Lt Ross - To the Stars and Beyond

[Hannah S]

((The I’vish Gallery, Shi’Kahr District, Starbase 118))

Ross felt very comfortable in his little corner, watching as his colleagues and friends got their well deserved recognition: Next it was Foster who stepped up to the stage and handed out an extra round of achievement ribbons.

He cheered loudly for all of them - Corey and Haukea, who had started out with him, and - last, but definitely not least - his very own boss, who had done a tremendous job for years now. Sol was the best reason you could ask for for not stepping up in your department: There was simply no one more skilled and experienced than her. He cheered and clapped and was as content as you could be if you were part of such a scarily capable friend group. 

Foster: Anyways, that’s all I got! Thanks for letting me ramble, and congratulations everyone!

Ross: Cheers guys! 

Any: Response 

When Wyn retreated, it was Fairhug's time to step up again. Ross gave him a friendly pat on the back as he passed him. He did a tremendous job as First Officer, and as a fellow socially anxious person he knew how scary it had to be to be out and about up there on stage.

Fairhug: Now, as always, it is my pleasure to recognise the bravery and ability of the crew I am so privileged to serve with. First of all, Commander Foster, Lieutenant Wethern and Ensign Kel. For your actions in facing the Romulans and thereby helping to save crew members and refugees alike, you are all awarded the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon.

Foster: I cannot say again how proud I am of my fellow medical officers.  You were incredibly brave in the face of danger.

Wethern/Kel: Responses

Fairhug: Your efforts in the face of such danger were commendable and Ensign Kel, for sustaining injuries in the line of duty, you are also awarded the Purple Heart.

Kel: Response

Wyn looked at Kel with a slight smile.

Foster: You were brave and true, but please don’t get injured again, I beg of you.

Ross clapped, motioned the usual finger-gun at Corey and threw Kel a reassuring nod - he hoped that the Ensign was recovering well from his injury.

Ross: Way to go, guys! 

Any: Response

Next thing the attention turned onto him - Ross straightened up a little, hiding his drink behind his back and throwing a proud smile at Maddie. 

Fairhug: Lieutenants Marsh and Ross. Your extraordinarily heroic efforts in staying behind on the shuttles while the Narendra sped off to rescue the crew of the Valiant, ensured that the crew of the Borealis were also able to make it out alive. For this, you are both awarded the Silver Lifesaving Ribbon.

Ross: Appreciated, Commander. 

Marsh: Responses

Fairhug: ::with a slight grin:: But don't ever scare us like that again, the way you did with the pattern buffers.

Ross: ::pointing at Marsh with an innocent expression:: That was all her idea, I swear!

Marsh: Responses

Foster: You are all trying to give the medical team heart attacks. ::he jested to the dynamic duo:: but seriously, amazing work, both of you!

Any: ?

Ross settled back against the wall and threw Maddie another smile. He was incredibly glad to have lived through these events with her. 

Fairhug: Commander McLaren, Lieutenant Willow, for your steadfast action in facing off against Commander Metet, you are both awarded the Silver Star.

Wyn knew of this action as well, he had met with them before tending to Abi.

McLaren/Willow: Responses

Fairhug: Your actions protected the crew of the Narendra. Something you have both been doing for a long time now. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say how truly grateful we all are for that.

McLaren/Willow: Responses

Foster: and timely responses, too. We are grateful for all you did to protect the Narendra.

Ross: Well done. 

Any: ?

Fairhug: Ensign S'zurak. For your innovative work on the Bridge, in particular the way you collaborated with Lieutenants Tito and Kreshkova, you are awarded the Spliced Mainbrace Distinction.

S'zurak: Response

Fairhug: I know your first mission was very much a case of being thrown in at the deep end, but you conducted yourself with great professionalism under incredibly difficult conditions. Well done, Ensign.

S'zurak: Response

Foster: Quick thinking ensign! You did amazingly well on your first mission!  

Ross: Congrats, Ensign!

Any: ?

Ross took a moment to take in all the cheers - they had sustained another mission,, another challenge, and some part of him couldn't wait for the next. 

--

***

Lieutenant Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2