Lt. Commander V'Nille - Awards and Surprises Both
Renée Chalfant
(( Assembly Bay/Observation Bay, Starbase One ))
(( Overlooking both the USS Chin’toka and the USS Valkyrie-A ))
V’Nille stood slightly to the side of the main group, looking thoughtfully out the window at the two ships close to each other. Her role on the ship allowed her to know about the USS Vakyrie-A’s assignment to the Solerien Sector, but with the crew officially on shore leave, the Caitian officer hadn’t bothered to look more into it. She didn’t miss that there was another woman standing with Captain Serala in the space behind the podium, so now she was wondering if there was something else she should know by now.
Once T’Ama walked up to the podium and signaled for the lights to dim, she found her spot in the lineup once more and waited for the speaking to begin.
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.
And thus, with the initial greeting and introduction out of the way, T’Ama yielded to Serala.
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 looked down momentarily, presumably to seek 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.
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 ceremoniously accepted the awards.
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
V’Nille clapped with the rest, wondering exactly how a species could deage another.
Serala: Now, there are some individual awards to present. Commander Sherlock and Counselor S’Rorr to the front please.
Sherlock / S’Rorr: 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.
V’Nille glanced at Sherlock.The personnel changes were a bit confusing to her, but maybe Starfleet saw something in Sherlock that she had yet to see.
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?
V’Nille’s ear twitched slightly at overhearing T’Ama’s seemingly flippant question.
Sherlock: response
The smirk faded to a friendlier smile as she turned to S’Rorr and pinned his ribbon on.
T’Ama: Congratulations, ensign.
S’Rorr: Responses
Serala: Congratulations, you two.
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.
It seemed Serala wanted to give this award herself, seeing as how she didn’t give it to T’Ama to pass along.
Seleya: Response
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.
Oh, that would do it. If it was leading into a moment when the First Officer herself was getting an award, it made sense to step up and start giving them out a bit ahead of time.
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.
After T’Ama stepped forward to start pinning the awards, V’Nille could just about hear her speak to them, mostly due to her position and keen hearing.
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
T’Ama finished the pinning with a step back and a Vulcan salute.
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.
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 / Seleya / Is’Kah: 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.
V’Nille glanced at the others as she stepped forward to stand in front of T’Ama. She was glad her team was getting some recognition. That derelict ship had been something else.
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.
V’Nille: Thank you. Don’t worry. Next time we find a ghost ship, it’s all yours.
Ada / Xiron / Grallator: Responses
She let out a short chuckle as she turned back to take her spot.
Serala: Counselor S’Rorr, please present yourself at the front.
V’Nille gave S’Rorr a thumbs up as he walked back up to the front.
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 stepped forward and pinned the new half pip on his collar.
Serala: Congratulations, Ensign!
S’Rorr: Response
V’Nille tilted her head in confusion, both ears firmly directed at Serala as she processed what Serala just said. She inspected her body quickly, confirming that she was indeed still a Caitian. Apparently, the good captain didn’t see her as one. She was torn between mild amusement and slightly-less-mild confusion.
oO I guess she wanted specifically a male Caitian like Mei’konda? Oo
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.
V’Nille’s focus was firmly on the two Captains but her vision was panoramic enough to note T’Ama’s shift from a smile to a more neutral expression. Did she have some misgivings or was she as surprised as the rest of them? Not that it mattered too much in the end. They were all finding out now, V’Nille included.
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.
oO Well, this should be interesting. Oo
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.
“Rumors and theories” was about right for what V’Nille had been able to gather about the sector of space and she wasn’t surprised that Starfleet in general didn’t know much more than that. In a way, it soothed the Caitian’s worry that she was missing something. It was almost everything that was missing, after all.
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.
She stepped up to the podium, face neutral.
T’Ama: Please help yourselves to the refreshments. Dismissed.
V’Nille stood up. She knew immediately who she wanted to talk to now.
Any: Responses