LtCmdr Azura Ada - change begets change

[Azura Ada]

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

(( Overlooking both the USS Chin’toka and the USS Valkyrie-A ))

Azura stood in the middle of the crowd, trying to be a part of the team. Typically she hung out in the back, but this time she wanted to try to be a bit more personable and part of the crew.

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

Azura smiled.  Her 3rd First Contact ribbon, and her 2nd Explorers ribbon. This was the good stuff - the core of the Starfleet experience. It never went smoothly, but it was why they were out here. 

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.

Ada: Oh!

She didn't manage to say anything more thoughtful, but joined in on the clapping and cheering.

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

S'Rorr stepped forward.

Sherlock: 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: Thank you, commander.

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. 

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.

Azura mouth pulled taught in apprehension.

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.

Azura couldn't make out what they were saying to each other, but she could see from their expressions that it was condolences.

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.

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.

Azura nodded solemnly, thinking about the injuries she and her comrades have sustained over the years.

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

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.

Azura approached the podium with her crewmates.

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: ::stifling a giggle over Grallator's response:: Thank you, Commander. I'm grateful for the data we were able to collect.

And with that, all the called-upon officers filed back to the crowd.

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

Azura cheered with the rest of the crowd.

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.

Azura made no attempt to mask her shock. She'd just arrived, and now another change? And another ship? An Achilles, no less. A war ship. It felt like she was getting further and further from being an explorer.

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.

A canned speech, but a good one. 

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.

The First Officer stepped up to the podium.

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

Azura nodded, and did just that. A refreshments table hates to see her coming.

Azura grabbed bits and sips for snacking, and tried to take a temp read of the crew - lots of anxiety and concern. It was a big change, no doubt. Azura didn't really know Serala, having only spoken to the woman once right before she chewed out an Ensign. She seemed harsh, but Azura hadn't formed any opinions about her yet. Another change just meant that she'd have to restart making a new place her home, but it wasn't the worst thing. Maybe being amidst everyone getting settled in she'd feel less like she stuck out. It could be nice. 

(( OOC: feel free to tag Azura in if you'd like to catch her at the soiree! ))

-- 
Lt Commander Azura Ada
Specialist Science Officer
USS Chin'toka
IDIC team member
ASDB team member
C239510LD0
(she/her, character)
(she/her, writer)
 
 
“For the wise person looks into space and knows there are no limited dimensions." --Zhuangzi