Ensign S'Rorr - Great Things Come in Threes

[S'Rorr]

(( S'Rorr and Shivara's Quarters, USS Chin'toka ))

S'Rorr leaned in and narrowed his eyes in scrutiny at the reflection looking back at him in the mirror. He passed a brush through his hair a few more times and turned his head left and right to inspect the result.

oO Measure twice, cut once. Or spray once. Oo

Finally satisfied, he sprayed his hair with some product that smelled lightly like a fragrant teak wood to lock his hair in place. He was already dressed in a sharp dress uniform, the cuffs of which he tugged at to straighten its sleeves.

S'Rorr: How do I look, Shivara? Presentable? ::Pinning combadge to chest::

Shivara: Response

S'Rorr: You look great, too! Shall we beam over to S.B. 1?

Shivara: Response

The lights in the shared ensign's quarters dimmed automatically as the two Caitian occupants left together. It kicked up the air quality scrubbers to help with fur shed while S'Rorr and Shivara were gone and took the liberty of assigning the room to a maintenance team to have the filters changed, as it could see that its occupants would be away for the remainder of the day. To that end, it lowered the temperature from a balmy 30 to closer to ship standard 20 for the convenience of said team. The job of a ship's computer was hidden and thankless but essential to the safety and quality of life of all onboard. The Chin'toka was a good ship that had taken care of them all.

(( Assembly Bay/Observation Bay, Starbase One ))

S'Rorr stood with Hana Wright to one side and Shivara to the other along with other ensigns, everyone looking so keen in dress uniforms in formation in that grand room. He could hear every echo bouncing around the large chamber, often rare to find in a ship or star base due to the nature of volumes in space. The observation windows were grand with the USS Chin'toka and the USS Valkyrie-A both visible floating in space and Rory understood that the Starbase's seed pods contained even grander vistas overhead of their forests, artificial lakes and streams. There was no way that he was going to leave without visiting them, first.

Ahead of the assembled crew, there were some low tables and Captain Serala stood there with First Officer T'Ama and a new captain that S'Rorr didn't recognize.

Serala: Everything set, Number One?

T’Ama: Yep.

Serala: This will be your first time up here. Nervous?

T’Ama: ::smirking:: Never.

Serala: Well, welcome to the joys of command. It makes all the other parts of it worth it.

T’Ama: I’ll be the judge of that.

Serala: Very well. Let’s get this thing started, shall we?

The lights dimmed in the observation bay but spotlights kept the head of the room there with the COs and tables were well lit. A hush fell over the room and all eyes were on T'Ama as she spoke. The universal translator picked up every word and fed it into S'Rorr's ear in his own native language, one of many from his homeworld Cait, and so there was no need for voice amplification. T'Ama would have hardly needed it anyway, though. Her voice was clear and commanding.

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.

Serala replaced T’Ama at 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?

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.

oO Didn't exactly go according to script.. you could say that again. Oo

It was a relief that the Vulcans had chosen to help clean up the mess that their ancestors had contributed to making. A weight of worry off of Rory's shoulders. If anybody, the Vulcans would be able to help guide the Ah'rakkians to a brighter future and away from their old prejudices.

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.

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.

Ada: Response

The crowd broke into applause for the whole of the crew and Commander Ada as well. It was a good feeling.

Serala: Now, there are some individual awards to present. Commander Sherlock and Counselor S’Rorr to the front please.

S'Rorr had expected something like that and was more prepared for it than he was when he received his first ribbon aboard the USS Astraeus, but he still felt his heart leap up into his throat. 1% prepared was in fact technically more prepared than 0% prepared. He stepped out into one of the two aisles made in the crew's formation and walked forward to meet Commander Sherlock there before the Captain and FO.

Sherlock: Response

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: So is it like a critical mass situation where if you get enough of these they transfer you automatically into the diplomacy department?

If S'Rorr had not felt so nervous he probably would have been better able to suppress a chuckle at that idea. He hid the faux pas badly by clearing his throat and lifting his chin in an extra dignified manner.

Sherlock: Response

T'Ama came forward and S'Rorr reached out to receive the box with the new ribbon in and he nodded respectfully and smiled.

T’Ama: Congratulations, ensign.

S’Rorr: Thank you, Commander.

Serala: Congratulations, you two.

He turned and walked back into formation. To calm himself back down, he discreetly began to tap the ribbon box against a little nerve cluster in his own wrist. The little stimulation held to distract him and let him focus on his breathing and heart rate.

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: Congratulations.

Wright / Brodie: Responses

Serala: Speaking of that rescue operation, Lieutenant Seleya of Khanda, please come to the front.

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.

Seleya: Thank you, Captain. 

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.

S'Rorr knew what ribbons were coming and though the acknowledgement of what they had gone through in ribbon format was a good thing, it felt so bittersweet. Such a ribbon shouldn't need to exist.

Is’Kah / Koyama / Edrei: Responses

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.

Is’Kah / 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.

S'Rorr doubted anybody else could hear T'Ama's next words to her team but Rory, V'Nille, and Shivara's ears were a cut above the rest.

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 / 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.

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.

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.

Edrei / Is’Kah: Responses

S'Rorr could only imagine what it must have been like, the thoughts and fears that would have passed through their minds in that situation, the uncertainty of even surviving the mission. He hoped that each of them would get any help that they needed to help recover from that ordeal and not just for the physical wounds.

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.

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.

T’Ama: Congratulations on surviving the ghost ship, all of you.

Though none of the reports called it a 'ghost ship', that's what the crew had started calling it and that's just how it was! Rory thought the name was more apt than whatever the 'official records' would end up entitling the event.

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.

Ada / Grallator: Responses

Serala: Counselor S’Rorr, please present yourself at the front.

S'Rorr's heart lept again and the wrist tapping trick stopped cutting it. He stepped out again and passed Ghee'looth on his way up, issuing her a silent congratulations as they crossed paths. Commander V'Nille shot him a thumbs up and he returned two and a toothy grin.

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.

Serala: Congratulations, Ensign!

S’Rorr: Thank you, Captain. It's an honor.

Hearing about Commodore Mei'konda made S'Rorr very nearly lose his composure. Nearly. His childhood hero. He'd been too late coming to the Astraeus to work with Mei'konda for more than a brief window and so he could only imagine what Captain Serala might be feeling, she'd worked with him for far longer. He took the new pip and held it close to his chest with the other ribbon box as he moved back to his place in formation, his tail following him low to the floor. The emotion he felt at being promoted was difficult for him to process right away. New rank meant new responsibility, and he was less sure that he was ready for it than Captain Serala seemed to be. He had them all fooled into thinking he was a better officer than he could possibly be.

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.

Rory applauded with the rest but he was still feeling surprised by that news. That would make the third ship for him in a very short amount of time. He was still working through his feelinsg about the crew of the Astraeus being split up as the ship was decommissioned, but if the whole ofhis new crew were being transferred together.. well, a ship was it's crew, after all. Still, losing Captain Serala was another blow. First Mei'konda, then Serala. S'Rorr felt unmoored.

The Valkyrie-A. It was visible outside of the observation windows hovering near the Chin'toka. To Rory, it looked like an arrow shape. It was big. Not as big as the Galaxy Class Astraeus but it was close. He wondered how it's Sickbay was laid out and if it's counselling suites had a small counselling holodeck like the Astraeus had.

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.

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.

Serala: Commander T’Ama, you may dismiss the crew as you see fit.

T’Ama: Please help yourselves to the refreshments. Dismissed.

oO Refreshments? Oo

Lieutenant JG S'Rorr

Counselor

USS Chin'toka

A240206S04