Lieutenant JG Ras El'Heem - The night of many things Pt. 2
Ras El'Heem
Shayne: Mr. El’Heem! Mr. Matthews- dammit, Richard Matthews! I dub thee Blue Matthews! Get up here, you pair of…
He stood, much more comfortable with the eyes on him than he had been at the last ceremony. Ras shimmied past his comrades.
El’Heem: Wait, pair of what?
R. Matthews: Eh, you'll get used to it boss, double the Matthews, double the fun. Or trouble. . . Most likely trouble.
He met Richard and followed him up to the stage.
Shayne: Gentlemen; I was not with you on the Eridani. I did not witness your conduct, nor your deeds. But the reports I’ve received speak to eminent grace under pressure, restraint and the best of Starfleet in your performance. As such, please accept the Good Conduct Ribbon. Congratulations, and thank you.
He took the box from the captain, graciously and shook his hand.
R. Matthews: :: Turning to Ras :: I never knew there was a Good Conduct Ribbon, You? :: Turning back to the captain :: Thanks Cap! I will never get this award ever again.
El’Heem: ::out of the side of his mouth:: I’m surprised we got it this time, frankly. ::out loud:: Thank you Captain.
The two bowed together. With how long they spent together, it was no surprise Richard was rubbing off on him. His flair for dramatics was infectious.
R. Matthews: C’mon, I gotta go message people that I got a good conduct award. They’ll never believe me, which, rude.
El’Heem: So this arm thing IS the custom!
Ras took his arm and walked off the stage.
Shayne: Commander Ohnari! You know what you’ve done. Get up here!
He disengaged from Richard just in time to get out of the way of Ohnari. Ras patted her shoulder with his free hand.
El’Heem: Go get em, tiger.
He returned to his seat and held the box in his lap.
Shayne: Commander. Doctor. I won’t lie- your interest in prosthetics is starting to frighten me, and your crotchety bat friend keeps sending me ransom notes for bananas. That said… ::here his aspect lost its fake annoyance:: …you have been Chief Medical Officer for over six months now. In that time, you have operated a capable, nuanced and effective facility. You have cared for this crew, whatever the ailment. Any captain would be proud to have you aboard- and to recognize you with the Department Chief Ribbon for your ongoing excellence. Congratulations, and thank you.
Ohnari: Response
Ras whistled extra loudly and stood for his applause as if to say: “That’s my boss! I know her!”
Shayne: Would Lieutenant Ayemet Dewitt join me, please?
He sat and clapped once more.
oO The Dewitts are killing it too! Oo
Shayne: Lieutenant. On this happy occasion, I shall not linger on the distressing past; but to ignore it is to dismiss it, and that cannot be allowed. For the context of our newer personnel, Lieutenant Dewitt was recently captured by the Lattice Alliance in the midst of the Battle of DS33. She- and she alone- effected an escape from their clutches. Your resilience, ingenuity, courage, fortitude and dedication to duty will be remembered, and whatever legacy this starship has will forever be brightened by your place aboard her. Please accept the Prisoner of War Ribbon, and the Federation Cross. Thank you, Lieutenant.
The mood shifted to a more serious one, but the clapping started small and grew louder and faster. One by one, the crowd stood and clapped, and continued to clap and then clapped some more. She deserved it.
A. Dewitt: Response
Ayemet made her way to her seat and the applause slowly died down.
Shayne: Mr. Zerva! Standby to blush!
R. Matthews: :: Before he could stop himself he said :: He has no shame! You can’t make him blush.
El’Heem: Wow, great night for this row, huh.
Ras playfully pushed Zerva towards the aisle and watched as he walked to the stage alone.
Zerva: Response
Shayne: Mr. Zerva, your conduct has been excellent, and under challenging circumstances you have distinguished yourself. For your resilience, your leadership and your adaptability while under stress, I’m proud to recognize you with the Legion of Merit. May you continue to be a proud example of Starfleet’s ideals. Congratulations.
Zerva: Response
Ras started to clap but stopped as Shayne held up his hand.
Shayne: I’m not quite finished. Mr. Zerva, there comes a time in all our lives when we must strive for more than what we have been. In the wake of Chief Vanta’s passing in the line of duty, you have been a worthy successor. Now, though, I think it is time to recognize the progress you have so studiously earned.
The silence was palpabale.
Shayne: For exemplary dedication, and for earning my faith, I am pleased to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and responsibilities that are commensurate with that rank. Congratulations, Lieutenant, and well done!
Ras stood once more and hollered a congrats. His hands had reached their limit, so he settled for a cheer.
Zerva: Response
Shayne: And with that, ladies and gentlemen- and miscellaneous others- I conclude our awards ceremony for this leave. On the tables behind you can be found another round of food and libation- this time inspired by the Kressari holiday of Thoa’Rymm. If you’re interested in learning more, I’m sure Mr. El’Heem would be glad to talk to you about it. For now, though, know it is an appreciation of life, renewal and gratitude- all parts of this moment I feel connected to in abundance.
Ras cocked his head. It clicked, what he was smelling was assuredly not fresh mushrooms from the surrounding greenery, but cooked delicacies of mushroom.
R. Matthews: :: Turning to look up at the big mushroom dragon :: Toe Rhyme? What’s that?
He looked forward to Richard who had turned around to look at him.
El’Heem: Wait…who put this together? This is amazing! Thoa’Rymm! ::standing and looking around:: it’s the Kressari mushroom feast! Oh my god, you’re gonna love this.
Shayne: Let’s eat! Again…!
R. Matthews: What’s the food, Ras?
El’Heem: MUSHROOMS! VEGETABLES. PLANTS!
R. Matthews: Is it just. . . A bunch of stuff you forage for? Cause like, not to be that guy, but I prefer meat. With a side of veggies, sure, fine.
He followed Zerva out of their row and bounced from foot to foot with excitement, craning his neck to see what had been laid out for them to feast upon.
El’Heem: There’s meat too, you grinch.
Richard held out a plate to him and as he tried to snatch it, he pulled it back. Ras rolled his eyes and on Richard’s second attempt, he took it before he could take it away again.
R. Matthews: Okay then fine, load me up, and I’ll eat it without complaining. But there will be questions. So many questions. And give me something sweet, dman it man, this is a party.
El’Heem: Ask away Richy boy, but the mushrooms will speak for themselves. Besides I’m sure you won’t be the only one asking.
R. Matthews/Any: Response
He followed the crowd to the table that had been set out. The table was covered with a veritable smorgasbord of mycological decadence. The smells that wafted through the air made Ras’s heart sing.
Tags/TBC
Lieutenant JG Ras El’Heem
Medical Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
K240106RE3