Lt. Commander Ross - The Good Old Cheers (Part II)

[Hannah S]

((Beachfront – Raskor II))

Taybrim: I wanted to give you all a quick update, and confirm that despite the oddity of the waves of memory loss, your actions have opened up valuable diplomatic conversations with the Ameoneians. Sometimes a shared hardship brings people closer together and this seemed to be the case for the Ameoneian delegation. Your willingness to work together had opened diplomatic doors that a simple conference may have overlooked.  

Ross let out a faint breath of relief. Up until now he hadn't heard from the Ameoneians again, even though he had waved them Goodbye on their more than sudden departure - he couldn't blame them for not wanting to spend any more time on the chaotic base. 

To his surprise, Taybrim's attention singled him out first. As always there was a rush of panic, but he calmed himself with a deep breath and an expression that hopefully resembled professional calm. 

Taybrim: Commander Ross, you remaining unaffected by the memory loss and your calm, focused actions and diplomatic focus during difficult, even dangerous times made a distinct impression on Minister Ifra, which carried forward to the rest of the delegation. I would like to recognize your efforts with the Diplomacy Ribbon.

Calm and focused didn't really ring a bell - he remembered much more clearly rushing up and down the lobby as soon as he had realised that he had not only lost one, but two colleagues, one of them his Captain. But still - he took it. 

Ross: Appreciated, Commodore. It was team effort. 

Maybe he would replicate the ribbon and send it over to Minister Ifra. Ross was about to sit down again, but Taybrim seemed to be onto him tonight - 

Taybrim: No, no sitting, I’m not done yet.  ::his dark eyes sparkled:: You were present at a critical moment when your commanding officer experienced over a decade of memory loss and started tracing steps of a former life. You stepped forward and took up a leadership role that helped protect your fellow crewmembers and while also respecting the Ameoneian delegation.  For this I recognize you with the Leadership Excellence Ribbon.

Oh no. Ross' eyes widened slightly - he much more preferred the Superior Support Ribbon - those kept you in safer waters usually. He had to clear his throat and forced a smile.

Ross: Oh, I don't think... - I mean, he was still there, technically... 

Until he wasn't. oO Please, don't have any ideas Oo he silently pleaded and the Commodore seemed to read his mind: 

Taybrim: Never underestimate the impact that you have when you stay calm under pressure, and direct people who need direction.  You did an excellent job, Commander and I pleased to recognize your hard work.

He gave in with a little sigh and nodded.

Ross: Alright. Thank you, Commodore. 

When he sat back down, Lyra leaned over with a laughing whisper.

Voss: Didn’t I tell you you had to be careful about ending up in a red uniform one of these days?

Ross closed his eyes with a pained sigh.

Ross: Please don't jinx it. 

Any: ?

Taybrim let the noise die down and then started up again.

Taybrim: Next, let me turn to Lieutenant Sylvax.  You were all over StarBase 118 this mission! Quickly on you were called into the Civilian sector to break up fights between civilians and to wrangle your memory affected crew. You prevented a heated situation from escalating and got your crew to safety. For being flexible enough to jump into a call for help and to settle the situation peacefully I would like to recognize your hard work with the Unity Ribbon.

He had heard about Ryden's triple mission - an impressive job from an impressive officer who had just learned to carry a whole bunch of different lives inside his chest. 

Sylvax: ?

The commodore chuckled softly.

Taybrim: But that’s not all. After bringing your crewmates to sickbay you immediately jumped into medical action and were a driving force in discovering a way to reverse the memory loss. You were an integral part of why so many people on StarBase 118, including many of the crew gathered here today can remember everything that happened. For this I want to recognize your excellent service with the Innovation Ribbon.

Sylvax: ?

Any: ?

Taybrim: And thank you for being so flexible on this mission. I know it can be difficult when you are travelling across the StarBase trying to jump in and help different teams, but you showed adaptability and skill across many areas.

Sylvax: ?

Ross: Incredible job, Ryden! 

Any: ?

Taybrim: Ensign Munshi, for a first mission you had quite a test and I want to recognize how important your contributions were to the success of your team. You started by trying to get a fellow crewmate through the initial memory loss to safety. I recognize how challenging situations like this can be and I want to recognize your contributions with the Unity Ribbon.

Munshi: ?

Taybrim: Furthermore, your skill at engineering helped in three critical issues. You helped get the Zambezi docked, you helped Mrs. Vanderly correct the course of the Beau Soleil, and you helped reset the weather systems in the civilian sector, all of which helped keep your crewmates and civilians safe and put your excellent engineering skills to the forefront. I would like to recognize your hard work with the Spliced Mainbrace Distinction.

Munshi: ?

Ross joined in with the cheers. They had some really talented Ensigns as new additions recently and Alok was no excpetion.

Voss: Congratulations!

Ross: Well done! 

Any: ?

Taybrim: Ensign, I know when we first spoke that you were coming here to start new with StarBase 118 and in one short mission you have proven yourself an integral member of this crew.  I am glad that you have joined us and I looked forward to seeing where you go, and how you grow in your career.

Munshi: ?

Any: ?

Taybrim turned to Sol next. Ross straightened up slightly, excited to hear what fantastic deeds his boss had been up to lately. 

Taybrim: Commander McLaren. Sol. ::he smiled.:: You were a busy officer this mission as well.  You also started with recognizing that something was wrong and you helped talk a fellow crewmember back into dock and into safety.  Your ability to connect with your crewmates and help them in all aspects of missions had blossomed over the years.  I am pleased to recognize your quick and calm thinking with the Unity Ribbon.

McLaren: Thank you.

Oh, now the dark eyes sparkled again.

Taybrim: Also, if I may say, your years as director of the Intel Tower have given you a canny ability at leadership. Something I think suits you very well.  In this past mission you took command of the same situations I just highlighted. Bringing the Zambezi into dock, getting your team to assist the Beau Soleil, and then laser focusing and moving your team into the civilian sector to stop the malfunctioning weather systems before we had floods in San Francisco. For your ongoing strong leadership I want to recognize your hard work with the Captain’s Commendation. ::he paused and smirked:: Or is that Commodore’s Commendation?  Nah, too much alliteration.

She inclined her head, chuckling.

McLaren: I appreciate it.

Ross cheered loudly. That wasn't a ribbon that came easy - a lovely thing to take home for the Intel department.

Ross: Well deserved!

Any: ?

Taybrim: And personally, Sol? I am so proud of you. I know, without worrying, that I can depend on your leadership even when things go sideways.  Thank you.

Sol let her facade drop just slightly, enveloping Sal into a quick hug.

McLaren: No, thank you.

Ross' smile grew softer. Were those tears in her eyes? Oh, Taybrim really got to her there. He clapped and threw her an uplifting smile when she returned to her seat. She really deserved all the praise she could get. 

Taybrim: Ensign Voss, Ensign sh’Sonora and Commander Foster – all three of you experienced the memory loss effect. Now, I will admit there is no award in the Starfleet database for those who experience memory loss and still focus your will and your actions towards working with your crewmates to make the mission a success despite the hardship you are undergoing. But I did want to personally recognize that each of you made the choice, even with the memory loss, to focus on what needed to be done. To trust your fellow crew, and to work together to successfully reverse the memory loss, protect the starbase and keep over one hundred thousand civilians safe.

Voss: ::with an awkward little nod:: Thank you.

Ross smiled at her. He could almost feel the crippling self-awareness, even though he wasn't telepathic. 

sh’Sonora/Foster: ?

Taybrim: If any of you ever doubted that you belonged in Starfleet or that you have earned the accolades you receive, wipe that doubt from your mind. Under the greatest duress you all achieved what others in the galaxy could only dream of.

Lyra looked up at Taybrim with a half a smile.

Voss: Hey now. I don’t think I want any more things wiped from my mind, even if they’re doubts.

Ross let out a laugh.

sh’Sonora/Foster: ?

Ross: Well done, great work! 

Any: ?

Taybrim: Ensign Voss, after researching what had happened, you ventured into the civilian sector with Lieutenant Drex and Doctor Wethern to locate the source of the memory loss. You focused your fellow crew, you helped create a containment field, that rendered the artifact inert and that allowed our medical teams to enact the reversal procedure. All of this while you were struggling against the effects of the very thing you worked to contain. For this I recognize your excellent efforts with the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon.

Voss: That’s very… ::ahh, very what? no, abort:: Thank you.

Now it was his turn to lean in as soon as she sat back down.

Ross: ::quietly:: I gotta watch you, sounds like you're taking my job! 

Any: ?

Taybrim: Ensign sh’Sonora, you had some close encounters. But you also were an integral help in getting the Beau Soleil back on course and helping your team control the weather patterns in the civilian sector. Your skill at piloting was critical, and it is even more impressive how much your retained of that skill with the memory loss. For your extraordinary focus in your chosen discipline, I want to recognize you with the Spliced Mainbrace Distinction.

sh’Sonora: ?

Voss: Nice work, Mi’sh!

Any: ?

Taybrim: And Commander Foster, despite memory loss, you remain one of the most dedicated and experienced doctors in the Trinity sector. Your willingness to be the test subject combined with your sharp medical observations helped Dr. Sylvax develop the best and safest way to reverse the memory loss. For this I want to reconize your work with the Innovation Ribbon.

Foster: ?

Ross cheered and joined in with the other praises and claps. He hadn't talked to Wyn in ages - next Shore Leave would hopefully be more quiet. 

Any: ?

Taybrim took a deep breath and let the moment settle.

Taybrim: I think that just about covers things. ::His dark eyes sparkled once again:: Well, almost.  But before we get to the final stage, let me take a moment to once again congratulate this crew. You have proven that even when things are difficult you will work together, protect the people under our care and ensure a positive outcome.

Another raised glass and more cheers. Ross eased up, knowing that his part of the night was over - now he could settle back and enjoy the rest of the show. 

Any: ?

--

***

Lt. Commander Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2