Cmdr. Promontory, Lt. Cmdr. Herrick, Lt. Cmdr Saa: Maskwards (Part 1)
Avander Promontory
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
There were some misunderstandings that even the Universal Translator couldn’t solve. When the announcement went out for the awards ceremony with the words “Fancy Dress Required” the command team had been inundated with follow-up questions about appropriate costumes. The first instinct was to walk it back and clarify that the expectation was Dress Uniforms, but so many officers had seemed genuinely excited about the prospect that eventually they just gave in and billed the awards ceremony as a Masquerade.
Promontory: Are you ready for this?
They stood off to the side of the dias. Trake was draped in red and black with a mask and half cape reminiscent of his command uniform but with sharp vertical lines and a gold belt.
Sevantha had chosen a flowing light blue dress, with a long cape, with a white metallic mask with inlaid blue gems with eye-framing chains. The Betazoid usually liked to be more prepared for such occasions, but the change of plans had meant quick costuming. She acknowledged that speaking in front of everyone was more nerve-wracking, but this was part of the job, ensuring the crew received proper recognition.
Saa: I am… ::hands smoothed her dress and then fixed her cape:: A few first-time butterflies.
Was Josh? There was a certain weight as he looked out into the crowd. The bulk of the crowd was now closer to acquaintances than strangers from when he first boarded the Thor. Two months had flown by, and getting to know 750 crewmen was a mission in itself. He inhaled, the costume a physical representation of how he felt — that these people only knew a portion of him.
Herrick: (inhaling) As ready as I’ll ever be.
They stepped up to the podium and, on cue, the lights in the room shifted, dimming on the assembled tables of officers and brightening at the podium. Trake squared up to the lectern and took off his mask.
Promontory: My esteemed officers and crew… (looking at Seventha and Josh) Asgardians. I want to personally thank each one of you for making this first mission of the Thor’s relaunch memorable and successful. In the intervening weeks since we’ve returned, the governments of the Solace System have not only opened up a dialogue with the Federation, but are now planning a major summit here, on Deep Space 14. The rediscovery of distant cousins from the original Earth has galvanized the population and I am optimistic that we have made fast friends in the Hinterreach.
Trake checked his notes. There were a lot of awards to get to and he didn’t have unlimited time for long speeches.
Promontory: I won’t take the whole night, but if I could indulge a few more minutes of your time, I’d like to formally honor the crew.
With a dramatic flair, Trake raised his arm and snapped. Scores of holographic images of the Commander appeared, one at each table. A moment later transporter energy swirled and placed wooden boxes with the Starfleet delta carved on the outside into each of the holograms' arms.
Promontory: It gives me great pleasure to present to each of you the Legacy Ribbon and the First Contact Ribbon.
Trake waited a moment as his holographic counterparts opened their boxes and distributed one of each ribbon to each crewmember. When that was completed, they dissipated.
Promontory: Next, I want to give a special acknowledgement to my first and second officers. They are a fine command team and have proven themselves capable of handling complex and changing situations, all whilst living up to the highest ideals of the Federation. I am pleased to present to them the Leadership Excellence and Peacekeeper Ribbons, for their deft handling of a complex cosmo-political situation and ensuring there is still a Solace system to enjoy the new peace.
He presented the ribbons in short order, electing to simply hand the awards to the officers, since they were technically out of uniform and then led the room in a round of applause.
Graciously, Sevantha dipped her head to Trake, while doing a small curtsy and then rising to take the ribbons from the Captain. Josh took the pair of boxes, smiling and giving an appreciative nod, but there was more.
Promontory: Also, Commander Herrick has earned a POW ribbon–not his first, as I understand.
Herrick: (quietly) Thank you, Captain.
Despite how hard he tried, it seemed some invisible force was intent on his perpetual kidnapping. One more ribbon exchanged hands, and then Trake returned to the podium.
Promontory: And now, if I could have Lieutenants Tam and Nera join us on the podium.
The lights expanded again to highlight all five officers on the dais.
Promontory: I have here (vaguely gesturing to a PADD) several commendations in your files from your previous COs. In addition to their recommendations, both the XO and 2nd officers speak highly of your performances. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present you with these additional pips.
He nodded to Sevantha and Josh, who each had a pip box. The pair stepped out, turning towards each officer: Saa in front of Ay and Herrick in front of Tam. With broad smiles, each of them lifted the lid of the boxes; one containing a hollow pip for the Barzan and one of solid gold for the Bajoran.
Saa: Congratulations, Nera. ::She steps back and speaks quietly:: Though don’t run off too fast, one more announcement for you.
Nera: Response
As their Head of Health conversed with their new medical chief, Josh did the same with their ops chief.
Herrick: Welcome to the club, Tam. Great work on Selene.
Tam: Response
When the pair of command officers re-flanked their CO, he spoke to the crowd again.
Promontory: (to the audience) May I present to you Lieutenant Commander Tam and Lieutenant Nera!
The room erupted in a round of thunderous claps.
Promontory: Before we let them go, I’d also like to announce that Dr. Nera has also accepted the role of Acting Chief Medical Officer.
Trake initiated another round of applause.
Promontory: Thank you. And now we’ll let you get on with your dinners, but if you’ll indulge your command team, we’ll continue to present individual ribbons at your respective tables!
The house lights came up, and the three officers collected stacks of ribbon boxes and dispersed amongst the crowd.
END PART ONE/Awards TBC