[Awards] Cmdr. Herrick and Lt. Cmdr. Saa - Optimistic Horizons (Part 5)
Mark P
((Everfree Tidal Hall, The Capital, Seda))
The bulk of the awards had been distributed, a remarkable showing for the Thor’s second mission following reactivation. Whatever fractures and unfamiliar seams had existed when the crew first assembled were beginning to knit together. Federation training taught officers how to function as a unit, and experience taught them how to trust one another. That trust, forged shoulder-to-shoulder in uncertainty and pressure, was what truly bound a crew.
Sure, there were awkward dynamics. Josh wasn’t immune to those. But variety was the spice of life. Now, there was only one name left on his list.
Activating the nearly invisible mic patch at his collar, he stepped forward on the dais and looked out across the assembled crew of the USS Thor, minus the skeletal watch left behind to ensure the ship didn’t make an unscheduled departure.
Herrick: If I could borrow your attention again. We still have some unfinished business.
He looked over at the Thor’s second officer, who’d been his XO while Trake was stick handling residual pieces of diplomacy from their time in the Solace system. The new commander had rehearsed this moment more times than he could count. Still, rehearsals never quite captured the weight of the real thing.
Herrick: Lieutenant Commander Saa, front and center.
With a small exhale, she stepped forward as directed, studying him quietly. On stage he hid it well, but Sevantha could see the tells and feel the nervous energy around him.
Saa: ::softly:: You are masking your nerves well.
Herrick: Your support to me, ::looking out:: to the crew, ::looking back:: and to the outpost was beyond exemplary. We were dealt a rather unique and challenging hand, and I think that we can also safely say that you are often a safe harbour in rocky waters when it comes to the well-being of our crew.
He paused, mentally checking off the last of the points he’d committed to memory. Reaching for the ornate box atop the podium, he turned fully toward Sevantha.
Herrick: You and the team had to operate without backup while the Thor contended with the UV beings, along with making some tough calls along the way that stand up to scrutiny and resulted in the safety of a large number of people. It’s not easy being in command, but your actions have demonstrated you’re a proven leader and a capable first officer.
Even if it was only on a temporary basis, Josh had no doubt that when called upon, Sevantha would be an exceptional executive officer. Opening the box, he angled it toward her.
Herrick: As such, it’s my pleasure to award you the Superior Support Ribbon, the Gold Lifesaving Ribbon, and the Department Chief Ribbon for your service as Head of Health.
Accepting her box of ribbons, Sevantha held back her emotions from getting the better of her in front of the crowd, it felt so odd to be speaking in the capacity of First Officer, even if temporarily. Carefully, she set it down on the hard light wave table she had conjured throughout the evening, in exchange for the remaining one she had.
Saa: Commander Josh Herrick, taking up leadership in absence of our Captain, is never an easy position to be in. ::She smiled weakly:: You are not the first I have supported in the role, but you are the first to have asked me to be their Number One.
Opening the box, she stared down at the ribbons, then up at him.
Saa: Facing the unknown is never easy, especially as the Thor found itself dragged into subspace, engaged with two factions of the same unknown UV species... along with the Hierophancy interfering in Starfleet operations directly. ::Exhaling:: Leadership and responsibility are far from easy under pressure, and it's not just about doing it all yourself, but putting your faith in the crew to guide us through.
He bowed his head in appreciation. It felt odd to be recognized; in his mind, it was the crew's herculean effort that got them through this mission. When he played back the list of captains he’d served under – Promontory, Rouiancet, and V’Airu – he felt he didn’t hold a candle to any of them.
Herrick: My success… our success… It’s the direct result of us becoming a team.
He put on his best smile. Despite the imposter syndrome he felt, it was a privilege to be recognized.
Saa: Commander, on behalf of Starfleet, I have the honor of awarding you with the Legion of Merit and the Leadership Excellence Ribbon for guiding the USS Thor through this mission.
He spoke first to her.
Herrick: Thank you.
And then turned to the crew.
Herrick: (with emphasis) Thank you. All of you, for your support and service.
As he turned back, Sevantha hadn’t quite finished.
Saa: Also for your contact with both the UV and Bio entities, I am happy to also award you with the First Contact Ribbon.
Her fingers nimbly spun the box around to reveal the three ribbons to both him and the audience, before extending it out for Josh to take.
Saa: Congratulations, Commander Herrick.
Herrick: Hopefully, we made a new friend out here. oO The consequence still unknown Oo I appreciate it commander, thank you again.
Overwhelmed by the recognition, it was only her mention of the beings reminded him there was still one last item left before his portion of the evening was rounded off.
Herrick: For its actions in the Vexilon system, specifically the discovery and investigation of the UV entities, a previously unknown lifeform, the crew of the USS Thor is hereby awarded the Explorer Ribbon.
From seemingly empty air, a number of aerial spinners shimmered into view, previously concealed by advanced holography. Lithe and graceful, they descended upon the tables, hovering as they distributed blue-and-gold ribbons embossed with a large E at their center. Once their task was complete, they ascended skyward and vanished once more.
Saa: And while this concludes our awards ceremony, the locals of Seda have prepared a demonstration of pyro-acrobatics to dazzle our minds and hearts. ::She lightly clasps her hands together:: However, one of the key musicians appears to have fallen ill.
Sevantha stared out into the audience of officers, her expression regretful, yet it did not last long. Swaying a little, the Betazoid’s expression shifted, and she lifted her hand to guard her eyes from the light, as if searching in the crowd for something or someone.
Saa: However, it was brought to my attention that we have three very talented musicians who made their debut at the festival grounds over this shore leave.
Herrick: Er…
This hadn’t been part of the planned itinerary or dress rehearsal.
Any: Response
Saa: Oh, yes, officers of the USS Thor please give a round of applause for...
Three spotlights erupted from the ceiling and fixed their beams onto three particular gentlemen.
Saa: Commander Josh Herrick, Lieutenants Nera Ay and Aleksander Wiecek, the people demand an encore! ::Gesturing behind her::The locals have even brought you instruments to play.
As a familiar Sedaran approached with his instrument, recognition flashed across his face, the smoocher. Panic flared, at least until she merely offered a playful smile and continued on her way.
Wiecek/Nera/Any: Response
She was months, if not nearly a year late to ever getting a prank off in JOPA. Sevantha had been the one member who had managed to sneak her way through being a witness and collaborator but never the instigator of pranks. The distant, uptight Betazoid didn't understand the concept back then, but now she did, and she took full advantage of it on the stage.
Saa: However, as this is a Federation formal event, you'll need to keep the majority of your clothing on this time, gentlemen.
Any: Response
Overhead, several rings with Seda dancers erupted into bright multicolored flames as the Sedan musicians started their rhythm.
And with the spotlight on the acting captain of the mission, Sevantha, the acting first officer, made her swift retreat into the crowd to dive behind a very tall Orion she could easily disappear behind while the spectacle and impromptu concert took over.
[[End of Awards]]
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OOC: Once again, congratulations to everyone. Please feel free to continue simming your scenes and the awards until the conclusion of shore leave.
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Commander Josh Herrick
First Officer
USS Thor
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he/him/his (player/character)
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Lieutenant Commander Sevantha Saa
Counselor | Head of Health | Second Officer
USS Thor
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