[JP] R.Adml. Reynolds & Lt. Cmdr. Marshall - In the Company of Heroes (Part II)

[Jo Marshall]

((Mess Hall, USS Triumphant))

Reynolds: It's said that desperate situations bring out ingenuity, and that was more than clear on Trueno and the SS Vikartindur. We had simulated dinosaur calls on a tricorder, at least two creative engineering solutions to lure species GS54 away from vital power supplies, and broken conduits used to chase off predators — quick wit and cleverness in action. For that, we're pleased to present Lieutenant Commanders Jo Marshall and Erin Reynolds, Lieutenant Arlo Thornton and Crewman Second Class Lojah Oded with the Innovation Ribbon.

The blue, silver and teal ribbon symbolised the inventive spirit of Starfleet. Boxes containing the ribbon sailed out into the hands of waiting officers, and Jo slipped hers and Erin’s into her pocket once more. It was the third ribbon of the celebration awarded to Oded, prompting an inward thought that perhaps the young Crewman would like to take her studies further from her enlistment. Something to talk to Quinn about later. 

A greater stack of the next ribbon sat on the table; one for each in the room, and those who had beamed off the Vikartindur. Plucking one from the top, Jo tossed it up and down in her hand as she continued to the next. 

Marshall: When faced with the arduous and demanding conditions on Trueno, each of you stepped up to the task with bravery and courage the best of Starfleet can be proud of. Faced with clear and present danger, you all outdid yourselves, rising to the occasion, and demonstrating the pluck and fortitude usually only required to eat Ayiana’s cooking. For this, Starfleet has seen fit to award everyone the Good Conduct Ribbon. Congratulations, everyone!

Alongside a round of applause, each ribbon sailed underarm to waiting hands, with four remaining on the small table for those not present in the Mess Hall with them, having conducted their own gallant efforts on the freighter. That rounded out the awards for a routine audit that had descended into catastrophe. But Quinn wasn't finished with the presentations, and there was more to be recognised.

Reynolds: The backbone of any successful ship is a core of reliable and capable staff. Service in Starfleet can be... ::her lips twitched,:: an adventure written in hellos and goodbyes. As such, we recognise those people who lead their departments with a steady hand despite the continual change around them. Lieutenant Commander Samira Neathler and Lieutenant Corliss Fortune, we're proud to recognise your dedication and ability by presenting you with the Department Chief Ribbon.

The two women couldn't be any more different, but they had both distinguished themselves as department heads in their own unique way. She relied on them both, possibly more than they realised, and rather than delivering the ribbons via a gentle throw, she stepped forward with a smile to present them personally with their award. No handshake, of course, but each received a soft pat on the bicep as they took possession of their new gold ribbon.

Reynolds: And speaking of department chiefs. I'm delighted to announce that Lieutenant Commander Pholin Duyzer will be taking on the role of Science Chief. Those of you who've already had the pleasure of serving with him know that Commander Duyzer is an incredibly talented officer with experience in leading science departments, and we're excited to welcome him to that role aboard the Gorkon.

With nothing to physically present to him in that circumstance, Quinn shifted straight into leading the applause, meeting Duyzer's blue eyes with a smile. She'd have to spend a little more time with the Denobulan, get to know him better. Jo whistled her congratulations with a thumb and forefinger beneath her tongue, clapping alongside. A position thoroughly deserved by the scientist and one she hoped he’d flourish onboard the Gorkon in. 

Reynolds: The last presentation of the day goes to someone who's shown courage and resourcefulness under great pressure, and gone from strength to strength in her service aboard the Gorkon. Lieutenant Arlo Thornton, I'm pleased to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all the associated duties, rights and responsibilities that come with it. 

She brought her hands together again, celebrating the young scientist's achievement and sending a quick grin her way. She'd make for a capable Lieutenant Commander, and would no doubt be fine support for Duyzer in his role as department chief. Following reading reports from the surface, Jo was a little more reticent in her applause, having reservations about the scientist and her conduct, but the Australian scientist had the chance to disprove those theories in time. 

Dropping her hands to her hips, Jo regarded the dwindled stack of ribbons on the table, those remaining for their missing comrades back on the Gorkon. She glanced up to Quinn with a tiny grin at the corner of her lips. 

Marshall: Champagne time, sir?

Reynolds: The very finest Defiant-class replicators have to offer. ::Amusement twinkled in her eyes, and she gestured toward a table where a selection of drinks — including Château Triumphant, 2397 vintage — were on offer.:: Enjoy a drink and share your congratulations while you can, before we're stampeded by Beta Shift in search of lunch.

Marshall: And well done, everyone! May the next routine inspection go half as smoothly! 

 

fin

-- 

Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds

Commanding Officer

USS Gorkon

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& 

Lt. Commander Jo Marshall

First Officer

USS Gorkon, NCC-82293

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