JP Captain Karrod Niac & Cmdr Toryn Raga - Well Deserved Recognition, Part I
Rameses
(( The 47 Lounge, Deck 4 Section 7 Starboard, USS Ronin ))
Toryn absently rubbed the collar of his dress whites and the new pip that weighted it down along with the others that had been there already. He was now a full Commander rank and it felt only right that he now get to help spread the same recognition and well deserved accolades for this wonderful crew.
Raga: I refuse to be the only one getting shinies today, so I hope you’re ready to hand out a lot of boxes.
Karrod chuckled and picked at a non-existent bit of lint on his XO’s uniform.
Niac: The crew deserves it even if their First Officer has no respect for uniform guidelines.
The Al-Leyan shared a smirk with his friend and Captain before he looked out at the lounge and stepped up to the edge of the pagoda’s stage. He cleared his throat and deeply projected his voice for all to hear.
Raga: If I could have everyone’s attention, please.
Toryn glanced over at a couple of the crew who helped run the lounge and nodded. The pair grabbed large sticks with padded ends that looked like cotton swabs and proceeded to bang them on a single large and slightly slanted drum a few times.
Niac: As the newly promoted Commander lead you all so capably during the Ronin’s last mission I felt it only right that he be given the opportunity to acknowledge and award the officers and crew who served him so well. Commander Raga…the floor is yours.
Raga: Thank you. I know this passed mission took its toll on all of us, but as we’ve already had our memorial for the fallen I won’t digress. This moment is for us, for all of you who’ve come through something that can make or break a crew. And I’m proud to see that we have.
Karrod smiled and barked out the ship's unofficial slogan.
Niac: Ronin Strong!
The assembled crew shouted back forcefully with a mix of cheers and applause.
A curtain behind them parted and a long table covered in rosewood boxes stacked the surface of it was on display. Toryn looked back over the throng of familiar faces he’d come to know, live and work with for several months now.
Raga: To that end we have some accolades to acknowledge this evening, so I’ll just get right to it. Firstly, because of our efforts in not only rescuing our own that had sadly been taken captive but also managing to free the prisoners being held by the Consortium from the various raided freighters, installations and colonies in the region we are all being honored with the Lifesaving Ribbon. Expect to find your ribbons in your quarters upon your return.
Niac: Your acts of heroism and selflessness reflect proudly on our ship and on its spirit.
Toryn let the crew’s applause subside after several moments, before he ceased his own, to cheer for one anothers accomplishment before he moved onto the next shared ribbon.
Raga: Because of our efforts in the aforementioned rescues, uncovering the true nature of the attacks made to frame Starfleet and for putting a stop to Wrath’s plans at great cost and risk of our own the entire crew is hereby awarded the Distinguished Service Ribbon. These too have been sent to your quarters. Congratulations.
Niac: Both the Lifesaving Ribbon and the Distinguished Service Ribbon are being awarded to all crew members, including those who will soon be finding their way to other postings in the fleet. I have informed their new CO and their personnel files will reflect the honors they are due.
The Al-Leyan was not looking forward to these next two but they were necessary to give out to all those who’d earned them. He himself had too many as far as his mate and closest friends were concerned. When the applause subsided once more he continued.
Raga: This next one is never pleasant to give out, although in our chosen line of work it is an eventuality. Though I hope never again on this scale. For the various wounds sustained in our efforts to halt the Consortium’s attacks in the region, all crew thus grievously wounded during our engagements are hereby awarded the Purple Heart.
He applauded along with his shipmates. While many only suffered minor to moderate wounds that were quickly mended far too many had spent a good deal of time in Sickbay or had sustained significant enough wounds to garner the medal.
Karrod looked towards the crowd and nodded in gratitude.
Niac: Your collective sacrifices made an enormous difference to the future of the Isles. While no award can wash away the pain many of you suffered I’d ask you to treat this as a reminder of how much worse things could’ve been for the civilians who you protected. Well done people.
Toryn glanced back at Karrod with a somber expression, they both knew which one was next and this one would be the most painful of all to give.
Raga: Lieutenant JG Vailani, could you please come up here? ::He also looked around the crowd and added:: Lieutenant Lorana as well please. ::He gestured to the space to his side::
Karrod kept his expression neutral but within he was filled with a pride that bordered on the paternal. Lt. Jg. Vailani had become something of a personal project for him and to see her excel in even the worst of circumstances was nothing short of heartwarming.
Niac: If you don’t get up here quickly Vailani you’ll be right back to the mess hall.
Vailani/Lorana: Response
He waited for the two women to approach the pagoda and stand to his side and then resumed.
Raga: As a recipient of this next ribbon I know first hand just how bittersweet it is to receive it. We face a lot of dangers doing what we do, few of which can be as harrowing as being at the mercy of those who care little for your wellbeing. To that end, Lieutenant JG Vailani and Ensign Vomek have been awarded the Prisoner of War Ribbon. Mr. Vomek’s will be waiting for him on the Chin’toka.
Niac: Congratulations, Lt. Jg. Vailani. You have my personal thanks for your bravery, your heroism and your poise under the most difficult of circumstances.
He leaned in and whispered low enough for only her to hear.
Niac: I’m proud of you, Zoyara.
His handshake was firm but lingered a moment before he released the young woman.
Toryn let the crew offer their support to the Bajoran woman, his own hands clapped in solidarity before he raised a hand once Karrod handed him the rosewood box and he placed it into her hands. He hadn’t dismissed her just yet.
Raga: There’s another of these to give out which is why you’re both up here. As this ribbon is a posthumous one. Awarded to Lieutenant JG Clara Quinn. While we will send it on to her next of kin as soon as we’re able I thought it only right that the two of you accept it on her behalf. ::He looked between the two of them:: As I am aware, you both have your own unique connection to her.
Niac: And we honor that loss through our shared grief and our memories of her. May you keep her memories bright for all the rest of your days.
Vailani/Lorana: Response
He gave both of them as much time as they needed to while Karrod handed over the rosewood box with the aforementioned ribbon within to him. One woman felt the weight of responsibility for Clara’s loss, however earned or not and the other had a personal connection. Neither of which were his place to state in the moment.
Toryn held the box out to the two of them with a somber yet sympathetic nod.
Raga: Thank you both. ::He offered a warm smile and gestured a dismissal:: Mister Tucker, can you please come forward?
Niac: If the warp core can spare you for a few minutes.
Tucker: Response
Toryn smiled at the engineer as he made his way up beside him and Karrod and was grateful to be moving on to the less dour recognitions.
Raga: One of the core values of Starfleet is ingenuity, being able to think on one's feet and adapt to and deal with new situations. For developing a method for us to be able to not only disrupt the spiderbots but also free the RoLFs from their subjugation to the Consortium, Lieutenant JG Tucker is given the Innovation Ribbon. Congratulations!
Toryn smiled at the Chief Engineer while the bearded Trill handed him the rosewood box with said ribbon within. He placed a hand on Tuck’s shoulder followed by a firm handshake as he gave the engineer his well deserved accolade.
Niac: Well done, Mr. Tucker. Your ability to keep this ship from falling apart has been challenged at every turn but you’ve risen to that challenge unfailingly. From all of us who enjoy breathable air and engines that go, you have our thanks.
Tucker: Response
=======================================
Captain Karrod Niac
Commanding Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
V239509GT0
&
Commander Toryn Raga
First Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
Writer ID: A239410TR0
https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Toryn_Raga