Ensign Delphina Wren- Paths Ahead in Shadow
Grace McDermott
((Transporter Room 2, Deck 06, USS Ronin))
Delphina took a deep breath as they finally re-materialized aboard the Ronin, and she shook off her disappointment at Shore Leave’s conclusion. It had been a nice break, and while she certainly hadn't gotten to do everything she was hoping for, she'd still had a lovely time. And managed to avoid Mordren, which turned any outing into a win.
She glanced over the pad, realizing that she and Dahl weren't alone. Quite a few other people had arrived at the same time, and she smiled as she realized that T’Fearne and Shortrith were there as well.
T'Fearne: Renaie, Delphina. How was your shorleave? ::Ready to
Wren: It was lovely! I wish it had been maybe two and a half hours longer, but it's nice to be back aboard the Ronin. ::rapping gently on the nearby wall:: I'm sorry I wasn't able to see more of you all, though.
Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
T'Fearne: ::nodding to Renaie:: I’ll be dropping by Sickbay's later to check the security update is operating after I report in. Hopefully the infant proofing will prevent incidents like the toddler takeover during the last mission from happening again. I’ll see you there later?
Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
Delphina opened her mouth to say something when she heard a pointed cough from the transporter station. The officer in charge of getting people aboard was staring at them, and Delphina winced. All of them quickly moved off and Delphina waved goodbye to Dahl. As she did so, she became aware of a strange tightness in the air. She wasn't the only one put off by the sudden departure, there were quite a few people aboard partially wondering to themselves what was going on. Fragments of thought paced through Delphina's mind as people reflected her own unease.
However, before she could fully articulate what she was feeling, an announcement sounded throughout the ship's halls.
Niac: =/\= Attention all hands this is the Captain. I would apologize for our hasty departure from Lolagi IV but it seems like the Admiralty, in their infinite wisdom, have decided we've had more than enough recreation...or perhaps they've simply decided to cut us off after seeing the resorts invoices. Either way the celebratory luau we had planned will have to be rescheduled for a later date. We are on our way to intercept the USS Goodall and take aboard two specialists whom Starfleet Command have dispatched to supplement our crew for the purposes of this mission...I'm certain that once they're aboard and share details about our objectives you'll show them every courtesy and give them whatever support they require. All of that said, we have a few hours before our intercept with the Goodall so I'd like to take this time to confer some awards that we didn't have time to down on the planet. =/\=
oO specialists…? Oo Delphina shook her head a bit, pushing her concerns aside. Right now she should be more focused on celebrating the accomplishments of the crew, not getting caught up in her piqued interest.
Niac: =/\= You all served Acting Captain Kel with the kind of skill and poise I've come to rely on...and due to that, you averted a disaster that would've had far reaching ramifications for this galaxy and, very possibly, many more. To that end every member of this crew has been awarded both the Explorers Ribbon for your investigation of the anomaly and the Defense of Temporal Flow ribbon for preventing a disaster before it could begin. =/\=
Delphina felt a small flash of happiness at that. She'd heard about the ribbons back at the academy, but she'd never actually seen one, and the idea was very exciting for her.
Niac: =/\= For those of you who interacted with...or were assaulted by...Tholian forces from the Lattice Alliance...namely Lieutenants Shortrith, Evinrude and Ensign Wren, along with Lieutenant Kessler here on the bridge...you have been awarded the Tholian Campaign ribbon. While this is a recognition of your service in the defense of the Federation against an antagonist who is as persistent as they are...shrill, the exceptional performance of your duties was a highlight in the mission reports and debriefings I've reviewed since coming back aboard. To that end...Chief Tucker & Lieutenant Shortrith...you have both been awarded the Leadership Excellence Ribbon for your composure and steady leadership during a crisis. And for your particularly exceptional heroics in defense of others both Lieutenant Kessler and Lt. JG Evinrude have been awarded the Starfleet Medal of Valor. Well done to all of you...and my personal thanks. I know the senior staff shares my opinion that your performed your duties with truly exceptional skill and bravery. Oh and there's two more...small matters. =/\=
Surprised at hearing her name, Delphina couldn't keep a small smile off her face. She didn't think she'd done anything really deserving of praise, but it was nice to be recognized. oO I should make a paper version for Remy….he didn't fight the Tholians but he was very brave when the ship was on red alert. Oo
T'Fearne: Well done and well deserved…and welcome to the fight with the Lattice Alliance.
Wren: ::softly, as Niac is still talking:: thank you
Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
Niac: =/\= While many of you know by now that Mr. Kel has been promoted to the rank of Commander, I want to take a moment to celebrate this enormous milestone...as he accomplished more in his first time in the big chair than some CO's do in their whole career. I have no doubt that someday soon he will bring the skill, cleverness and composure he demonstrated in Ross-580 to his own command...but until then we continue to reap the benefit of his wisdom and his talent. Once again V'Len...well done. =/\=
Delphina joined the applause eagerly, and she made a mental note to give him a gift later to celebrate. He'd been a great captain, even if he hadn't expected such an intense sojourn. He'd definitely met the challenge head on, and she was pretty sure that, should he earn his way to captain, whichever ship had him would be fortunate.
Niac: =/\= Lastly...Mr. Kel is not the only one who has continued to over-perform in their time aboard the Ronin and it gives me enormous pleasure to see another of our talented junior officers taking a step further along in their careers. Since joining us as their very first posting, this officer has continually and repeatedly demonstrated an almost supernatural ability to navigate difficult and dangerous situations while defending the lives of their crewmates and all those we are called to protect. So to that end and with the full support of the senior staff I am proud to announce the promotion of Lt. Jg. T'Fearne Elaazni to the rank of full Lieutenant, with all the rights and responsibilities there of. Congratulations Lieutenant...there's a pip waiting in my Ready Room for you. =/\=
Niac: =/\= I'm reminded in this moment of the wisdom of some of our predecessors, from an era when the exploration of space meant dangerous journeys just to reach the world's nearest moon. I believe it was a human explorer who said 'I have two Outlooks and neither is working...' and I've always felt that was profoundly wise...when that early pioneer was confronted by the unknown, when his outlook was challenged by the unexpected, he recognized it and adapted. He grew. He rose to the challenge of his era just as you have risen to the challenges of yours. I have never served with a more competent group of officers than those among this crew so I know that, no matter what our forthcoming mission has in store for us, we will rise to the challenge as we always do. Ronin Strong. That is all. =/\=
T'Fearne: ::mermering:: Ronin Strong.
Wren: Congratulations!! That is so great!! We-oop
She jumped a little as Shortrith went in for the hug, hiding a grin as she watched T’Fearne's eyes widen.
Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
T'Fearne: ::slightly breathless, very touched and throat a little tight:: Thank…. Put…down, …Renaie!
Wren: ::giving a friendly pat on the shoulder:: The two of you did so well, you should be so proud!
T’Fearne/Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
Wren: oO I wonder what my path in Starfleet is… Oo
The thought wasn't exactly new to Delphina, but it wasn't the first time that she'd had it. For so long her path in life lacked real focus, after her parents had realized there was no way for her to enter the medical field. It was so ingrained in her parents and her brother that this was just what one did with their life that there wasn't really room for them to suggest anything else. She still remembered the day the psychiatrist had told her mothers that she wouldn't be able to cope with the mental strain of being a doctor or nurse, still remembered the heaviness that settled over the room as though she'd just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Twelve years of teaching her anatomy, wound care, symptoms, brain chemistry, all down the drain. The Wrens were doctors. It wasn't just a job to them.
So, now Delphina found herself wondering what she wanted out of the Ronin. She was already throwing herself into her work as much as possible, working for what seemed like endless days without a single night until she finished the task. The Ronin was like a living thing, with hundreds of gold-wearing blood cells that kept its system running, kept it alive. But what did she want in return?
Really, she wasn't sure. But she knew that she was happy for her friends.
Wren: I'm so happy for both of you ::hitching her bag up her shoulder:: We should do something to celebrate once the mission’s over!
T’Fearne/Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
Wren: ::a little awkwardly:: Oh, no it’s… I didn’t do much during that mission, I’m sure it’s just a formality ::nervous laugh, before returning her attention to Shortrith:: Honestly, you did great too! I heard that you and Beck are talking about your next steps?
T’Fearne/Shortrith/Evinrude: Response
[Tags / TBC]