Lieutenant JG Ryden Tarus Kel - Ceremony Part 2
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Ryden Kel
Sep 22, 2025, 8:53:54 PM (19 hours ago) Sep 22
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((The I’vish Gallery, Shi’Kahr District, Starbase 118))
Once again, the chatter in the gallery faded around Ryden, the laughter and applause giving way to an expectant hush. He found himself caught in the stillness, heart beating a little faster as he realized what it meant... more names would be called, more recognition given for what this crew had endured and achieved.
Fairhug cleared his throat, the sound carrying easily across the room, and every head turned toward the stage once more. Ryden followed their gaze, feeling a prickle of anticipation work its way through him.
Beside the Bardeezan captain sat a small table. On it, alongside a half-finished glass of champagne, rested two rosewood boxes. Ryden’s eyes lingered on them, wondering who they were meant for—half hoping, half doubting that one might bear his name.Fairhug: Congratulations again, everyone. Now, the ceremony part of the evening isn't quite over yet. ::scanning the room:: Ensign Kel, could you join me up here for a moment, please?
Kel: Of course, sir. ::rising from his seat and making his way to the front::
As Ryden stepped forward, he caught sight of Fairhug reaching for one of the rosewood boxes from the table. His stomach tightened. By the time the Bardeezan turned back, box in hand, Ryden was already standing before him, pulse quickening as the weight of the moment settled in.
Fairhug: Mister Kel, you have been a steadfast member of the crew since your arrival and it has not gone unnoticed. It is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.
Ryden felt his chest tighten as Fairhug stepped forward, the rosewood box extended toward him. Inside, the hollow pip awaited... small, unassuming, yet carrying the weight of a new rank and the responsibilities that came with it. He reached for it, aware of every eye in the room and the significance of the moment.
Kel: Thank you, Captain. I’m honored. I’ve learned so much already serving with this crew, and I’ll do my best to continue earning this every day.
Ryden lifted his hand to meet Fairhug’s, following the Terran custom that had become standard in Starfleet. The gesture felt heavier than usual, a quiet acknowledgment of trust, responsibility, and the new chapter just beginning.
Fairhug: Well earned, Lieutenant. Keep up the good work.
Kel: I intend to, sir. And thank you...for the trust, and for the opportunity.
Any: Response
Ryden felt a mix of pride and relief as he returned to his seat, the hollow pip now securely in hand. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Fairhug’s gaze shift to another officer—someone who had arrived on the crew like he had, yet had since proven themselves capable in a dozen different ways. Ryden couldn’t help but admire that versatility, quietly noting the standard he might aspire to.
Fairhug: Lieutenant Marsh, please make your way up here.
Marsh: Response
Once again, Ryden watched as Gogi turned and gathered up the second rosewood box, the familiar gleam of polished wood catching the light as he carried it back to the center of the stage. Ryden’s eyes followed every careful step, noting the respect and gravity in Gogi’s movements as he faced the Centauran officer.
Fairhug: Lieutenant Marsh, since your arrival on StarBase One-One-Eight, you have showed, time and again, your willingness to step up and do whatever is asked or needed of you. You have been an exemplary officer and with that in mind, it's high time that you were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.
Marsh: Response
Ryden felt a wave of admiration wash over him. It wasn’t often you saw someone’s growth and effort acknowledged so publicly, and he thought back to Madison’s early days on the Academy, remembering the same determination that had brought her to this point.
Gogi smiled warmly. Time seemed to have flown since he was invigilating Madison's final Academy examination. He couldn't believe he was now presenting her with this rosewood box that contained her third, hollow pip, which he handed to her now.
Fairhug: Congratulations, Commander.
Marsh: Response
Ryden noticed the subtle pause as Gogi cleared his throat, signaling for Marsh to hold on a moment. The stage held a quiet tension, a beat in which everyone waited for what was coming next.
Fairhug: One more thing, Commander. ::turning to the crowd:: As you all know, Lieutenant Tito's departure has left us with a gap in the Science department. From today on, Commander Marsh will be stepping into the role of Chief Science Officer.
Marsh: Response
Any: Response
Ryden allowed himself a small smile, appreciating the confidence Gogi had in the officers around him. Marsh’s promotion to Chief Science Officer wasn’t just a formality; it was a recognition of steady, capable leadership.
Fairhug: I have no doubt that you'll lead the department with distinction.
Marsh: Response
Ryden joined in with the applause, feeling the pride and respect ripple through the room as Madison returned to her place.
Fairhug: Okay, one last order of business before I let you all get back to the party.
Ryden’s gaze followed Gogi as he scanned the room, eventually settling on Sol McLaren, whose white hair made her easy to spot. Ryden knew the Director of Intelligence rarely sought the spotlight, and he felt a quiet understanding for her hesitation.
Fairhug: Commander McLaren, would you mind coming up for a moment?
McLaren: Response
Ryden watched Sol step forward, the subtle tension in her posture unmistakable. He knew she would rather avoid this attention, but he could see the quiet pride in her eyes as she joined Gogi. It was a rare and fitting acknowledgment of everything she had done for the base.
Fairhug: Commander McLaren, over the past few missions especially, you have supported myself and Commander Foster ably in leading the crew, taking command of the bridge of the Narendra and leading diplomatic efforts. It's clear that your talents expand beyond your department and with that in mind, I'd like to ask you to step into the role of Second Officer. If you will accept?
McLaren: Response
Ryden observed Gogi bow his head slightly, hand extended once again. The gesture, simple as it was, carried immense respect and trust.
Fairhug: I'm sure everyone here will agree that it's richly deserved. I know you'll do great.
McLaren: Response
Any: Response
Ryden felt a swell of admiration for both Gogi and Sol. Seeing these recognitions unfold made the room feel more like a family than a crew, and he allowed himself a moment to reflect on how far they had all come.
Gogi paused a moment. It felt good to have these wonderful crew members, these wonderful people around him. And it felt good to reward them accordingly. He took a deep breath of satisfaction, before turning back to face them all.
Fairhug: Well, that's all the surprises for this evening. Until next time, of course. ::turning and grabbing his glass, before raising it:: A toast, to the crew, old and new, of StarBase One-One-Eight!
Any: Response
Ryden watched Gogi exit the stage area with spring in his step, the warmth and pride in the Bardeezan’s expression impossible to miss. The celebration had only just begun, but the ceremony had already left its mark.-----
Lieutenant JG Ryden Tarus Kel
Medical Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240109RK1
Once again, the chatter in the gallery faded around Ryden, the laughter and applause giving way to an expectant hush. He found himself caught in the stillness, heart beating a little faster as he realized what it meant... more names would be called, more recognition given for what this crew had endured and achieved.
Fairhug cleared his throat, the sound carrying easily across the room, and every head turned toward the stage once more. Ryden followed their gaze, feeling a prickle of anticipation work its way through him.
Beside the Bardeezan captain sat a small table. On it, alongside a half-finished glass of champagne, rested two rosewood boxes. Ryden’s eyes lingered on them, wondering who they were meant for—half hoping, half doubting that one might bear his name.Fairhug: Congratulations again, everyone. Now, the ceremony part of the evening isn't quite over yet. ::scanning the room:: Ensign Kel, could you join me up here for a moment, please?
Kel: Of course, sir. ::rising from his seat and making his way to the front::
As Ryden stepped forward, he caught sight of Fairhug reaching for one of the rosewood boxes from the table. His stomach tightened. By the time the Bardeezan turned back, box in hand, Ryden was already standing before him, pulse quickening as the weight of the moment settled in.
Fairhug: Mister Kel, you have been a steadfast member of the crew since your arrival and it has not gone unnoticed. It is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.
Ryden felt his chest tighten as Fairhug stepped forward, the rosewood box extended toward him. Inside, the hollow pip awaited... small, unassuming, yet carrying the weight of a new rank and the responsibilities that came with it. He reached for it, aware of every eye in the room and the significance of the moment.
Kel: Thank you, Captain. I’m honored. I’ve learned so much already serving with this crew, and I’ll do my best to continue earning this every day.
Ryden lifted his hand to meet Fairhug’s, following the Terran custom that had become standard in Starfleet. The gesture felt heavier than usual, a quiet acknowledgment of trust, responsibility, and the new chapter just beginning.
Fairhug: Well earned, Lieutenant. Keep up the good work.
Kel: I intend to, sir. And thank you...for the trust, and for the opportunity.
Any: Response
Ryden felt a mix of pride and relief as he returned to his seat, the hollow pip now securely in hand. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Fairhug’s gaze shift to another officer—someone who had arrived on the crew like he had, yet had since proven themselves capable in a dozen different ways. Ryden couldn’t help but admire that versatility, quietly noting the standard he might aspire to.
Fairhug: Lieutenant Marsh, please make your way up here.
Marsh: Response
Once again, Ryden watched as Gogi turned and gathered up the second rosewood box, the familiar gleam of polished wood catching the light as he carried it back to the center of the stage. Ryden’s eyes followed every careful step, noting the respect and gravity in Gogi’s movements as he faced the Centauran officer.
Fairhug: Lieutenant Marsh, since your arrival on StarBase One-One-Eight, you have showed, time and again, your willingness to step up and do whatever is asked or needed of you. You have been an exemplary officer and with that in mind, it's high time that you were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.
Marsh: Response
Ryden felt a wave of admiration wash over him. It wasn’t often you saw someone’s growth and effort acknowledged so publicly, and he thought back to Madison’s early days on the Academy, remembering the same determination that had brought her to this point.
Gogi smiled warmly. Time seemed to have flown since he was invigilating Madison's final Academy examination. He couldn't believe he was now presenting her with this rosewood box that contained her third, hollow pip, which he handed to her now.
Fairhug: Congratulations, Commander.
Marsh: Response
Ryden noticed the subtle pause as Gogi cleared his throat, signaling for Marsh to hold on a moment. The stage held a quiet tension, a beat in which everyone waited for what was coming next.
Fairhug: One more thing, Commander. ::turning to the crowd:: As you all know, Lieutenant Tito's departure has left us with a gap in the Science department. From today on, Commander Marsh will be stepping into the role of Chief Science Officer.
Marsh: Response
Any: Response
Ryden allowed himself a small smile, appreciating the confidence Gogi had in the officers around him. Marsh’s promotion to Chief Science Officer wasn’t just a formality; it was a recognition of steady, capable leadership.
Fairhug: I have no doubt that you'll lead the department with distinction.
Marsh: Response
Ryden joined in with the applause, feeling the pride and respect ripple through the room as Madison returned to her place.
Fairhug: Okay, one last order of business before I let you all get back to the party.
Ryden’s gaze followed Gogi as he scanned the room, eventually settling on Sol McLaren, whose white hair made her easy to spot. Ryden knew the Director of Intelligence rarely sought the spotlight, and he felt a quiet understanding for her hesitation.
Fairhug: Commander McLaren, would you mind coming up for a moment?
McLaren: Response
Ryden watched Sol step forward, the subtle tension in her posture unmistakable. He knew she would rather avoid this attention, but he could see the quiet pride in her eyes as she joined Gogi. It was a rare and fitting acknowledgment of everything she had done for the base.
Fairhug: Commander McLaren, over the past few missions especially, you have supported myself and Commander Foster ably in leading the crew, taking command of the bridge of the Narendra and leading diplomatic efforts. It's clear that your talents expand beyond your department and with that in mind, I'd like to ask you to step into the role of Second Officer. If you will accept?
McLaren: Response
Ryden observed Gogi bow his head slightly, hand extended once again. The gesture, simple as it was, carried immense respect and trust.
Fairhug: I'm sure everyone here will agree that it's richly deserved. I know you'll do great.
McLaren: Response
Any: Response
Ryden felt a swell of admiration for both Gogi and Sol. Seeing these recognitions unfold made the room feel more like a family than a crew, and he allowed himself a moment to reflect on how far they had all come.
Gogi paused a moment. It felt good to have these wonderful crew members, these wonderful people around him. And it felt good to reward them accordingly. He took a deep breath of satisfaction, before turning back to face them all.
Fairhug: Well, that's all the surprises for this evening. Until next time, of course. ::turning and grabbing his glass, before raising it:: A toast, to the crew, old and new, of StarBase One-One-Eight!
Any: Response
Ryden watched Gogi exit the stage area with spring in his step, the warmth and pride in the Bardeezan’s expression impossible to miss. The celebration had only just begun, but the ceremony had already left its mark.-----
Lieutenant JG Ryden Tarus Kel
Medical Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240109RK1
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