she wasn’t able to make out.
Skyfire: I noticed you were asking Cadfael about the other BCs. I can’t attest to the one on the Juneau, but I took good care of it on the Veritas after Teller left. The Astraeus was all my doing, though it admittedly was less complicated than the one here. The hologram, which you may’ve seen briefly on your way in, was the most complex piece of the puzzle. I’ll put it back once the majesty of the comet wears off. :: Momentary pause to glance over at the dogs. :: Devlin's the little beagle. Odin is Mei's rottweiler.
Kiax: ::Grinning:: Ah-ha. Thanks! I was wondering which was which…
Off in the corner, Devlin was nuzzling Odin once again and giving his muzzle tender little beagle kisses in between a tug-of-war on one of the ropes. It was all very cute… Enough to make Esa consider getting herself another puppy, though she was more of a cat person herself.
Mei’konda: Everyone, if I may have your attention.
Esa turned to face the Captain as the conversations around the room silenced.
Mei’konda: Thaank you. I would first liike to say that I very much appreciaate this surprise to welcome me back to the Chin’toka. Dr. Skyfire, and everyone else involved, creaated a relaxiing environment that honours this ship’s heritage. So, Doctor, thaank you. And thank you, Commander Kiax, for giiving him the resources without my permission, without which I doubt such a surpriise would have been possible!
Skyfire: You’re welcome.
Kiax: ::Grinning, with a wink:: It’s quite alright, I’ll send the bill to the Admiralty.
Mei’konda: Secondly, I want to thaank you all for your efforts during the Chin’toka’s first contaact mission in my absence. The circumstaances of it were not ideal, but without all of your efforts, the Mekra’fari and the Feladoni would haave been raided successfully by the Caraadians, and the loss of liife would have been much worse than it was.
Esa grimaced. She felt that her conduct during the contact left a lot to be desired. Clearly mentions of her poor discipline when it came to keeping her personal opinions in check had been downplayed in Serala’s reports… As for her help in the repulsion of the Caraadian raid, well… She hadn’t exactly done much to help there either, given her lack of tactical expertise.
Mei’konda: We all joiined Starfleet to explore. Sometimes, it is necessary to defend. You all liived up to these ideals. And toniight seems a good night to recognize this crew for it.
Putting aside her personal reservations about her own deservedness at being recognised, she raised her glass all the same. Those that had done more to help the situation certainly deserved their moment in the spotlight.
Kiax: Hear, hear!
Any: Responses
Mei’konda: Everyone here will be awarded Explorer’s Ribbon for pushiing the boundaries of known space, the First Contact Ribbon for obviious reasons, and the Operation Safe Harbour Ribbon for your actions against the Caraadian Pirates. Well done, everyone.
Any: Responses
Raga: Well deserved, for everyone. ::He stated simply::
Esa smiled slightly, poorly hiding the guilty expression she wore on her face at receiving such high praise for her minimal contributions. She was able to muster nothing more than a slight, silent nod in response.
After the assembled crew had collected their respective accolades, the celebration took a more individualistic focus, something which Esa felt a lot more comfortable participating in. These were the individuals who’d really pulled out all the stops to ensure the events that happened on the surface could be described as a success. First up was Lael and her team – Noa, Liz and, despite his absence, Thalas, all receiving the Diplomacy Ribbon for how they handled the unfortunate mix up with the Mekra’fari. Not only that, but Lael also ended up with a Distinguished Service Ribbon for her extremely brave decision to remain with the Mekra’fari and help protect them, despite herself being unarmed in the process, and a third which recognised her long standing record as a Department Chief.
A brief segue later and Noa and Liz were both awarded with the Silver Star for sticking with Lael and assisting with the defence of the Mekra’fari. Esa couldn’t help but beam as Noa received her awards. Despite her relatively short service aboard so far, Noa had established herself as a stalwart member of the crew, showing considerable proficiency in adapting to the complex and often weird region of space they called home. Not only this, but the pair had forged a blossoming friendship – one that Esa was immensely grateful for. She offered a hearty round of applause as the award exchanged hands.
Next, the Counsellor was summoned to the “stage”, receiving the Lifesaving Ribbon alongside Liz for helping to stabilise and ultimately saving the life of Katnar’fari. No doubt they’d be hearing from them again one day, maybe soon. It wasn’t everyday that one had their life saved by a pair of aliens from distant worlds, and it wasn’t something that they were likely to forget. Shortly thereafter, several new visitors to the Captain’s podium were summoned – Serala, Toryn and Cadfael – the latter of whom received the Good Conduct Ribbon for his exceptional piloting skills, knowledge of which Esa hoped to glean from her flight requalification, though that would likely be scheduled for a later date. Subsequently, Serala and Toryn also both received the Distinguished Service Ribbon for their respective accomplishments; Serala for holding together a difficult First Contact with the Feladoni, made only harder by Esa and her poor behaviour – a fact of which she felt very guilty of – and Toryn for keeping his cool and commanding the ship through a difficult hostile encounter with the Caraadian warship, something that Esa had little belief she could pull off with such confidence and certainty.
Following this came the rather surprising announcement that Lael would be stepping down as Chief Engineer, moving to the somewhat obscure, but highly adaptive role of Mission Specialist. Given her long standing service within Starfleet, Esa had no doubt that she’d be able to bring a wealth of experience to the role, capable of serving in whatever capacity that she would be needed. Of course, this left a void in the position of Chief Engineer, which was quickly filled by a freshly promoted Lieutenant Lephi, who appeared to be as surprised at receiving the role as Esa had been when she’d made Ops Chief. Not only this, but Noa and Liz both also received promotions in both Rank, and to chiefdom of their respective departments, rightfully deserved after all the long hard hours they’d put in as acting department chiefs.
Finally came the exciting news for Serala….
Mei’konda: Lieutenant Commander Serala. When I caame on board, you were forced to act as liaison between a crew who had just lost their Captain and a new commandiing officer that neither you nor they had known. I haave heard the tearm ‘Atlanteans’, and I know how tight knit this crew is.
Serala: Response
Mei’konda: Nevertheless, you helped me to integraate with them, you’ve alwaays given me your best, and your command of the Chin’toka duriing my absence has convinced me that you haave what it takes to command your own ship one day. As such…
Mei’konda: I haave decided to promote you to the rank of full Commander, effective immediately. There are great things ahead of you, Commander, and thiis crew is as lucky as this Captain to have you with them. Thank you.
Esa let out a loud cheer, followed by a shrill whistle, before joining in with the applause. She definitely deserved it.
Serala / Any: Responses
Snow: Congratulations, Commander. ::smiling::
Lephi: Well earned, Commander. Congratulations.
Rosek: Congratulations!
Raga: It’s about time. ::He chuckled::
Kiax: ::Grinning:: We’d be in a right pickle without you, Boss!
With the awards ceremony wrapping up, and Esa feeling thoroughly socialised out, she retired to her quarters for the evening, bidding those left in the room a farewell for the night.
[End Scene for Kiax]
Lieutenant Commander Esa Kiax
Chief Operations Officer
USS Chin’toka – NCC 97187
Community History Team Member
A239511ED0