Cmdr. Promontory, Lt. Cmdr. Herrick, Lt. Cmdr Saa: Maskwards (Part 3)
Sevantha Saa
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
“It's not the destination, it's the journey”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sevantha had taken the scenic route around the Observation Hall, admiring the styles everyone had chosen with their freedom of dress. Finally, she arrived at the table where the decked in blue crew were seated together. She took a breath and approached, standing near the place where the holographic Trake had appeared. Lifting a hand delicately, she emulated Trake’s iconic snap, only instead of holographic versions of herself appearing, the lighting in the room shifted and gave focus to the table belonging to the medical and science divisions.
Her eyes danced over the table as she took a moment to find her voice, recognizing each of the officers present and their respective plus ones if they brought them.
Saa: Science and medical carried a lot of weight on this mission. Researching the history of two worlds with roots on Earth, to the discoveries regarding the Moon Selene and its unique properties. And doing what Starfleet does best, help people. ::She smiles warmly:: And it is my pleasure to see those in blue and teal recognized for their efforts, I hope you don’t mind me taking a bit more of your time this evening?
DeVeau/Tito/Nera: Response
She had nine ribbon boxes, all with a Starfleet Delta imprinted onto the lid, sitting on a small side table that had appeared next to her in the scene shift. How they got there? Unknown. Although, someone with keen vision could see EMH-Pleasant casually sauntering away dressed in his medical dress uniform with a plain black opera mask over his features.
She first turned towards Lieutenant Vitor Tito, offering a polite bow of her head in a show of respect for an individual who’d been with her throughout much of the mission.
Saa: Lieutenant Vitor Tito, you followed a Commander you did not know, into a First Contact situation with a world that kept us on edge the entire time, as well as volunteered for one of the strangest social experiments I believe conducted by Starfleet without hesitation.
Her lips curled upwards, recalling Tito’s dramatics with the shattered glass.
Tito: Response
Saa: You were also responsible for the arrest of an attempted assassin, which is why we would like to award you with the Good Conduct Ribbon. ::opening the box to reveal the ribbon:: Perhaps a little paradoxical based on our work, but it is not every day that one apprehends an assassin.
Tito: Response
She reached to grab another of the boxes, fingers tracing over the engraved delta on the lids as she continued.
Saa: And because of your continued vigilance on Nova Terra, the USS Thor was able to assist both New Gaia and Nova Terra in uncovering roots of an extensive conspiracy, we award to you the Starfleet Investigation Ribbon. ::Motioning to their dress:: Usually I pin them, but since we’re out of uniform… you can keep the fancy boxes.
Tito: Response
Gracefully, she dipped her head and body in a polite curtsy before spinning towards Lieutenant Nera Ay, now sporting two full pips.
Saa: Lieutenant Nera Ay, our new Acting Chief Medical Officer, it’s already been a big day for you.
Nera: Response
Saa: Due to your discoveries on the distant moon Selene. ::Opening box:: The Command staff of the Thor presents to you the Explorer’s Ribbon. An award given to those who discover new species in the galaxy, something I believe every person at this table specifically believes to be part of the heart of Starfleet’s mission.
Her hand touched a second box.
Saa: As well as the Wilderness Deployment Ribbon.
Nera: Response
Then she moved her hand to trace along a third box.
Saa: And to complement both your work as a doctor and an explorer, we also present you with the Medical Science Ribbon, for your work with the Selenians and study of the microorganisms on the moon itself.
Nera: Response
Quietly, she looked between Alora and Nera, wondering if they had come up with a name for the species yet.
Saa: Considering your discovery, I believe you two along with Chief Tam, should start thinking about a name for the bioluminescent creatures.
Having now addressed Alora, Sevantha finally turned, her expression softening a little as reality hit her. There was something unreal about presenting one of the officers who had signed her graduation ticket with their ribbons. Briefly, the words caught themselves in her throat, trying to avoid questioning whether or not the Matriarch was proud of her. Funny, in absence of her own mother’s approval, she sought those who had guided her early career.
Finally she managed to wrangle the nerves as she smiled warmly at Alora.
Saa: Commander Alora DeVeau… I am not sure how rare it is for one of your cadets to get to pin their proctor with ribbons, but I admit, it is an honor to get to do this for many reasons.
DeVeau: Response
Saa: Commander, what your team discovered on Selene was more than what any of us could have suspected. Not only were there unknown species to be found, but there was a large population of very sick people that, had you not continued your pursuit, could have perished as a result. You guided your team with compassion and peace, seeking the best outcome for all parties.
Sevantha plucked the top box on a small three-stack triangle and turned to open it for Alora.
Saa: And that is why the Command Team of the Thor awards you the Leadership Excellence Ribbon.
DeVeau: Response
The jitters hadn’t entirely faded, but the light, the momentum kept her moving forward, pulled her from the cascades of emotions from both herself and the audience. Pressure formed diamonds after all. Carefully, she moved to the last three boxes, and opened them to reveal ribbons that matched Nera’s set.
Saa: We also award you, Alora DeVeau, the Explorer’s Ribbon and Wilderness Deployment ribbon for your time spent on Selene. ::Smiles:: I’ve heard it’s beautiful.
DeVeau: Response
Saa: And to top it off, we award you the Medical Science Ribbon for your continued scientific endeavors to assist the population of the moon despite our departure. ::looks at the Ribbons then up to Alora with a playful smile:: How many stars do you have on each of those?
DeVeau: Response
Clapping her hands together, the side table disappeared and the spotlight on the table faded, though EMH-Pleasant reappeared quickly at her side. Sevantha clearly leaned over to whisper something conspiratorially. He nodded and stepped away.
Saa: I apologise, as I must step away to finish arranging a few surprises, enjoy the dinner and drinks. ::She beams:: And don’t forget your party favors.
The gold rings in her eyes burned excitedly as looked at the table before turning to make her way back to her place at the front of the celebration, a childlike spark of joy revealing itself as she left.
END PART THREE