[Awards] Cmdr. Herrick and Lt. Cmdr. Saa - Optimistic Horizons (Part 4)

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Sevantha Saa

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Jan 18, 2026, 4:45:25 PMJan 18

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((Everfree Tidal Hall, The Capital, Seda))

The pair now made it to the remaining table before they’d retake the dais for one last announcement of the evening. The rather diverse group was casually chatting away.

While the lingering fizz of the local drink had helped dull Josh’s nerves, standing beside his number one from the previous mission proved far more effective. Sevantha had been steadily helping him work through his lingering telepathic aversion, and in the process, their professional rapport had deepened into something quietly solid.

Standing at his side, Sevantha Saa glanced in his direction with a small smile, finishing up her own drink before she set it on a passing by floating tray taking away empty dishes.

Saa: Now for the red and blacks.

On approach, Sevantha lifted her wrist to activate her holographic wave table and set down the four coral boxes between Herrick and herself, each of the officers’ names burned into the top.

Saa: Good evening everyone, hopefully everyone has been enjoying themselves so far?

Naledi/Vharo/Meris/Kreshkova/Więcek: Response

Herrick: After a much-extended and very high-powered sonic shower, I can say with near certainty that I’m paint-free. ::glancing briefly toward Aleks, then back to the table: Still, definitely an experience to remember.

Naledi/Vharo/Meris/Kreshkova/Więcek: Response

Saa: We are happy to have you back on board, Lieutenant.

Więcek: Response

Pleasantries exchanged, they turned to the real reason for their brief stop. Josh’s gaze lingered on the colorful coral boxes, each holding ribbons that represented long hours, difficult calls, and moments of quiet resolve. Sevantha had chosen well—something local, something lasting. A tangible reminder of time spent on Seda.

Locating the box marked with the name of a certain green-haired officer, Josh picked it up and gestured for her to join him.

Herrick: Lieutenant Commander Kreshkova, you played a critical role in devising the solution that kept the Thor from being flung across space -- dropping anchor, as it were -- allowing us to remain on station and continue our investigation. Beyond that, you helped establish positive relations with the entity we came to call Bio. The time and care you invested ultimately led to their assistance in preventing a us-versus-them conflict with the negative UV beings.

He offered a faint, approving smile.

Herrick: Frankly, you could put some diplomats out of a job with how smoothly you handled it.

Kreshkova: (Optional)

Herrick: And with that, I’m pleased to award you the Innovation Ribbon, Diplomacy Ribbon and First Contact Ribbon. ::holding out his hand:: Well done with your first official showing as mission specialist.

Kreshkova/Any: Response

Next up was the big bug; eight years old, recently spotted roaming a corridor in Santa attire, and easily one of the most distinctive individuals aboard. Josh shifted his attention from the five-foot specialist to the newly appointed seven-foot director, motioning for him to stand.

Herrick: Lieutenant Commander Naledi, the investigation down on the planet wasn’t without danger. Not only did you have to contend with unstable elements and officers, but the Hierophancy also made an appearance. Your work uncovered that the outpost would be ‘cleaned’ away, and the resulting evacuation ensured we avoided a mass casualty event and collected more intelligence on how this unknown and aggressive force operates.

He inclined his head slightly.

Herrick: Not a bad day for intelligence work.

Naledi: Optional

Josh located the box with Naledi’s name on it and picked it up.

Herrick: In recognition of your performance, you are awarded the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon, the Diplomacy Ribbon, and the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon.

He extended his hand toward the Xindi.

Naledi/Any: Response

Herrick: I’ll turn the next few over to Commander Saa.

Fingers traced along the top of the box with the name "Vharo" etched into the coral. Plucking up the box, she turned to face the Matron trained Orion, their newest intelligence officer. A proud smile on her features.

Saa: Ensign Saeihra Vharo, it was not so long ago I had the honor of seeing you earn that first pip, and I am happy to see your potential expand as your uniform changes from gold to black.

Vharo: Response

Cautiously she opened the box and looked inside, then looked up at Saeihra warmly.

Saa: Down in the Outpost's sickbay, you discovered the start of a series of inconsistencies in shippings and substandard security protocols. ::She looks to Meris then to Vharo:: Your work also discovered an important microscopic sensor disturbance, and in a demonstration of excellent teamwork with Lieutenant Meris, your deflector set up saved your shuttle from taking a direct hit.

She spun the box around and revealed three ribbons that she proudly prepared to announce to Ensign Vharo.

Saa: For that, Starfleet awards you with the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon, the Innovation Ribbon, and Good Conduct Ribbon. ::She bows to Vharo:: Congratulations, Ensign, and thank you for always looking out for your crewmates.

Vharo: Response

Saa: ::Softly:: But do not forget to take care of yourself also, which means checking into sickbay after injury.

Vharo: Response

A brow raised in Vharo’s direction playfully before shifting her focus to the last member at the table.

The holographic wave table rolled in to offer the Lieutenant Commander the last box addressed to the newly minted Lieutenant Meris. Carefully, she cradled the box in her hand, and turned to face the J'naii helmsman with a smile.

Saa: Lieutenant Meris, you had quite the adventure I hear during your time in and out of subspace.

Meris: Response

Saa: Many forget the vast wellspring of knowledge it takes to be a Helmsman, the numerous calculations one has to do in their head to set courses, safely navigate warp shifts and bubbles, avoid dangers, the develop a familiarity with the unpredictable nature of space ::She carefully opens the box:: There is a reason many captains have started their careers in the pilot's chair.

Her eyes settled on the three ribbons, noting each and the accolade attached silently before she presented it.

Saa: Lieutenant Meris, your identification of the naturally occurring subspace particle fountain and it's eruptions, and the thinning boundary showed an expertise in your skill set that deserves recognition, as well as your astounding teamwork with Ensign Vharo to defend your vessel.

Meris (Optional): Response

Saa: Starfleet and the Command team of the USS Thor are proud to present you with the Spliced-Mainbrain Distinction, the Innovation Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Ribbon. ::extending the box out for them to take.:: Congratulations, and thank you for helping see our crew home.

Meris: Response.

Saa: Congratulations to all of you.

Bowing to their Strategic Operations and Command Divisions, she offered them her respect and gratitude before stepping back to rejoin Herrick at his side.

There was only one part left to go, and for that, Sevantha gestured towards the stage once with a slight wave of her hand.

Saa: Shall we?

Herrick: Onward and upward!

[[To Be Continued…]]

—

Commander Josh Herrick

First Officer

USS Thor

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he/him/his (player/character)