Fleet Captain Oddas Aria: Awards, Promotions, and Public Speaking

[Nicholas St Gabriel]

((The Menden-Hall, Anchorage, Denali Station))

The meaning of the Ice Sculpture aside, Aria decided it was best to get the Awards portion of the festivities out of the way and let the crew get back to talking, laughing, or in her own case eating strongly flavored meat on a stick and drinking something stronger than champagne.

She found the center of the room - there was no easily definable 'head' of the room, so the center would suffice.  Besides, someone, Falt or Dekas she assumed, had set up a small table containing a small PADD with her notes, which she picked up, glanced over, and nodded toward the XO.

She wasn't sure if Tomas actually made the lights dim and the loud drumming music quiet, but that's what happened.  

A cursory glance done, she placed the PADD back on the short table along with her drink, wistful for a moment as this was the moment she had to consider what to do with her hands.

Oddas: ::raising her artificial limb, and her voice slightly:: Thank you everyone for coming.

Any: Response

Oddas: I know it has been a hectic time since we've been back on the Station, and I hope you have all been enjoying yourselves - I promise, despite my love of long speeches and ceremonies, I will keep this short.  ::she allowed herself a grin at the obvious absurdity of her liking to give speeches::I want to get back to the food as well.

Any: Response

Oddas: First and foremost, the Entire Crew who participated in the previous mission has been awarded the Scientific Discovery and the Explorer's Ribbons, first congratulations to you all and second, personally, thank you.  Thank you for helping me return such a priceless artifact to my homeland. It was a mission which required sacrifice and bravery and courage and so, again, thank you, as a Starfleet Officer, as your Captain, and as a Bajoran who never thought she would be able to be near such an important artifact.

Aria nodded and applauded her crew - she meant it. While no one looked at Aria as any sort of religious fanatic, she made no secret with anyone, herself included, as to the part her religion had played in her life.  She had run from her parents, looking, had randomly gone to a temple, had met Alea, Alea's parents, had found a direction - somewhat ironically in hard sciences, but it was only ironic to outsiders.

Any: Response

When the applause died down she moved on.

Oddas: There were three distinct groups who participated in the mission, making it a success, and each made me extremely proud.  The team aboard the Eagle, commanded by our intrepid XO, ensured we all got home - including yours truly, and fended off some rather unwelcome visitors in the process.  To that end - those who remained onboard the Eagle have been awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon.

Any/Falt: Response

Oddas: Of course, there was a group who boarded the other ship, bringing back valuable information needed for the completion of the mission.  They put themselves in harms' way, and did it without unnecessary risk, without betraying the values and truths we hold dear. Those who boarded the other vessel are receiving a Captain's Commendation.  Good work!

Any: Response

Oddas:  The last of these teams was the Away Team on the ground, almost getting lost on through time.  They managed to make contact with the native population, learn about them, and accomplish the mission at hand.  Without their quick thinking, and attention to detail, we may not have learned what we could have about the inhabitants of Osalu III.  Because of their work, they are being awarded the First Contact Ribbon.

Any: Response

Oddas: Of course, there were officers who showed distinguished service all on their own.  On the surface, the Away Team found themselves in the middle of a plague, a sickness sweeping through a village.  After reading through the reports of the people on the ground, the Intelligence Officer in particular, it became apparent Ensign Raimor took great pains to save the lives of the people on that planet and as such he is awarded the Medical Service Ribbon.  Good work, and congratulations!

She nodded toward the man, after making eye contact, joined in with some applause.

Any/Raimor: Response

Oddas: Also, when it became apparent some extra - out of the box - thinking was needed to retrieve our personnel from the other ship, Mister Forsyth did not hesitate to come up with a unique solution.  I commend her and I hereby, with great pleasure, award her the Innovation Ribbon.  Excellent work, and thank you for helping bring everyone home.

Forsyth/Any: Response

Oddas: If I could have Mister Fairhug, and Mister Raimor approach?

She nodded toward a spot not too far from where she was standing.  

Oddas: It is no secret that earning purple hearts is against my standing orders.  That said, I do recognize it is sometimes part of our business, our dedication, to put ourselves on the line to complete the mission, to save our colleagues, to make the discovery - to come home.  While I do not approve, I do thank you, and present you both - Mister Fairhug, and Mister Raimor, with a Purple Heart - hopefully your last.

She presented each with a small box, which she had pulled from her pocket, placed there before the beginning of the ceremony, each containing the Purple Heart.  She shook their hand and squeezed each of their shoulders.

Fairhug/Raimor/Others: Response


Oddas: Both, before you go? ::beat:: Mister Fairhug, as I'm sure you all know, has accepted his transfer to Operations and will be taking his old post there as XO.  Mister Fairhug, it has been an honor and a privilege to watch you grow from the clumsy Ensign to a formidable Lt. Commander.  Good work, and good luck.

Aria led the crowd in a prolonged applause for the transferring officer, thankful he had returned under her command if for but a short period.

Fairhug/Any: Response

Oddas: Next, Mister Raimor your colleagues have been talking about you.  They have noticed your attention to detail, the care you take in your work, and the diligence you attend to everything you do.  To that end, they have recommended you for promotion, and I have to agree. Let the record reflect that on this stardate Ensign Sasus Raimor was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade Raimor, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities accorded to them.


Aria handed over the last box she had in her coat pocket, containing a single hollow pip.  As she did so she shook the newly minted Lieutenant's hand and gave him a proud smile.

Raimor: Response

Oddas: Good work, Lieutenant.

Oddas: Speaking of promotions, it's not a promotion per se, but effective immediately our newly arrived Mission Specialist will be our Second Officer, so if you cannot find Commander Falt, find Commander DeVeau.  Also, at the recommendation of Commander Falt, Mister Kettick, is our new Assistant Chief of Engineering, specifically tasked with the care of our city and its infrastructure.

.

She paused and nodded toward each.

Oddas: Congratulations everyone, thank you very much for your continued hard work and dedication as we continue to make Denali Station one of the premier postings in Starfleet, and a beacon to all of those needing a home.  Thank you for keeping my faith in you true, and for your continuing trust and dedication in the mission.  ::pause::  I know you have all seen the gathering crowds out in the streets, the increased numbers of visitors, and seen the promise of even more.  I am confident those visitors are going to find a welcoming crew, a professional crew, and we are all going to rise to meet the challenge of a rising profile with the same aplomb we always have.  Thank you again, and let's eat before everything gets cold.

The Bajoran let another short round of applause before looking for her drink and where she could go to get a refill, to cover her nerves.

TAG, TBC

Fleet Captain Oddas Aria

Commanding Officer

Denali Station

E239305OA0

Sense is never common. -Robert Heinlein

Wiki: https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php/Oddas_Aria