Lieutenant Is’Kah Xiron - Awards and Conversations
Kaitlyn Kalor
(( Assembly Bay/Observation Bay, Starbase One ))
(( Overlooking both the USS Chin’toka and the USS Valkyrie-A ))
Because Is’Kah was extremely vertically challenged, the hybrid stood in the front row. Typically, zha was with Ghee’looth during the awards, but this time they had been separated. Seeing T’Ama step forward, zha came to attention.
T’Ama: Welcome! I am Lieutenant Commander T’Ama, your new-ish First Officer as of about a month ago. Most of you know me, for those who don’t - hello. I’m sure you are all eager to be honored for your outstanding work on this last mission, so without further ado, I will turn this over to Captain Serala.
It only took a few moments before the rest of the crew had come to attention, and Serala stepped up to the podium.
Serala: Thank you, Number One. Crew of the USS Chin’toka, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest officers in the fleet, and you are no less so. In fact, I have been honored to have all of you under my command. These recognition ceremonies are just one small way that I can say thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of the ship and Starfleet. And to that end, let’s get to the good part, shall we?
She took a moment to find her notes.
Serala: First of all, while our mission to Ah’rak IV didn’t exactly go according to script, we did make first contact with a new species. And I have received word that the Vulcans have arrived and are working on establishing diplomatic relations with the Ah’rakkians. Starfleet Command seems to have been satisfied with our performance there as they have seen fit to award us both the First Contact and Explorer Ribbons
She handed the award boxes to the First Officer. Is’Kah felt a surge of pride at zhen first, first contact mission. It felt nice to do what the fleet was established for: find strange new worlds and civilizations. Even if the zhen team’s contact went wrong, the rest of the operation was successful, and no one else was hurt. The most important result was that everyone walked away alive.
Serala: Commander T’Ama, please receive these awards on behalf of the crew. There are individual ribbons for everyone on the table that can be collected after the ceremony.
T’Ama: Thank you.
Once T’Ama had accepted the awards, she turned back to the podium and spoke again.
Serala: In addition, Lieutenant Commander Azura Ada, I was forwarded a citation from Commodore Rajel which reads:
Rajel: Much to our surprise we have discovered that the artifact who caused our little de-aging problem was not an artifact at all. Instead we found out through various tests and finally telepathic communication that it is a silicone based lifeform native to Vryshaan. This remarkable discovery leads to a few ribbons for our crew. First of all I have the honor to reward everyone who was part of this mission the Explorer's ribbon for the discovery of a new species. As well as a First Contact ribbon for, you guessed it, First contact.
Serala: Congratulations, Commander Ada. You can pick up an extra ribbon of each at the end of the ceremony.
Is’Kah smiled and clapped with the rest of the crew.
Ada: Response
Serala: Now, there are some individual awards to present. Commander Sherlock and Counselor S’Rorr to the front please.
Sherlock / S’Rorr: Responses
The pair of officers stood before the captain.
Serala: You two were given a difficult task, made even more difficult by the fact that the Ah’rakkians had a previous negative experience with Vulcanoids in their past, not to mention certain events that transpired while there. Commander Sherlock, your efforts were so noted that Command decided to make you Chief of our newly formed Diplomacy Department, which they also deemed a necessity on our crew.
Serala: Therefore, the both of you are being presented with the Diplomacy Ribbon.
T’Ama attached the ribbons.
T’Ama: So is it like a critical mass situation where if you get enough of these they transfer you automatically into the diplomacy department?
Sherlock: Responses
The first officer turned to S’Rorr.
T’Ama: Congratulations, ensign.
S’Rorr: Responses
After they had received their awards, Serala led the way in a round of applause.
Serala: Congratulations, you two.
The captain called up Wright and S’Rorr.
Serala: Lieutenant Wright, during the mission you assisted in locating and removing the explosive devices. It was an extraordinary act of bravery and for that reason I am awarding you the Good Conduct Ribbon. Likewise, Commander Brodie, your efforts in assisting me, especially in regards to the rescue operation and reminding me to consider all aspects of the operation, I am also awarding you the Good Conduct Ribbon. Congratulations.
T’Ama placed the awards on the pair after receiving them from Serala.
T’Ama: Congratulations.
Wright / Brodie: Responses
The next round of awards was announced after the clapping died down.
Serala: Speaking of that rescue operation, Lieutenant Seleya of Khanda, please come to the front.
The Lieutenant approached the podium.
Serala: Lieutenant, your efforts and skills during the operation were noted, and while you weren’t able to participate in the actual rescue due to an unfortunate injury, Starfleet Command deemed your efforts worthy of recognition. To that end, they have awarded both yourself and I the Silver Star. Congratulations.
The captain personally placed the Silver Star on Seleya. Regret flashed through Is’Kah as she realized zha needed to finish the apology letter for being rude to her.
Seleya: Response
The captain returned to the podium and read from the PADD.
Serala: Now, there would have been no need of a rescue operation without some of our people having been taken hostage. Number One, I would like you, Lieutenant Is’Kah Xiron, Ensign Koyama, and Doctor Edrei to come forward.
Is’Kah moved to stand before T’Ama and Serala.
Koyama / Edrei: Responses
Once the others had arrived, Serala looked at them.
Serala: From time to time, we run into dangerous situations and those situations result in our capture. It’s unfortunate, but such is the nature of our jobs. Thankfully, each of you returned to us, albeit some of you were in bad medical condition. For this reason, I am presenting each of you the Prisoner of War Ribbon. I don’t like giving this one out, but it’s at least understandable. You have my personal gratitude.
Another moment of guilt flashed through Is’Kah, knowing that zha had to do better when protecting away teams. Things happened, but it didn’t mean those moments wouldn’t stick with you.
Koyama / Edrei: Responses
Serala: Number One, I think it only appropriate that you present your team with these ribbons. If you have any words for them, please feel free at this time.
Commander T’Ama hesitated before taking the boxes and approaching them.
T’Ama: ::quietly:: I want to apologize to you all for getting us captured… And I want to say that I’m proud of you for escaping the brig while I was… not there… and taking care of Doctor Edrei.
Is’Kah: ::whispers:: Thank you, Commander, but it wasn’t your fault. You did what you could.
Koyama / Edrei: Responses
Serala: There is another ribbon I don’t like to present, but this one is also understandable. And considering I have four myself, it would be disingenuous of me to condemn the recipients. Doctor Edrei, please remain up here, as well as you, Is’Kah. Ensign Koyama, you may return to your place. Seleya, please come back up here and join them.
Is’Kah had partly turned when zhen name was announced again, leaving zhen feeling a moment's confusion before realizing what the award was for. Zha returned to standing at attention.
Seleya: Response
Serala: Each of you sustained serious injuries during the course of this mission. While it is never desirable to have our people injured in the line of duty, it does happen from time to time. Therefore, I am presenting each of you with the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart, an award that you never wanted, but sometimes the needs of the many meant doing risky things.
T’Ama: ::to Edrei and Is’Kah:: I think I have to apologize again for putting you in that situation. ::to Seleya:: But not you. You’re accident prone and this one was not my fault.
Is’Kah: ::mumbles:: I’m glad to pass that title off.
Edrei / Seleya: Responses
The hybrid returned to zhen position while the captain called out more names, including Ghee’looth’s.
Serala: There was another aspect to this mission that should not be overlooked. Lieutenant Commander V’Nille, Lieutenant Commander Azura Ada, Lieutenant JG Ghee’looth Xiron, and Ensign Theridion Grallator please come forward.
It didn’t take long before they stood before the captain.
Serala: The derelict vessel presented its own challenges, and from the reports I read it was very interesting. It is unfortunate we were not able to salvage it, but what you were able to learn there will keep Vulcan historians busy for quite some time. Therefore, I am pleased to present each of you with the Investigation Ribbon. Congratulations, each of you.
She handed awards to T’Ama, who promptly put them on the four.
T’Ama: Congratulations on surviving the ghost ship, all of you.
V’Nille: Thank you. Don’t worry. Next time we find a ghost ship, it’s all yours.
Xiron: Thank you, Commander. It was both an honor and a terror to witness.
Grallator: Thank you… I think. Though if it’s all the same, I’d prefer the next ghost ship to remain firmly in the possession of someone else too. My ears are still negotiating a ceasefire with the last one, and frankly I’m not sure they’re winning. ::looking at the ribbon:: The ribbon, however, is very nice—shiny, dignified, and most importantly unlikely to scream at me in the middle of the night. It’s comforting to know that Starfleet still believes in rewarding survival as much as success. I’ll treasure this, if only as proof that I didn’t hallucinate the entire ordeal. And should anyone ever ask me about the ghost ship again, I’ll simply point to the ribbon and say, ‘Yes, it happened, no, I don’t want to talk about it, and please stop making that screeching noise.’”
Ada: Response
Is’Kah shook zhen head ever so slightly at Grallator’a words. He never failed to amuse with his ability to talk. The crew clapped for the four while they returned to where they were before.
Serala: Counselor S’Rorr, please present yourself at the front.
S’Rorr stood before Serala, who greeted him with a smile.
Serala: Counselor, I first met you on the Astraeus and I was already impressed with you then. In fact, having served with Commodore Mei’konda for as long as I have, I found you a rather pleasant person much like the Commodore. And it only makes sense given that you’re a counselor. When I learned you were coming to my ship, I was excited about this. Despite myself, I found myself missing having a Caitian around. My pleasure only grew as I watched you work. Your skills and diplomatic ability are quite amazing and therefore it is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and responsibilities commensurate of your new rank.
Taking a box, Serala pinned a half pip on S’Rorr’s collar.
Serala: Congratulations, Ensign!
S’Rorr: Response
Is’Kah joined in applauding the promotion.
Serala: There is one final bit of business to attend to. I confess a bit of mixed emotions about this one. I know that this is a good thing, but there is a part of me that is feeling emotional about this. :: She paused long enough to get her emotions under control before continuing :: I chose this location, and this backdrop for a reason. Effective Stardate 240212.13 I will be reassigned from command of the USS Chin’toka to Commanding Officer of Shemsh Colony in the Par’tha Expanse. Additionally, the crew of the Chin’toka, with a few exceptions, will be reassigned to the USS Valkyrie-A under the command of Captain Isara Aleron while the Chin’toka undergoes refits and upgrades. The Valkyrie is a newly commissioned Achilles refit with several upgrades that you all learn about in the next few days and weeks. I have asked Captain Aleron to join us here to say a few words and to introduce herself. Please join me in welcoming Captain Aleron.
Is’Kah felt something cold in the pit of zhen stomach while Serala spoke. New Captain, New Ship. Glancing out the window, zha assumed that the larger ship next to zhen’s, rather former ship, was the Valkyrie. That ship looked sleek, but from the same era of ships as the Chin’toka. An Achilles-class-refit was nearly two hundred meters longer and had more powerful weapons than the ship designed to kill the Borg.
The real issue that was causing the coldness in Is’Kah’s stomach was that it clearly was a ship of war. A ship of the line. One that stood at the gates, ready to stop any threat from the mountains. The class even had a quantum slipstream drive, leaving the hybrid wondering if that was one of the primary reasons for the change. It would allow the crew to arrive to assist faster, as everything about that ship outperformed the Chin’toka.
Aleron: Thank you, Captain Serala. You have a fine crew and your record is impressive. It is going to be difficult to take over for you, but I will endeavor to do my best. To the crew of the Chin’toka, especially those of you transferring under my command, I want to assure you that while you may have a new CO, I will not ignore your past contributions to this crew. A few changes are coming, but I am going to try and minimize the disruptions because your dynamic as it is makes you the extraordinary crew that you are, as the awards presented here today prove. I will be a Captain worthy of this crew and will continue to foster and grow you all in your careers. I know it’s going to take time to be comfortable with me, but I hope I can earn the same trust and respect that Captain Serala has engendered in each of you.
Is’Kah stood there in full Vulcan mode to control zhen emotions. Anxiety over losing zhen, captain, sadness at losing zhen home, along with curiosity and intrigue at the unknown the new ship presented.
Aleron: The Valkyrie will be assigned to a new sector of space, but you will not be far from the Par’tha Expanse, and we will return there often. I daresay, there will even be opportunities to catch up with Captain Serala from time to time. The Solerian Sector is an area that the Federation hasn’t been to in many years, and there have been a number of changes there. To the extent that we really don’t know what to expect anymore. We have a few rumors and theories, but not much more than that. Our mission is going to be to explore the sector and learn as much as we can about it and to make diplomatic ties if we can. This crew is highly skilled and I know we can accomplish this mission together. I look forward to working with you and until the change of command ceremony, I will make myself available to any of you who may have questions of me, or who just want to try and get to know me better.
Serala: Thank you, Captain Aleron. :: to the crew :: I cannot begin to fathom how each of you must be feeling right now, but I will say that I am going to miss you. And after you transfer, any of you… ANY of you … may contact me at any time for any reason. Even just to say hello. As Captain Aleron said, you’re a fine crew. One of the finest I have ever served with, and I am proud to have been your Captain for the time that I was.
Is’Kah mentally nodded at the learning of their new area of operations. Zha would need to create new patterns - perhaps working with Lyara would be in order.
Serala: Commander T’Ama, you may dismiss the crew as you see fit.
The First Officer stepped up to the podium.
T’Ama: Please help yourselves to the refreshments. Dismissed.
Is’Kah barely had time to look for Xiron appeared.
Xiron: to Is’Kah with wet eyes: Our home?!
Is’Kah: My home is wherever you are, sh’za.
Xiron: Response
Is’Kah: Also, once I give birth, we’ll need family quarters. Maybe the ops officer can provide us with one early so we don’t have to move twice.
Xiron: Response
The hybrid glanced around, noting Dasal standing off to the side all alone, glancing around. Is’Kah wondered if he was trying to work up the courage to talk to someone. He had been here all of a week before being called to join the crew here, only to find out that he had to repack his duffel bag.
Is’Kah: I would like to introduce you to someone.
Zha gestures to Dasal.
Xiron: Response
Taking Ghee’s hand, Is’Kah led her to the new doctor. Smiling at him, Is’Kah speaks in a warm tone. Zha was presenting none of zhen Vulcan mannerisms that Dasal had seen during their discussion.
Is’Kah: Good evening, Doctor Dasal. ::Purses lips:: That sounds way too formal. May I call you Korin when we’re off duty like this?
Dasal: Response
Is’Kah: Thank you, Korin. This is my partner, Ghee’looth Xiron. ::To Xiron:: This is Korin Dasal. He is a newly transferred doctor specializing in genetics.
Dasal/Xiron: Responses
Is’Kah: We’ll have to have you over for dinner soon, with handmade, non-replicated food. We can talk about all that then.
Dasal/Xiron: Responses
Lieutenant Is’Kah Xiron
Chief of Tactical and Security
USS Chin’toka
R240101I14
Pronouns:
She/Her (Player and Character)
Zha/Zhen (Character)