(( Awards Ceremony, Rooftop, Soldotna, Denali Station ))
Aria broke herself away from the little group and found a way to the center of the room, really just a manicured floor made of stone and wood under canopied tresses. There was a lot of conversation back and forth, low noises and sounds that she waited to die down.
She gave a slightly stern, but mockingly so, look to a couple of stragglers who were continuing to talk.
Oddas: ::straightening her uniform tunic:: Thank you, it is nice to see you all, and some new faces, in such a nice new space. It is no secret that I hold my crew in such high regard, one of the best in Fleet, so being able to be with you to celebrate, to enjoy each other's company, is one I will cherish.
She paused and looked out at the various faces looking to her for some sort of guidance.
Oddas: Part of the service is, of course, recognizing those who go above and beyond - making sure they know, we know, we see them, cherish them, and honor them. ::beat:: When terrorists threatened not just our home, but those we have come to care for by proxy, Lightside Station, our crew sprung to action to make sure they did not hurt our allies, our colleagues, our friends. Because of this, the entire crew present during the last mission has been awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Not only did they work together, they worked with Lightside personnel to keep the situation from getting out of hand. Lightside, the Wilds, and Denali is better for all of you.
Any: Response
Aria joined in with the applause that followed.
Oddas: One of those teams, for reasons best left to the imagination, had to do their work under the cover of subterfuge - still accomplishing their goals within the confines of what it means to be a Starfleet crew and to set the example we all set out. To that end, Lieutenant Commanders Falt and Kendrick, Lieutenants Forsyth, Dagaz, Kettick, and Ensign Xiron have all been awarded the Intelligence Star. Well deserved and many thank yous.
Any: Response
Oddas: A special callout has been awarded to Mister Falt in leading that team, in the form of the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Good work Tomas, richly deserved.
Falt: Response
She tipped her head toward the officers in turn, pausing to take a sip of her coffee - letting the smell fill her nostrils and hoping there was something stronger waiting for her when she was done. Happy sounds were bubbling through the crowd, making her smile.
Oddas: Next, the Diplomacy Ribbon has been awarded to Ensign Strathmore, Commander DeVeau and ::clearing her throat:: Commodore Oddas for their work in working with the Lightside Station authorities and furthering the diplomatic relations between the two facilities. ::beat:: Congratulations.
As much as she liked putting ribbons on others, she disliked it when her superiors decided to include her in the presentation.
Any: Response
Oddas: Of course, a big part of the mission was finding a cure for the weapon the terrorists were trying to use, and for that we have to thank Mister Drex, Mister Vahin and Commander DeVeau, and in recognition of their efforts they are hereby awarded the Medical Service Ribbon. ::pause:: Additionally, Drex and DeVeau, as they did important work to save the lives of a fellow crew mate, they are awarded an additional Silver Lifesaving Ribbon.
Any: Response
She nodded toward each and applauded along with the others.
Oddas: Which brings us again to Mister Kettick. Mister Kettick your actions earned you the scrutiny of your Commanding Officer, going above and beyond, with gallantry, and bravery - and earning yourself a Captain's Commendation. ::beat:: But that's not all for you. In consultation with the XO we have decided we need you to take control of the Engineering Department permanently as the new Chief Engineer, a position close to my heart, but one I know you will do well at.
Kettick/Falt/Any: Response
Oddas: Commander Kendrick, while on the subject of personnel changes. We are going to ask you to take the role of 'Acting Chief' in the combined Tactical and Security department. My understanding is you have spoken to the XO about it, and I know you will do well.
Kendrick/Any: Response
She nodded and then held up a hand for the crowd to quiet down.
Oddas: If I could have Ensigns Xiron and Drex approach
While they approached, she took another sip of coffee and then continued.
Oddas: Ensigns, your peers have been making reports, and the XO has confirmed they are true. You have been performing extremely well, setting an example and lending a hand when possible. You are honest, hard-working, and everything we expect, of Lieutenants in Starfleet. ::pulling two small boxes from her uniform pocket:: Therefore, it is my honor and privilege to promote, each of you Xiron and Drex, to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities thereto.
She opened each box in turn, containing a single hollow pip, and fastened it to the collar of each officer. When she was done she shook each of their hand's and then squeezed their shoulder.
Drex/Xiron: Response
Oddas: Good Luck, Lieutenants.
Any/Falt: Response
She turned once more to the crowd.
Oddas: Thank you all for coming, for being a great crew, and for being such a great example to each of us. I won't keep you much longer - so please, enjoy the food, the night, and each other's company. You have earned it.
TBC
Commodore Oddas Aria
Commanding Officer
Denali Station
E239305OA0
Sense is never common. -Robert Heinlein
Wiki: https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php/Oddas_Aria