Lieutenant Alyndra Syrex - Tales of a Farm Churro Vendor

[Alyndra Syrex]

((‘Disco Inferno’ Roller Arena, The Farm, Endicronimas V))

 

Walking into the Disco Inferno Roller Arena, Alyndra found herself overflowing with a mixture of different, and conflicting emotions. Seeing her new workplace overflowing with her old colleagues and knowing that everyone except her would be leaving soon was overwhelming. Still, at least it gave her a space to associate with the crew. When she was homesick, she could always come here and see them in her minds eye.

 

Tonight, she wouldn’t worry about Vylax, or joining or jobs. She’d just focus on making memories.

 

At the head of the rink, Karrod and Raga stood valiantly, the crew instinctively falling in to listen to what they had to say.

Niac:  It’s a pleasure to see you all together once again.  I believe we owe the staff of The Farm our compliments, it certainly seems to have lived up to its restorative reputation.  Up until I put these ridiculous roller-wheels on, I was the most relaxed I’d been in months.  

 

For a moment it seemed like Karrod was shrinking when it looked like he was beginning to slide slightly down from the lectern, before he awkwardly repositioned himself. Alyndra smiled to herself, rolling her eye. She knew she was going to miss this.

 

Niac:  In the interests of conducting our business here today before I need to avail myself of medical care, I’ll be as brief as reasonably possible considering the broad scope of your recent accomplishments.  Because of you…because of your steady nerve in the face of a horrific attack…because of your focus under pressure…because of your dedication to one another…the embers of a grave threat to the Federation were extinguished before they could ignite an inferno.  You have once again stymied the plans of a ruthless organization and shown them that Starfleet stands firm against terror for profit, against opportunistic brutality, and against anything that would reduce life to an expendable asset.  

 

Her face fell slightly at the jarring emphasis Karrod had placed on those last few words. At least it seemed that he had course-corrected himself, as he took a moment to calm himself. Though secretly, Alyndra wouldn’t have blamed him for beginning to shout. What the Consortium had done to the Compass Rose, and to her crew was not only downright evil. It was unforgivable.

Niac:  To that end, each member of this crew is receiving a Silver Lifesaving Ribbon for your efforts to save our brothers and sisters from the Compass Rose.  Let it be a reminder to you of the souls you were able to make safe…and all those others who will forever remain on patrol in the Kappa 214 system.  In addition, based on my discussions with Starfleet Medical and owing to the incredibly unusual nature of the information we were able to uncover during the course of our mission, the whole crew will be receiving the Scientific Discovery Ribbon.  You demonstrated once again that knowledge is the ultimate power and, in this case, used it to neutralize an insidious threat.  Lastly and with the knowledge that each and every one of you suffered a level of exposure to a weapon that was, until very recently, invariably deadly…each member of this crew is awarded yet another purple heart to add to their ever growing collection.  I believe several people have earned enough to redeem them for prizes, which are available in a variety of colors at a small stand off in the corner of this facility.  

He gestured to a prize booth in the far corner. A pleasant looking Andorian smiled, waving back. Alyndra smiled too, at least now she could trade in her forth purple heart for a teddy.

 

Niac:  While everyone contributed greatly to the outcome of our mission, there are a few officers among us who distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties under extraordinary duress.  Lt. Commanders Quentin Beck and V’Len Kel, Lieutenant Alyndra Syrex and Lieutenant Junior Grade Roxanne Queen, please step…or roll…forward.  

 

Alyndra pushed from the ground, rolling over to where everyone was standing.

Syrex: You rang.

Beck/Kel/Rox:  Response

Niac:  For your extraordinary work in developing a treatment for this illness and protecting all of us…and the larger Federation…from the threat it represented, it is my sincere pleasure to award you the Medical Science Ribbon.  Congratulations and, on behalf of everyone here, thank you.  We would not be here today without your efforts.  

 

Although she happily accepted the ribbon, she hardly considered wandering around the Oberth before passing out in Om-Zoras arms helping. Sure, the data may have been useful, but she didn’t collect any of it, she only retrieved and shared what the crew unfortunately could not.

 

Syrex: Thank you sir.

Beck/Kel/Rox:  Response

Niac:  While our medical personnel were distinguishing themselves, let us remember that they did not crack this problem alone.  Lieutenant Commander Marty Tucker, Lieutenant Junior Grade Tess Evinrude…front and center.  

(Timeskip)

Niac:  Every time we gather like this I am reminded of my incredible good fortune…that I am in command of a crew who I can rely on completely, whom I can delegate impossible duties to that get accomplished with grace and speed time after time.  With that in mind I would like to take a moment to recognize the efforts of our team leaders, who in spite of circumstances that bordered on the grotesquely surreal, kept level heads and made smart, effective decisions.  Commander Toryn Raga, Lieutenant Alyndra Syrex and Lieutenant Jack Kessler…please join me.  

Raga: As I was already here. ::he shrugged:: 

 

Alyndra had almost found her way back to her corner, when unexpectedly her name was called once more. Half-shyly, she once again requested passage through the crowd. Being greeted by the same faces she’d only just asked to let her pass a few moments ago.

 

Syrex: Excuse me, sorry. Excuse me…

Kessler: Response

 

She could feel her face bright red as she stepped back onto the stage, thankfully not having missed whatever she’d been called back up for.

Niac: I have come to rely on each of you and have found that you possess all the qualities that Starfleet hopes to nurture in its future leadership.  You’re calm, thoughtful, compassionate, creative and decisive when the moment calls for it.  Your colleagues look to you for guidance and for inspiration and, during a crisis, for hope.  You dispensed all that and more, and have continued to do so ever since.  With that in mind you have each been awarded the Leadership Excellent Ribbon…congratulations.

Raga: Just doing what needed to be done while our Captain was trying to get himself killed. ::he said dryly with a sideways feigned glower at Karrod:: 

Syrex:  All in the job description. Happy to serve.

 

Kessler: Response

 

The crowd applauded, as Alyndra stepped back down from the stage. This time, she decided to stay nearer the front. Not out of being presumptuous, but rather to avoid the awkwardness that had ensued the last time she’d needed to wade through the crowd.

Until she saw a small churro stand, which obviously took priority. Smiling, she slid herself in position next to the stand like a small child excited for sugar.

Syrex:  Hi, one churro please.

 

Churro Vendor: Would you like to take advantage of our friends and family loyalty scheme?

 

Syrex: Hey… ::Laughs:: Whatever gets the churro in me faster.

The vendor laughed slightly turning around to fetch Alyndra a churro. Alyndra meanwhile gazed at the toppings. Chocolate… Sprinkles… Nuts… Why did her mouth suddenly feel so juicy?

Niac:  Don’t go anywhere Ensign, there is one further matter to be resolved.  After examining your service record from your prior postings and seeing for myself the high degree of skill which you’ve brought to Ronin, I have been forced to conclude that you cannot serve aboard my ship as an Ensign any longer.  To that end…Commander Raga has a small addition for your uniform.  ::He nodded and Toryn produced a small wooden box from within his uniform jacket.::  It is my great pleasure to promote you, Ensign Renaie Shortrith, to Lieutenant Junior Grade with all the rights and responsibilities befitting of that rank.  Congratulations Lieutenant!  

 

Her ears perked. Who’d been promoted?

 

As her eyes adjusted to the bright spotlights of the stage from the dark surroundings of the churro stand, her curiosity turned to genuine pleasure as she saw her Klingon friend or more formally “Lieutenant Shortrith”.

 

Syrex: ::Under her breath:: Has a nice ring to it… Nicely done…

 

Churro Vendor: Here you are Ma’am.

 

Sweetness filled Alyndra’s nostrils as she turned back to the stand. In that moment, she didn’t feel like she needed anything else. Her friend was moving up in the ranks and she had a steaming hot churro in her hand. The roller rink wouldn’t know what was about to hit them. One last night of fun with the Ronin was on.

 

 

 

TAG / End Scene for Alyndra Syrex

Lieutenant Dr Alyndra Syrex MD

Head of Juvenile Health

The Farm (Endicronimas V)

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