Lieutenant Leenaya Edrei - Too much
Leenaya Edrei
(( Assembly Bay/Observation Bay, Starbase ))
(( Overlooking both the USS Chin’toka and the USS Valkyrie-A ))
Lee was less than excited about this awards ceremony - she just wanted to put this whole mission way behind her and forget about all of it. So she awkwardly stood at the back of the crowd, secretly hoping that people would somehow forget about her existence.
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.
Lee wasn't so sure about her "outstanding work" unless it meant getting hurt and throw up on an enemy, but she'd roll with it. She focused her attention on Serala who 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?
She looked down at her PADD.
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.
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.
She accepted the awards and Serala turned back to the crew.
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!
Lee joined in on the clapping.
Serala: Now, there are some individual awards to present. Commander Sherlock and Counselor S’Rorr to the front please.
They both stepped forward.
Sherlock: Responses
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?
Lee refrained a laugh. She never thought she'd see a day where Aine would become a diplomacy officer - but she thought it actually suited her.
Sherlock: Responses
T’Ama: Congratulations, ensign.
S’Rorr: Thank you, commander.
Serala: Congratulations, you two.
She then called the next officers.
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.
She watched as Seleya walked to 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.
She cheered as Serala pinned the ribbon on the Lieutenant.
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.
She really, really wasn't looking forward to this. She relished the thought of escaping out the back but instead came forward.
Koyama: 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.
Lee simply nodded at Serala's words. She wanted to be anywhere but here.
Koyama: 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.
T'Ama approached 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.
Edrei: ::quietly:: I... Thank you. To you three.
She didn't have much memories of what happened, but she was aware of how lucky she'd been the others had been there. She wasn't able to properly convey her gratitude through words yet, but that time would come.
Koyama: 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.
Lee didn't think she had been that ill-at-ease before. She was doing everything to forget about what happened and here they were now reminding the whole crew.
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.
Her heart broke a little again at T'Ama's apology.
Is’Kah: ::mumbles:: I’m glad to pass that title off.
Edrei: ::to T'Ama, quietly:: Stop apologizing. It's never been your fault.
Seleya: Responses
She was finally able to go back to her seat and didn't have to be asked twice.
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.
Said officers approached the podium.
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.
They went back to their spot.
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.
She saw Serala pin the half pip on the Caitian's collar.
Serala: Congratulations, Ensign!
S’Rorr: Thank you, Captain. It's an honor.
Lee cheered with the others. She was really happy for S'Rorr - he was an outstanding medical officer and counselor, and she was lucky to work with him.
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.
Lee paused, thinking she'd heard it wrong.
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.
Definitely not expecting any of that, Lee blinked in shock. The Chin'toka was her home, and she had trouble imagining herself leaving it. For the Four's sake, she just barely finished decorating her new quarters and she had to move everything?
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.
Lee took a deep breath and nodded. That awards ceremony had been way too much for her, and she just wanted time alone to think. She eyed the exit and discreetly escaping her crewmates, she fled the observation bay in hopes of finding a quiet spot somewhere else.
[End scene for Edrei]