Cpt Ben Livingston, "Something to Celebrate" (Tag ALL)

[Will Maurer]

((Park, Holodeck 258, Starbase 118))

Livingston: Your attention, please!

::As everyone crowded around the picnic tables and grill dishing out the food, then subsequently broke into smaller groups to enjoy it, Ben called them all together one last time before they could all explore the holodeck’s expansive surroundings. They all had to eat first, anyhow, and Ben saw this as a golden opportunity. He’d quietly gathered together a few small wooden boxes, then stepped up onto one of the nearby tree stumps that seemed to double as a seat or small table.::

Livingston: Forgive me for interrupting as you eat, but if there is one thing I cannot be patient for, it’s this. A few days ago, we returned from what turned out to be one of our most difficult missions yet. It was, as you know, only a small piece of a large fleet response to the Prometheus Incident. Small though it may be compared to that overall operation, ours was a large task for any individual ship. Command recognizes this. So that brings us to this point. Would the following officers please come forward: Commander Karynn Brice, Lieutenant Dorian Grand, Lieutenant MacLaren, and Commander Brek.

::He stepped down from his stump as they approached; he wanted to greet them on solid ground and an even footing.::

Livingston: These officers participated in an away mission to the station and, in their endeavours, encountered considerable resistance against their goals. The encounters might have turned quite hostile and may have, in the end, led to the destruction of the outpost and perhaps our ship. With cool heads, they maintained a diplomatic front that prevented unnecessary destruction. For that reason, you are awarded the Diplomacy ribbon. ::In turn, he handed each of them their well-earned award.:: Additionally, Starfleet has authorized the award of the Prometheus ribbon, for your service to Starfleet in this crisis. Thank you.

K. Brice/Grand/MacLaren/Brek: response

::The four made their way back to their seats, but Ben stopped Johanna with a gentle touch on the shoulder.::

Livingston: One more thing. In recognition of her outstanding abilities, proven time and time again -- including, I understand, one more recent success in the past days -- I am very pleased to announce that Lieutenant Johanna MacLaren will be our new Chief Medical Officer. Congratulations, Johanna.

MacLaren: response

::With a smile, he watched her return to the audience. He thought he caught a glimpse of a beaming brother awaiting her return, and that gave him one more boost. He carefully removed another set of ribbons from the box, examined them, then spoke once more.::

Livingston: Would Ensigns Tatash, Whittaker, Tyvak, and Oori please join me. ::He waited as they did so.:: In your roles aboard Columbia during this mission, you each contributed to our success, as well. In some cases, this meant being put into situations you weren’t used to, or had not trained for. Yet, you put your best effort into your assignments, and it resulted in the success of our mission. I am pleased to award you the Prometheus ribbon for your steadfast work aboard Columbia.

Tatash / Whittaker / Tyvak / Oori: response

::He handed each the ribbon, shaking each one’s hand in turn.::

Livingston: Ensigns Tatash and Whittaker, please remain for a moment. You each were crucially involved in the … well, I’ll call it the communication we had with the entity known as Providence. And Providence turned out to be not only an unexpected type of lifeform, but one which is fairly unique; Starfleet hasn’t dealt with anything quite like her before. Therefore, I present each of you with the First Contact ribbon. It is well earned; congratulations. 

Tatash / Whittaker: response

::He handed each of them the ribbon, again shaking their hands. Again, he reached into the small wooden box he carried.::

Livingston: I should say “congratulations, Lieutenants.” ::With a wry smile, he revealed a pair of black pips, outlined in gold. For each in turn, he reached for their collar and pinned on the small device. You both have my full confidence as our newest Lieutenants, Junior grade. 

Tatash / Whittaker: response

::Now, he allowed them to take their seats, and he set aside the empty box, picking up another.::

Livingston: Ensign Beyett, please approach, along with Commander Silveira. ::When they arrived, he continued.:: You, too, were instrumental in the action we saw on this mission. In particular, the execution of your responsibilities as Tactical Officers saved our skins in a very literal way -- something for which I am very grateful. You are both hereby awarded the Prometheus ribbon for your service in this crisis. You have also earned the Good Conduct Ribbon, in recognition of the determination in action and your commitment to the success of this mission -- and the protection of your crew. Well done, Vitor and Diego!

Beyett / Silveira: response

::Finally, Ben saw that they had reached the end of the announcements he had, save one. Looking across the sea of faces, he picked out the one he needed. This man had not been on the mission with them, but he was an important part of the crew nonetheless. He would become even more important over the coming days. Ben stepped toward him with an arm out and called him forward.::

Livingston: One final thing. Would Commander Ethan Brice come forward, please. ::He accentuated the first name for the benefit of those officers who had not yet worked with the man.:: I am very pleased to welcome back to USS Columbia -- after service elsewhere that has gone on for far too long -- Lieutenant Commander Ethan Brice. Commander Brice is rejoining us as our Chief Engineering Officer.

E. Brice: response

Livingston: ::smiling:: Welcome back, Ethan. Well, with that, I’ve finished. Thank you all very much for joining us at this barbecue, enjoy the food , and be glad Tatash took over at the grill! Enjoy the holodeck program, and if you do grow tired of trees and fresh air, Ambassador MacLaren has offered access to the base’s diplomatic recreation and fitness areas. I’ll see you all back aboard Columbia -- but not too soon.

::With a smile he made his way back into the crowd. There was a burger with his name on it that sat waiting for him, and now there was even more to celebrate.::

-----

Captain Ben Livingston

Commanding Officer

USS Columbia NCC-85279