Lt.Cmdr John Valdivia: A(wk)wards

[Eric Lopez]

((Briefing Room, USS Darwin-A))

:: Valdivia had almost been late. When he arrived most seats were already full. But not all of them, since when he sat down the seat next to him was still empty. Looking around, it was the only one. No more than a few seconds later, Lieutenant Commander Rhyn sat next to him. And that seemed to be everyone, as the Captain started. ::

Valdivia: oO Wait, is the captain...? Oo

:: What nir body suggested was rather clear, but could it be? ::

Renos: Good morning everyone. As you can see we’ve a big gathering today with some new faces and some returning ones. We will all be working together as we move forward into new territory though it may be more loosely than before, in some cases. You’ll see why as I continue but first of all I’d like to take a moment to talk about our last mission and make a few announcements.  Ensigns Lambert and Sindrana, please set forward.  You’ve both been working with the Darwin for some time now and you’ve both excellent in your particular fields. Shining examples of what up and coming young officers should be like and for that I am hereby proudly promoting you both to Lieutenant JG. Congratulations. Wear your new pip with pride.

:: The start of the meeting made him forget the gossip on his mind. He joined the round of congratulations. He had had little interaction with Sindrana, but he was glad for Lambert. The man had been working in the science department for months, and he was glad to see him advancing. ::

Varaan: Congratulations, lieutenants. May logic guide you.

Sindrana: Thank you  . . . and you as well.

Lambert: Merci à vous! ::leaning his head down::

:: He smiled hearing the man being grateful in French. Valdivia did not speak French, although he could identify it. Did Lambert? How many languages did he speak? ::

Renos: Icavoc and Emery, please join me.

:: Valdivia nodded at the woman at his side as she walked towards Renos and Varaan. Her and NIcu Icavoc, Valdivia suspected, were about to be promoted, too. ::

Varaan: Congratulations, commanders. Starfleet, and our crew, will certainly benefit from this.

Icavoc: I am thankful for the praise.

Rhyn: Thank you, captain. Commander.

:: Valdivia had lead a team with Nicu Icavoc during the last mission, and he very much owed the Dokkaran his life. Not only him, but still, he was happy for him. Even while he knew Nicu Icavoc did not much appreciate the rank and it's meaning, he was still glad for him, and hoped he would appreciate the recognition. ::

Renos: Mister R’Ven, please join me at the front.  You have endured difficulties no other officer has had to face, with dignity and grace.  You have been loyal, and robust even in the face of distrust. You have been unwavering and applied your intellect to often substantial problems and established yourself as a dependable leader and consequently I am honoured to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander! Congratulations!

:: Valdivia smiled as the Rodulan walked towards Renos. It was a good day for the science department. R'Ven had caught him, rankwise, and Valdivia was glad for that, he had more than earned the promotion. Even though he had been going through some difficulties since their encounter with the borg nanites, he had managed to excel as a science officer. Valdivia sincerely hoped R'Ven would have an opportunity as CSO. He didn't want to leave the post on the Darwin himself, however, but he hoped other opportunities would arise. ::

R’Ven: Thank you Captain.

Varaan: Congratulations, commander. The promotion is well deserved.

:: Just then, Valdivia noticed the order had not been the regular one. R'Ven should have been promoted before the higher-ranking Emery and Nicu Icavoc. But he had no way to know the reason for the change. It made him doubt, however. Usually, he would know what came next. But this time, he was not sure. Usually, he could predict that next, awards and ribbons would come. ::

Renos: The last mission should have been as simple as repairing some communications relays but unfortunately we soon found ourselves lured into a trap. Several of our crew were kidnapped and others injured in the line of duty. That’s why the prisoner of war ribbon has been awarded to Thomas, Shayne and Brell, while the purple heart has been awarded to Brell, Valdivia and… myself. You have not suffered for naught, your sacrifice helped us put a stop to Consortium criminals who have been terrorising Federation worlds and this region for some time.

Valdivia: oO WHAT? Oo

:: Valdivia froze in place for several seconds, as the other award recipients started to walk towards the front, it was only after several faces turned towards him that he slowly stood, and walked towards the front. He felt... shame. Awkwardness. ::

Valdivia: oO The Purple Heart? For a scratch that has already healed? Oo

:: It had hurt, badly. He had been shot during the away mission to rescue Brell, Shayne and Thomas. A disruptor blast had hit his arm, leaving an ugly black mark. He had been hurt and struggled during the whole mission. But still... Renos had been hurt fighting their opposing captain. Brell had been tortured, and he had openly said the team had been too late. He was receiving the award from Varaan, who was still recovering from his injury, if you could call it fully recover. Nicu Icavoc was also around, who had lost an arm. ::

Varaan: To all the recipients, your dedication and valour are more than appreciated. The word "congratulations" does not seem appropriate, so I will simply say, Thank You.

Renos: Thank you Commander.

Thomas: response

Shayne: Thank you, sir.

Brell: Thank you, ner.

Valdivia: Uh... yes... thanks.

:: A part of him knew that none of the recipients of the same award would really think on the lines he had been thinking. He knew all of them, some more and some less, but he knew them well enough to know they would not think he did not deserve it. But he still felt bad about it. Silently, slowly, he returned to his seat. ::

Renos: The boarding party sent to the Vanquish risked their lives to save rescue our captured officers. We are all deeply appreciative of the risks they took to bring our people home safe, so I’m proud to present Icavoc, Logan and Valdivia with Gold lifesaving Ribbons. For going above and beyond the call of duty to save injured Talaxians Shayne is awarded a Lifesaving Ribbon.

:: At least this one he had earned. Although Brell had said they were late, and his own injury had slowed the whole team effort. With a sigh, he approached the front again. ::

Varaan: Congratulations, all.

Icavoc: Delighted to be of service. I am just relieved that we were successful.

Logan: Thank you Captain, Commander ::softly, nodding to each::

Valdivia: Thank you.
 
Shayne: ::clearing his throat:: Thank you, sir.

:: While he had been glad for the promotions, the awards felt bittersweet. But he accepted it. One box was left. 

Rhyn: ::whispering:: What do you think is in the last box?

:: He smiled at the now Commander. He approached to whisper back. ::

Valdivia: Probably the Captain. Ne always has trouble awarding nemself. 

Varaan: Fleet Captain Renos, for your marked heroism in your confrontation with the criminal Tor'kath, and leading your crew to the successful rescue of the Talaxians, and overcoming the Vanquish, Starfleet has awarded you the Distinguished Service Ribbon. Congratulations.

:: Valdivianodded at the Trill Commander with a smile, noticing he had been right. ::

Varaan: Fleet Captain Renos, for your marked heroism in your confrontation with the criminal Tor'kath, and leading your crew to the successful rescue of the Talaxians, and overcoming the Vanquish, Starfleet has awarded you the Distinguished Service Ribbon. Congratulations.

Renos: Thank you.

:: There was a moment of silence. Everyone knew something was coming. No one knew what, exactly, but something was coming. A lot of faces turned towards the Captain, expectating. ::

TBC/TAG

Lt.Cmdr John Valdivia - Chief Science Officer - USS Darwin NCC-99312-A

PotW facilitator

D238701JV0