[Awards] Cmdr. Herrick - Optimistic Horizons (Part 3)
Mark P
((Everfree Tidal Hall, The Capital, Seda))
The recognition ceremony marking their recent adventure to the Vexilon system was, for Josh, equal parts satisfying and nerve-racking.
On one hand, it neatly bookended the chaos of the mission and his time as acting captain. On the other, it served as a very public reminder that success had been the product of a unified crew: officers who had trusted his judgment even when that judgment had placed the Thor and everyone aboard her at considerable risk. Despite the third pip now settled on his collar, he couldn’t help but wonder whether the crew’s confidence in him truly mirrored Trake’s. Perhaps he’d find the answer as he made his rounds.
A few steps from the dais sat the table of Operations Division, his alma mater. Three ornate presentation boxes were carefully tucked beneath his left arm as he approached, his expression set in what he hoped passed for an easy, reassuring smile. A glance toward Ral sparked a passing thought: the man could probably read the nervous energy radiating off him. As a server drifted by, bottles clinking softly with a familiar, fizzy beverage from the festival, Josh took one and allowed himself a measured sip.
oO Steady on Josh Oo
Herrick: And, how are you all doing tonight?
Tam/Caras/Ral: Response
He set the bottle aside, shaking his head with a polite decline as someone gestured toward an especially adventurous-looking appetizer.
Herrick: Perhaps in a bit. First, I have some official ships’ business here.
Tam/Caras/Ral: Response
Herrick: :with a half-smirk:: Not that... though if you’re organizing one, I’m not opposed. ::setting the boxes down on the table:: I had something more… pinnable in mind. Lieutenant Commander Tam, if you would.
He motioned for her to stand while also selecting one of the ornate boxes that held her awards.
Herrick: Divya Tam, just some of your accomplishments over the last mission include identifying the EM pattern, which led to our eventual communication with the UV beings in space, and establishing precautionary defensive shielding to prohibit them from entering the Thor once it was discovered that they seemed aggressive. You also were an exemplary leader during the initial stages of the investigation, planetside at the outpost. From what I understand, it wasn’t the easiest group to extract answers from.
Tam: Response (optional)
He opened the box, revealing three neatly arranged ribbons.
Herrick: I hereby award you the Innovation Ribbon and the Leadership Excellence Ribbon. Additionally, you’ve been leading your department for a period of six months and have more than earned your Department Chief Ribbon as well. Congratulations.
He extended a firm, respectful handshake.
Tam/Any: Response
Next up, Morro. Josh had debated letting Sevantha take on this particular set of ribbons, but abdicating responsibility was not a hallmark of a future captain, and he decided to bear through the discomfort.
Herrick: Lieutenant Commander Caras.
He nodded, tilting his head to the place where Tam had stood.
Herrick: Your team finished off the investigation down at that same outpost, discovering the location of Lieutenant Resh, gleaning insight from your interrogation with them, and then the subsequent appearance of the Heirophants. Without these actions, we would not have evacuated the outpost and our losses would have been significantly higher.
He took the second box of the table, and it revealed another trio of pins once opened.
Herrick: As a result, you’ve earned the Starfleet Investigation and Gold Lifesaving Ribbons. You’ve also served as a Chief Engineer for over six months, and have also earned your well-deserved Department Chief Ribbon.
Another extension of the hand, the first officer hoped that Morro would take it.
Caras/Any: Response
Left on the table was one final box for their resident a-Cheng that had been on the bridge with him. He’d not spent too much time with the man, resolving to remedy that when he could.
Herrick: Next up, Lieutenant Ral.
He politely held out his hand, indicating for him to stand in the place Morro had just vacated.
Herrick: It isn’t every day that an engineer spends his time in Sickbay uninjured, working to help cure an unknown affliction. But, you did so by fully leaning in and helping combine engineering and biological sciences to fully remedy the affected outpost residents and most of the crew. I’ve already forwarded the use case of the transporters off to the Corps for further research and evaluation for medical applications.
Ral: Response (optional)
Josh opened the final box, revealing its contents.
Herrick: In recognition of your leadership and adaptability, it is my honour to award you the Excellence in Adaptability Ribbon, the Innovation Ribbon, and the Spliced Mainbrain Distinction Ribbon.
Once more, he offered a handshake.
Ral/Any: Response
Herrick: Congratulations again, all around. Each of you brings unique talent to the Thor, and we are all the better for having you aboard.
His gaze shifted toward Sevantha, who appeared to be wrapping up her own presentations and was mercifully on her way over before Josh could inadvertently say something that might spark another incident with a freshly promoted chief.
Herrick: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to continue my rounds. But, please don’t hesitate to grab me afterward.
Tam/Caras/Ral: Response
[[To Be Continued…]]
