Ensign T’Fearne - Celebrations & Stardust
teayl.thorn
((Deck 7, Holodeck Main Level, USS Ronin))
Entering the holodeck felt like stepping into the heart of an ancient Betazoid pantheon. The stars stretched out in every direction, their light bathing the room in a celestial glow. Crew members, clad in their finest dress whites, mingled among the stars, the vastness of space surrounding them like a living tapestry. It was a surreal moment—a celebration not just of duty but of the very fabric that connected them all in their shared experiences.
T’Fearne moved silently through the crowd, almost swallowed by the shimmering nebulas and what looked like drifting dark matter that seemed to dampen the sounds of her footsteps. She nodded to a few familiar faces in the dim lighting as she tucked her tall frame into position in a crowd of ensigns, eager to catch the ceremony. Her eyes swept across projected stellar space, landing on the Captain and the XO, both standing at the podium.
The Captain's voice cut through the reverie, booming with a quiet, authoritative warmth that held the attention of everyone in the room.
Niac: Today is a day for celebration, ladies and gentlemen and non-gendered beings, and it’s a celebration I am proud to share with all of you. It has been more than a year now since we came together to launch this ship and in that time we’ve faced the unimaginable more times than I can count. We’ve faced enemies whose savagery was equaled only by their complete contempt for life. We’ve even run across people who are so desperate to change the present that they would risk meddling with the past to bring about their twisted vision for the future.
The scene in the holodeck shifted—an image of Bajor, once a vibrant jewel in the Alpha Quadrant, now a barren wasteland. The stars around them seemed to dim as if the system was still in the grip of Cardassian occupation. The weight of the moment pressed down on the crew as the Captain’s words continued.
Niac: Your efforts against the Pah Wraith cultists prevented this brave new world and while there are some lurking in the shadows who feel we should’ve stepped more lightly in the past, I proudly celebrate this victory and your contributions to it. With that in mind I am awarding the Defense of Temporal Flow ribbon to the whole of the crew for your selfless protection of the timeline and, in addition, awarding each of you with the United Federation of Planets Medal of Freedom, for your service in protection of a Federation member world. Congratulations to you all, these were hard earned and well deserved.
The applause was quick and sincere, but there was a sombre note beneath it—The security officer reflected on battles fought across time and the surface of Bajor as the crew strove to save the timeline and the toll it had taken on the crew, some more than others.
(( OOC: Skipping some patches of dialogue, for full story see JP: Captain Karrod Niac & Commander Toryn Raga - A Legacy In Starlight (Part 1) & (Part 2) ))
The Captain carried on with his victory speech, his tone smooth and composed, but beneath the polished surface, there was a subtle weight in his words that slowly pulled the room into a heavy silence. The crew, caught inexorably in the gravity of his speech, found themselves reflecting on the losses they had endured over the past year—the faces of those no longer with them, the battles that had taken so much. The ongoing struggle against the Lattice Alliance loomed in their minds, each victory feeling bittersweet. The collective mood of the crew shifted, a quiet reverence for the sacrifices that had been made and for the challenges that still lay ahead.
Niac: This is what you have accomplished…this is what your dedication to yourselves and to your duty has earned us. Worlds liberated and made safe. The borders of the Federation secured once more. An intractable enemy reminded that while we do not favor violence as a solution to our problems…we will meet theirs with a steadfast ferocity which has staggered empires and dominions for centuries. It has bought us…and billions of Federation citizens…a chance for a better, brighter future. That is why we celebrate today, my friends…because we have brought hope where there was none. For their tomorrows…we sacrificed our today. Our sacrifice…your sacrifice…deserves to be honored…and for that I have a few small bits of recognition to dispense before we find our way to the 47 Lounge. Mr. Raga, if you’d please.
The Commander stepped forward, his voice resonating with pride.
Raga: Ronin Strong. We say it often, because it has weight. That meaning, shared amongst all of us on this crew is why you are here. It’s why some of us aren’t. And it’s why you deserve these honors and accolades. ::he looked around the star filled room:: That being said, Ensigns T’Fearne and Syrex. Front and center please next to the Captain. ::he picked up two of the three rosewood boxes from the table for this::
T’Fearne's hybrid heart skipped a beat as her and Alyndra’s names were singled out. She stood tall as she moved toward the podium, meeting and standing beside the blond and the bearded Trills’.
Raga: The two of you, along with our accident prone CO, in the course of your ardent pursuit of duty were wounded. As such, Purple Hearts for the three of you. ::he handed the boxes to the two Ensigns with a smile, then slid the last box on the table closer to Karrod:: I hope that our Captain doesn’t lose any fights with gravity next time.
She accepted the rosewood box the Commander handed to her, obsidian eyes steady.
Laughter rippled through the crowd as T’Fearne shared a glance with Syrex, who murmured her thanks, looking just as surprised by the moment as she felt.
Syrex: Thank you sir, ::Solemnly:: It’s appreciated
T’Fearne: Thank you, Commander.
Niac: Thank you Commander…I’ll do what I can to watch my step in the future. Lt. Cmdr. Lorana, Chief Tucker, would you please join the Commander front and center?
Raga: Don’t worry, this is a good one. ::he smiled::
As the senior officers ascended to the awards table. The ensigns stepped back down from the stage, Syrex leaned towards T’Fearne, clenching her new, and second purple heart in her hands.
Syrex: ::Whispering to T’Fearne:: We’re going to have a collection soon, hey?
The Vulcazoid was slightly distracted, her mind briefly drifting to the growing collection of battle scars between them. She whispered back as they disturbed the path of several star systems and melted back into a nebula.
T’Fearne: Let’s try to keep to our rule! You keep us patched up, and I’ll try to prevent us from getting injured in the first place. Two of these each are already too many! :: Tapping fingers on the rosewood case containing a purple heart::
The security officer felt her jaw tighten with renewed determination as she patted her friend's shoulder. She would be better, she would work harder at her duty. A calm, logical part of her mind reminded her of the lesson that Kirsty had taught her very recently. She wasn’t responsible for the actions of others or for random accidents. Reluctantly she agreed with herself, but the fire of her determination was still lit.
((Slight summarising of events))
Commanders Lorrana and Tucker were each awarded with the Superior Support Ribbon, and then the captain mentioned a name that prompted T’Fearne to look around for its owner.
Niac: During our last mission we faced a crisis on three fronts yet, cut off from one another and from their commanding officer, each of us had to make hard decisions very quickly to prevent disaster from echoing down the timeline. No where was that more true than outside, inside and under the workshop of an entirely difficult poet so I would like to call Lt. Cmdr. Kirsty Carpenter to the front….assuming she can make it up here without getting lost in the process.
Raga: I can ask the computer for a cowbell if that’ll help.
Carpenter: I'll make do...this time, anyway, sirs.
The ensign turned toward her commanding officer's voice, watching as Kirsty Carpenter stepped forward from the crowd. T’Fearne felt a swell of appreciation for her.
Niac: Commander Carpenter, I know your journey here has not been without its own challenges but from the first day you set foot aboard this ship you have demonstrated confidence and competence in equal measure. You have inspired those around you and fought tirelessly to defend each and every member of this crew. For those reasons among so many others I am awarding you the Leadership Excellence ribbon. I’m sure the crew agrees that we all feel safer knowing you’re on our side.
Raga: Leadership. Excellence. ::he reiterated for her:: Remember that Commander, should you bump into a pair of Temporal headaches while they’re still on board.
Carpenter: I'll...I'll try to do that, sir. T-thank you, Commander. Captain.
The Chief gave a quick but resolutely sincere salute to them both and then turned back to her seat. From her position, T’Fearne could see her CO’s physical reaction as the applause from her crew started to cascade over her. T’Fearne joined in enthusiastically. She couldn’t help but admire Kirsty more and more with each passing day, for her leadership and for her ability to talk sense into strong-headed Vulcazoids.
The ceremony continued as the brightly plumaged Commander Dekas also received a well-deserved Unity Ribbon, and then the Captain called for Lt. Beck and Ensign Syrex to the front.
Niac: Ah yes…we have one other small matter to attend to before I unleash you all on the 47 Lounge’s overworked staff. Ensign Alyndra Syrex, Lieutenant Quentin Beck…front and center.
Alyndra’s surprise was palpable, just standing there, mouth slightly open. A smile pulled at her lips. T’Fearne gave the woman a slight push, but she wasn’t sure the Trill even noticed. Based on where they were at in the Awards Ceremony, the Vulcazoid had a strong suspicion of what her friend had earned.
Raga: Now. Unless you’d like to spend the night cleaning the mess.
The Commander's threats seemed to do the trick, and her roommate swayed forward and kept walking to join the senior officers. Alyndra and Beck shared a murmured conversation that was too quiet for her to catch, but it was clear he was offering encouragement. T’Fearne’s grin widened. She could feel the shift in the room, the anticipation building as the Captain began his next announcement, and she began looking around to find Sybil or Evinrude to share in this moment. One of the members of JOPA was about to be one step closer to a senior officer.
The captain’s smile was reassuring as he took the small wooden box from the ship's first officer and stepped towards her.
Niac: Ensign Syrex, in the time you have been with the Ronin you have demonstrated repeatedly that excellence knows no rank. You have grown in your duties, taken on greater and greater responsibilities and become someone who I believe represents the spirit of our ship in the very best of ways. Such conspicuous displays of competence and compassion have not gone unnoticed by your superior officers and it is for that reason, among so many others, that it is my privilege to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof. Congratulations, Lieutenant Syrex!
Raga: Congratulations, Lieutenant Syrex. You do us all proud.
Lieutenant Alyndra Syrex dazedly clutched her new pip.
Syrex: Tha… Thank you sirs! Expect more of the same and better!
T’Fearne joined her voice to the roar of applause in a clear alto shout, where she usually reserved herself to clapping, this time she was moved by pride for her friend and roommate.
T’Fearne: Congratulations, Lieutenant!
The implication wasn't lost on her. T’Fearne knew that their time as roommates was coming to an end. Alyndra was stepping into the next phase of her career, and T’Fearne could only feel pride.
Niac: Doctor Beck, there is little I can say that would not sound cliche for a man in your position whose duty to the health and wellbeing of others is so paramount to the ongoing operation of the ship. Since joining us your dedication to your duties, and to the people of the Ronin, has been exemplary and the sacrifices you’ve made in the line of duty only go to underscore just how deeply you’ve committed yourself to us. Many people in this room, myself included, would not be here today if not for your tireless efforts. Others, like the newly minted Lieutenant Syrex here, may not have grown into the officers they are without your steady guidance and support. For that reason, and with an eye to all you can accomplish in the future, I am proud to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander with all the privileges and responsibilities thereof. Congratulations, Commander Beck.
Raga: Congratulations indeed, Doc.
Beck: Thank you, sirs - I think you're both absolutely insane, but thank you.
As the Doc also received his hard-earned promotion, she lent her voice to the applause again. Thinking of how he had been one of the first aboard the ship to make time for her even though he had just inherited the position of acting CMO at the time. His reward was as well deserved as Syrex’s.
Niac: Celebrate yourselves, good people of the Ronin, for who knows what tomo….
The captain's communicator bleeped, leaving his sentence half-finished. She tuned out the private conversation and turned to those around her, waiting in anticipation as the captain turned to take the call and the XO remained where he stood.
Niac: =/\= Understood Lieutenant, change course for Proxima Sigma and advise them we’re on our way. I’ll be up in a few minutes. Niac out. =/\=
T’Fearne watched the Captain’s demeanour shift as he signed off, and with a nod to the room, he addressed them once more.
Niac: Apologies everyone but it seems the celebration will need to be postponed. Return to your stations…the Ronin is getting back to work.
A roar of approval rang out from the crew, ready to face whatever challenge came next. The scrambled emotions coming from the command staff and the crowd around her were almost useless, so she followed her orders and headed to the Security Complex. She suspected she wouldn’t have to wait long for the Chief to come back with something interesting for them. In the meantime, she thought it prudent to look up some basic information about Proxima Sigma.
[Tags! / End Scene for T’Fearne]
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14