Cmdre. V’Airu, Lt. Col. Greaves, & Cmdr. Etan: The Golden Gate View, Part 4
Jacob Rittenhouse
As the trio headed for the next table with their stock of ribbons fully restored, the reflection of the setting sun shone from the Golden Gate Bridge through the wide windows and illuminated the next table.
Waiting at the table were representatives of the tactical and security departments, including tactical chief Kessler, the recently reactivated Richards, and the newest ensign, Tyber. Richards had been lucky (or unlucky?) to have missed their adventure in the twenty-third century, but Ossa strode confidently up to the table, along with Etan and Greaves – and the replenished ribbon boxes – with her sights set on Tyber and Kessler.
V’Airu: May we join you?
His voice was quick on the heels of Ossa’s with reassurances that had already been spoken at each table previously
Greaves: We’ll be a quick interruption, promise.
Tyber / Kessler / Richards: Responses
As the trio pulled up some chairs, Ossa looked out the corner of her eye at Greaves. He’d been head of tactical and security before Kessler had taken over the former, both on ‘Oumuamua and Thor, in addition to commanding the marine detachment and retaining his post of first officer. A lot for any one officer to manage! But he had always seemed to her to like the responsibility, and she wondered if a part of him would rather have been sitting at this table, rather than going on to whatever was next. If she was in his place, she certainly would’ve been feeling more than a hint of nostalgia.
She shook off her maudlin thoughts with a brief shake of her head, then smiled briefly at the table before accepting the first ribbon box from Greaves. Inside were a pair of ribbons, and she fixed Tyber with her gaze.
V’Airu: Tyber, I have made it a point this evening to recognize all the officers within our various departments, not only the chiefs, for their exemplary service – and yet your actions during the previous mission still stand out. You tirelessly supported both Kessler and the whole ship and crew with the time you spent off the Intrepid and on Gelf, and that magnificent effort, especially the time spent working with the Gelflings, has earned you the Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon. However, I also wish to recognize you with the model care you provided to the suffering Gelflings under your care, and I saw in the logs what you did for the Gelfling Grian’s mother in particular. I hope you’ll accept the Diplomacy Ribbon, as well, and may it be accompanied by many future citations. Congratulations.
Tyber: Response
Iljor had spent a great deal of time working alongside the new-ish security officer and he has proven time and again that he was a consummate professional. While he was still somewhat green, the XO knew that in time, the half-Klingon hybrid would be a valuable asset to the ‘Oumuamua’s mission in the Gamma Quadrant.
Etan: You were nothing short of spectacular on Gelf, Mr. Tyber. :: beat. :: Congratulations.
Greaves: Yes, congratulations
Kessler / Richards: Responses
As the table spoke and added their own congratulations, Ossa pinned the pair of ribbons to Tyber’s uniform. The Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon was again that striking mix of red, black, and silver with a single gold stripe, while the Diplomacy Ribbon was a bright mix of orange and purple.
V’Airu: Now, then, Kessler. (beat) What didn’t you have a hand in during this mission?
Light chuckles from around the table.
Kessler: Response
Wes faced the Commodore with mock seriousness in his tone.
Greaves: This is becoming a concerning pattern ma’am. At this rate he’s going to be coming for your job soon.
He held the expression for a moment for shooting a wink toward Jack.
Tyber / Richards: Responses
V’Airu: But in all seriousness, your outstanding service during our time on Intrepid and at Gelf is a credit to you. You managed not only to be one of the bridge officers I counted on for the deflection of the pulsar itself, you assisted on the ground in its aftermath to provide aid and comfort to the struggling Gelflings. As with Tyber, I wish to recognize you with the Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon for working with the Gelflings toward a positive outcome for the latter – and for the former, please accept the Innovation Ribbon.
She removed two of the four ribbons waiting in the box she’d accepted from Etan. The Innovation Ribbon’s stripes in blue and silver were familiar, as was the bold gold stripe of the Joint Meritorious Unit Ribbon.
V’Airu: You also found time to assist in the investigation regarding Rox’s role in sending us back to the Intrepid in 2265. And although I’m loath to recognize the importance of an investigation into one’s crewmate, I can’t deny how important it was to understand just who we were dealing with. Your work on that investigation was, again, outstanding, and for that I recognize you with the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon.
The many-blue-stripes-on-black joined the previous two on Kessler’s uniform as Ossa pinned him again.
Kessler: Response
Greaves: You’re one of our most dependable officers Jack. You earned those. Keep it up.
Tyber / Richards: Responses
V’Airu: No, no, one more. Kessler, the dedication and perseverance you bring to every task given to you – and many that you seek out – indicates that there’s a very bright future with you in the fleet. I understand from Etan, for example, that you and Promontory were those he selected to help with his bridge officer exam, and I echo his confidence that you will, before too long, undergo a similar examination yourself. For now, however, I hope that you will accept the Captain’s Commendation for the depth and breadth of your work this mission. (beat, small smile) You seem to be collecting this particular ribbon.
As the congratulations and thanks again broke out, Ossa pinned the fourth and final ribbon to Kessler’s uniform. The Captain’s Commendation was dark red with shades of black, and mirrored the color scheme of command red and black.
Kessler: Response
Iljor leaned forward and looked earnestly at the Tactical Officer.
Etan: On a personal note, Lieutenant- I want to thank you for accompanying me on my Bridge Officer Exam. You were an exemplary first officer and your advice was invaluable. :: beat :: I hope one day to be able to return the favour.
Kessler: Response.
Tyber / Richards: Responses
Once the congratulations were, for the moment, finished, Ossa and her companions again made their excuses and rose.
V’Airu: Please enjoy the rest of your evening and your suppers, and I’m sure we’ll catch up at the reception later.
Etan: Have a good night, gentlemen.
Greaves: We’ll see you later during the reception.
Kessler / Tyber / Richards: Responses
As the trio moved away again, back to collect their final ribbons before they retired to their own table, Ossa eyed the next table where they were bound. It was the table were the medical officers were sitting, as well as some staff – and Rox.
This was going to be tricky.
Tags! and TBC!
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Commodore Ossa V'Airu
Commanding Officer
USS 'Oumuamua
V238208LV0
she/her/hers (this character) & he/him/his (player)
&
Commander Etan Iljor
Executive Officer
USS ‘Oumuamua
NCC - 81226
C239203TW0
(they/them or he/him - IC and OOC)
&
Lieutenant Colonel Wes Greaves
Former Executive Officer
Former Marine Detachment Commander
USS Oumuamua NCC-81226
E239702WG0