[JP] VAdm. Reynolds, Lt. Cmdrs Tahna & Finch - yIlop! wa'leS chaq maHegh! (Part I)
Quinn Reynolds
((Emerald Reef Hotel Ballroom, Deluvia IV))
Light from the waters of Iyira shifted and rippled across the ceiling in evocative patterns and kaleidoscopic bliss. Below the harmonious display, and at the furthest end of the room, was a small stage with a podium carved from local palm, upon which the flags of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet stood, miniature in size but mighty in message. A reminder that at any time, and in any place, whether above steady ground or beneath a lapping ocean, they remained steadfast in their continuing mission.
All the pomp and circumstance was to acknowledge and Qapla’! the commitment, professionalism, and rigid determination displayed by the crew during their mission on the Klingon colony of veHrom’nagh. To recognise their dedication to the values represented by those flags never once wavered, and that through careful diplomacy and unyielding perseverance, they surfaced at least a few hard truths from the colony's murkiest depths.
Officers all gathered and mingled together, in celebration of those triumphs and to clink-in whatever came next. A table festooned with bottle green streamers and bows ran the length of one side, boasting galactic dishes and finger foods: from slices of Idridian sugared toast, to Hosppat souffle, to peelings of Zalvri candy fruit, all ogled by a motley school of curious fish on the other side of the glass.
The three officers who led the Gorkon's crew stood together in a spot near the stage, dress uniforms crisp and pressed, drinks in hand. A catch-up after enjoying the disparate delights Deluvia offered, refreshed and ready to face whatever came next. But first...
Reynolds: Let's get this rodeo started.
Taking a breath, she placed the empty glass down on the table and stepped onto the stage, moving toward the podium. Tahna followed, with a smile and a nod and a tug at the crisp sleeves of her dress uniform, tailed only moments later by Doz, whose brown eyes squinted merrily at the gathered, familiar faces.
Reynolds: If I could have everyone's attention, please.
She waited until the chatter eased, and she was the subject of everyone's gaze, stomach churning as that was. It always felt somehow easier staring down the barrel of a phaser or disaster than it did an awards ceremony.
Reynolds: Thank you all for coming, and I appreciate you all pretending it was an invitation and not a directive.
She paused and smiled slightly, not entirely sure if the responding laughter was genuine or simply polite indulgence. Not wanting to dwell on the thought and fuel her anxiety further, she ploughed ahead.
Reynolds: As is our tradition, we open this ceremony with the Purple Heart, an honour unlike any other. Starfleet does not award this ribbon for distinction, but for sacrifice. For enduring injury while in service to ship and crew. It recognises the price of duty, paid in flesh and blood, for the protection and aid of others. For that sacrifice, I am honoured to present the Purple Heart to Commander Marshall, Lieutenant Commander Sevo, and Ensign Spelvan.
When the three stood on the stage, she pinned the new ribbon to their uniforms, murmuring a few words of congratulations to each. With all three now adorned with their commendations, she stepped away, opening the floor to celebration. As was so often the case, the first round of applause was sombre and dignified, rather than the whoops and cheers they'd likely hear later. As it died down, she politely ushered the trio off stage, and remained off to the side as Tahna took the podium.
TBC
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Commanding Officer
USS Gorkon
T238401QR0
&
First Officer
USS Gorkon (NCC-82293)
G239801TM4
&
Chief Engineer & Second Officer
USS Gorkon, NCC-82293
C239809SH3