Cmdr. Alora DeVeau - "To the Accolades, and Beyond!"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna, Denali Station ))
The time had come! And it wasn’t a walrus who said it, thankfully it was someone real and far more likable than the character from an ancient Earth book. Commodore Oddas had conversed with Alora and the others with her, but eventually, she extracted herself. While the woman wasn’t necessarily the most extroverted of people, it wasn’t for any reason other than the fact they had some goals for the evening and she had to get things started in earnest. With that, she stepped away and addressed the room. Even if she preferred small groups, she had a commanding presence and confidence as she took ‘center stage’.
Oddas: Good evening everyone.
Those closest to her stopped talking immediately, and eventually the silence spread until everyone’s eyes fell upon the Bajoran officer.
Any: Response
Oddas: Thank you everyone, and again good evening. It is always a great pleasure to gather everyone together and celebrate our accomplishments, our past adventures, and each other. It is time for us to look around at each other and realize we do not stand alone in fighting for what is right, in our convictions, in our ideals, our morals. We know we have the full force of our Starfleet family right around us.
Any: Response
Among the gathered, a small murmuring of agreement rose, and some spoke up, but it died fairly quickly as it was obvious she had more to say. Taking a PADD, Alora watched as she ran a finger along the edge before she continued.
Oddas: To start with, the Entire Crew has been awarded both the Quantum Reality Service Ribbon and the Innovation Ribbon for their adventure in another universe, and for figuring out how to get us home. That latter part I really appreciated, so thank you very much.
The Commodore started the applause, but everyone joined in. People didn’t clap for themselves, but for their colleagues who deserved the award given.
Any: Response
Oddas: In that same vein, after reading the various reports, Starfleet Command has decided Lieutenant Drex, Lieutenant Vahin, and Commodore Oddas have all been awarded the Joint Meritorious Award for working with units in the other universe and getting the crew home.
Alora knew how awkward it was for someone to award themselves their own ribbon, even if that award was technically given by Starfleet Command and she was their messenger. Smiling, Alora clapped along with the rest of the group, glancing over at Vahin and Drex and offering a smile.
Vahin/Drex/Any: Response
Oddas: One of our officers did manage to work with people on the other side of universal wall to get us home as well, I of course speak of Commander Falt who is being awarded the Diplomacy Ribbon for his efforts and getting us home through other means.
As Alora joined in the accolades, her eyes fell upon the First officer and she nodded in a quiet appreciation of his accomplishment.
Falt/Any: Response
Oddas: Two of our officers went above and beyond, showing incredible dedication to duty. Both Mister Drex and Mister Vahin did some amazing work over the course of the last mission, and they are hereby awarded a Captain's Commendation. Congratulations, and good work!
Once again, Drex and Vahin took the spotlight and Alora’s attention turned to them, her applause in appreciation of what they had done.
Drex/Vahin/Any: Response
Eventually, the applause faded, and Oddas sipped at a bit of water from a cup on the podium. Alora couldn’t help but wonder if it was to add a dramatic pause, but soon enough, she resumed listing off the names and accomplishments of those gathered.
Oddas: Mister Drex has also shown himself to be versatile in a number of situations, and this previous mission was no exception. While we expect that kind of adaptability, when someone shows it to this degree, we like to show our gratitude. To that end, he is awarded the Excellence in Adaptability.
Was it a bit ironic that Drex had come to her in concern about the very thing for which he was now being awarded? She had high hopes for that man, and knew how capable he was. So many underestimated their value and worth. Him. Arthur. Others. She hoped that her encouragement coupled with the now public acknowledgement would help both to see they were valued and appreciated.
Any: Response
Oddas: There is one member of the crew who has, unfortunately, disobeyed a standing order on Denali. The order is 'thou shall not get hurt'. This order is in place for a very good reason. I don't like the paperwork, I don't care to lose good officers, and I care too much for my family. That said, if you're going to get hurt, we are going to at least make sure you get the appropriate ribbons to let everyone know. Mister Kettick, for the injuries you sustained in the line of duty you are hereby awarded a Purple Heart, and for the other actions you took leading up to it, you are awarded a Silver Star. Please do not make a habit of it.
As Oddas lifted her glass in salute of Kettick, Alora couldn’t help but chuckle. Purple hearts were never a happy thing, but she appreciated the humour the commodore had infused, humour because Kettick had been well treated and his recovery was thanks to the fine officers on the station, particularly Harford - who was technically no longer on the station. That was the way in Starfleet, though. One never knew when they would get moved to a different port of call.
Kettick/Any: Response
Another long gulp of water made Alora wonder if that was her liquid courage, but no, Oddas was calm, collected, and confident the entire way through. If she was nervous, she certainly didn’t show it. Then again, it simply could have been another pause to let those mentioned bask in the appreciation of their colleagues - well deserved appreciation at that. As she set the glass down, Oddas turned toward something else upon the podium, and Alora realised what was to come next.
Oddas: If I could get Lieutenant Vahin and Commander Falt to join me.
She inclined her head to indicate that both should come and stand beside her, now fully the center of attention rather than their commanding officer. Once they did so, she continued.
Oddas: Lieutenant Vahin, it seems like only yesterday that you joined us on Denali, and today my message queue is full of reports about you - all singing your praises. Your fellow officers, colleagues, and others telling me what a good job you have done. I see the progress on the medical center, and more. I see how you hold yourself during a mission, and how you tack a problem. Frankly, there is only one thing to do with that - promote it right away. Let it be known that on this stardate Araxxu Vahin is hereby promoted to Lieutenant, with all the rights and responsibilities afforded to him. Also, I am making him acting Chief Medical Officer of Denali Station.
Offering one of the small boxes, gave him a firm handshake and a squeeze upon his shoulder. There was no doubt of the sincerity in their leader, she knew she was proud of the Bolian who had proven to be a wonderful officer from the first moment Alora had met him - as had all gathered there, and as she had for every single award given out, Alora applauded.
Vahin/Any: Response
Oddas: Congratulations. Now, Lieutenant Commander Falt, Tom, I have known for his entire career - since he came aboard the Juneau as a science office aboard the Juneau. I have seen him grow and change into one hell of a first officer, someone I can lean on to get things done, and someone who will tell me when I don't need to care about something at all. ::beat:: I think in many ways Tom is those things I am not, in a very good way. He has an ease with the crew I do not, and is going to make one heck of a captain some day. Many months ago I petitioned to have Lieutenant Commander Falt promoted to Commander Falt, and today, that day has come. Lieutenant Commander Falt, you are now promoted to full Commander, with all the rights afforded to your position.
Shaking the man’s hand vigorously, the applause crescendoed once again, the area filled with clapping to congratulate the man on his accomplishment.
Oddas: You deserve this, Tom.
Falt: Response
He very much did, and the applause continued on for a few more minutes. Finally, though, it was done, and as the ceremony came to an end, people moved off, some to cluster around those honoured. Alora, being one of them, approached the first officer. She would certainly talk to everyone, but she started with him.
DeVeau: Congratulations, Tomas.
Any/Falt: Response
DeVeau: I’m not surprised at all. I’m only surprised they took so long to go about it.
From the get go, he’d been impressive, and she was glad to see that Starfleet acknowledged that as well. Perhaps some day, he’d even be in command of his own Starship. Only time would tell, and for now, she was glad he was a part of the Denali crew.
Any/Falt: Response
Her eyes shifted to some people who were obviously familiar with him, and even if Tomas made introductions or not, it wasn’t difficult for Alora to figure out who they were. As a smile spread over her face, she offered a hand in greeting.
DeVeau: Hello. I’m Alora DeVeau.
Any/Falt: Response
-- Commander Alora DeVeau Chief Science Officer & Second Officer Denali Station & Matriarch of the 15th House Betazed M239008AD0