Cmdr. Alora DeVeau - "Congratulations"
Amanda Nordstrom
Ooc: although I have not put any specific “Any: Response” tags, anyone is welcome to join the scene and insert your character.
((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna, Denali Station))
The awards ceremony was about to begin - Tomas had even excused himself from his place at the bar and started walking toward the center. Those who had participated in the most recent mission would receive recognition for their efforts. How odd that something so standard and simple had turned into something far more complicated.
DeVeau: It would be nice to have one mission go as planned, wouldn’t it?
She smiled a little ruefully. Alora had experienced a few, but only a few, and they were rather far between as well. But that was part of living in a strange galaxy filled with people and phenomena. As much as they tried to plan, things just happened, and part of their training was how to deal with the unexpected.
Williams: Well if everything goes as planned, there wouldn’t be much fun or excitement. You have to live a little. If you ask me.
Drex: Are you telling me that we had plans? I grew up believing that only bad guys had plans.
Alora chuckled softly as Williams let out a laugh. Drex did have a point - and maybe it was time the good guys started making plans too.
Williams: I think the bad guys often wish they had thought things through a bit more.
Drex: Oh well, you surely know better than me. :: He smiled ::
DeVeau: I’ve had enough of bad guys. Honestly, I’m glad for the down time.
And who knows, maybe the next mission would be simple and without any antagonists.
As Tomas approached a pedestal that had been brought to indicate where he should stand, the lights dimmed and brightened several times, then when they went low the last time, a spotlight trained down upon the man of the hour.
Drex: New special effects :: He commented amusedly ::
Williams: An old Earth trick, to let everyone know its time to get to your seats. Should we asl well? I am new to the setting at a starbase.
DeVeau: Sit or stand, either’s fine.
With that, Tomas stepped up to the pedestal and the general murmur of the crowd lowered. She and her companions also went silent, and she watched as the first officer paused, inhaling and exhaling three times in succession. She knew the purpose of that, and had done the same on numerous occasions. Finally steeling himself, Tomas spoke.
Falt: Good evening everyone.
Some people evidently didn’t get the message, and Tomas paused and waited, not the sort to put up with people talking while he was presenting.
Any: Response
Falt: Thank you everyone, and again good evening. As many of you might have guessed I am to be your host for this evening in light of the recent changes. I will take some time at the end to talk about them, but before that I'd like to take some time to celebrate you all, and everything you achieved on our last mission. It was a challenging mission, and particularly noteworthy since we were coming to the aid of a group that not too long ago would have been our enemies. Further proof that change is our constant companion out here amongst the stars.
It was only then Alora noticed that Tomas had taken a PADD with him, one that he now turned to glance down as he spoke.
Falt: It was not lost on me that each and everyone one of you worked tirelessly to help this small group of Jem'Hadar, sometimes despite personnel risk. This stands in contrast to the hostility displayed by representatives from other groups, and is behaviour both myself and the prime felt worthy of recognition. To that end the entire crew is awarded then Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon, as well as the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. You all acted in the finest traditions of Starfleet and the Federation and did yourselves proud.
With that, people began to applaud and Alora set down her drink to join in. Glancing over at the two men who remained with her, she remained silent, picking up her glass and taking another drink as the clapping died down.
Any: Response
Falt: I'd add that despite everyone's efforts it wasn't always easy to keep all the residual feelings in check. Diplomacy was required on a couple of occasions, and when it was Lieutenant Commander Williams and Lieutenant Vahin produced it in spades. To that end both officers are awarded the Diplomacy Ribbon.
Once more, clapping erupted, and Alora joined in - though only after she set down her glass again. Passing a smile to Williams, she sought out Araxxu, but the Bolian must have been behind some people because she couldn't see him.
Williams / Vahin / Any: Response.
Falt: Now whilst the rest of us were dealing with cranky Cardassian’s and mysterious goings on one team headed off to check on the colony's generators, a seemingly mundane task that proved to be anything but. Finding themselves trapped underground in a maze of shifting walls the team had to adapt quickly to find a solution to escape. For the innovative use of a tricorder to provide the needed pulse for the hidden door mechanism Ensign Tanner is awarded the Innovation Ribbon.
Tanner had been a newer arrival and she caught his eye and inclined her head politely to the man even as she clapped in appreciation for his cunning.
Tanner / Any: Response.
Falt: Of course, he wasn't alone. For his considerable contributions to the team’s ultimate escape Commodore Oddas saw fit to award Lieutenant Drex her final ever Captain's Commendation. Well done.
Of course, Alora knew what a fantastic officer Drex was, even if the man doubted himself. She couldn’t help but be a bit biased and clapped a little extra hard for her science officer. The man had only proven himself time and time again.
Drex / Any: Response.
Falt: I also can't finish discussing this team without talking about one other individual. Despite the situation they led with a calm confidence that kept the officers with them performing at their best. It will not come as a surprise to anyone here that Lieutenant Commander Kettick is therefore awarded the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Congratulations.
That didn’t surprise Alora one bit. From the moment she had met the Remmillian, he had always exuded what Tomas had just described - calm confidence. Yes, it was very appropriate for the Engineer.
Kettick / Any: Response.
Falt: Finally, in recognition of many months of outstanding service as Denali’s Chief Science Officer Commander DeVeau is awarded the Department Chief Ribbon. Thank you, Commander.
DeVeau: Thank you, sir.
Alora didn’t clap for that - she didn’t need any accolades. At first, when she had initially graduated from the Academy and gotten the awards, it had felt odd. Now it was simply how things were, and she took them as they were given.
Any: Response.
Falt: Before I conclude this presentation I do have a couple of items I’d like to address with you all. ::he paused to adopt his poker face before continuing:: Firstly, I’ve received reports about the behaviour of a particular officer that I feel need to be addressed publicly. Ensign Tanner, front and centre!
Arching an eyebrow, Alora’s verdant gaze followed the man as he made his way up front and center, the light now encompassing both him and the first officer.
Falt: I’ll have you at attention please, Ensign.
Reaching for something, he plucked a small object from the pedestal and circled his hand around it so that it was hidden from view. Immediately, Alora knew what he was doing, and an amused smile spread over her face.
Falt: Mister Tanner, myself and the senior staff have all received information about your work ethic, attention to detail and overall attitude, information that is unbecoming of an Ensign in Starfleet. Indeed, even now I find you improperly dressed. Ensign Tanner, I am afraid I am left with no choice but to promote you to Lieutenant JG, with all the rights and privileges associated with the rank.
As she had suspected, Tomas opened his hand, and on the poem set a hollow pip. Reaching for Tanner's color, he attached the pip, then stepped back to offer his hand and a handshake.
Falt: Congratulations, Lieutenant.
Tanner / Any: Response
Falt: At the start of this ceremony, I said I’d take some time to talk about the recent changes. As you all know Commodore Oddas has retired from Starfleet, leaving us temporarily without a CO. I know the fleet has already taken steps to address this, and when our new CO arrives I know I can trust each and every one of you to perform your duties with the same outstanding levels of professionalism and skill as you did under Commodore Oddas. If any of you have any questions my door is always open. I may not have all the answers but I’ll do my best, and whatever the future might bring I want you all to know that serving as your XO has been the privilege of my career.
The man paused, and Alora could see him struggling with his emotions. It didn't take long, for he pushed through to speak again.
Falt: Now, if you’ll all direct your attention to the viewscreen near the bar, thank you.
As Alora turned in the direction that Tomas pointed to, sort of in her direction, but beyond and to the side. Nodding at Tomas and a second later, Oddas’ face appeared on the view screen.
Oddas: By now the news of my retirement and move to Bajor will have spread and will be official - and I wanted to take a few moments to address you, safely distant from the possibility of a party and other social obligations.
A few smiles appeared, but inwardly, Alora was disappointed that the commodore had not attended in person.
Oddas: In the coming days, weeks, and beyond know that this decision was not made in haste, and was not an easy one. While there was no single reason it was made, it was also not made because of anyone stationed at Denali - indeed you are all, in many real respects, my family. You provide me with a sense of pride, reinforcing the best senses in myself of who I am, what it means to be a good person, a good Officer, and a good Bajoran. I leave you in good hands - and I leave the city in your good hands. I trust in each one of you to do your best, and to do your duties in an exemplary manner - you are going to do me proud. If you are ever on Bajor, first round is on me.
From where he stood, Tomas began to clap and most in the area joined him. Introvert that she was, Commodore Oddas' Aria had made an impact on many lives, including her own. Officially, the award ceremony was over and everyone returned toward the more social aspect of the event. Alora eyed Tersus a minute, then turned her attention back to the two who had remained nearby.
DeVeau: Congratulations both of you. Well deserved.
Drex/Williams: response
DeVeau: I know getting stuck in tight spaces isn't your idea of fun, but you have held yourself well.
And now the poor man had been stuck at least twice in an enclosed space. Fortunately, he hadn't remained there forever and she had her officer back.
Drex/Williams: response
DeVeau: Williams, I understand you arrived rather recently. Where did you serve before here?
Of course she could have certainly taken a look at his public profile, and likely would still but it was a conversation opener, and it also opened doors that would allow others to get to know the man better.
Drex/Williams: response
-- Commander Alora DeVeau Chief Science Officer & Second Officer Denali Station & Matriarch of the 15th House Betazed M239008AD0