Lt. Cmdr. Herrick: Maskwards (Part 2)
Mark P
(( Solar Sail Observation Hall, Deep Space 14 ))
Despite the fact that he had donned two new colours since being part of the broader Operations division, when he was chief engineer aboard the Butler, he always felt a kinsmenship with the team. Thus, when Trake had started divvying up the awards tables during their planning session, the first officer was pleased to see that he’d be making this particular stop.
Despite their fancy dress and masquerade costumes, he was now acquainted well enough with the crew to match their partially visible faces to names (he hoped), and was looking forward to celebrating the team’s success of the Thor’s first post-refit mission. While they were in no short supply of ribbons, each one was well deserved.
As he approached the table, he felt the warmth of joy inside him.
Herrick: (with a smile) Good evening! Congratulations again on your Legacy and First Contact ribbons! But the festivities don’t stop there.
Caras/Ral/Tam: Response
He gave a wink, then clapped; the tablecloth immediately illuminated in warm gold tones. The effect was similar to a group sitting around a campfire, sans the flickering flame. Glancing around the table, he elected to start with Tam over Morro.
Herrick: Lieutenant Commander Divya Tam. You were called upon time and time again —from when your boots hit the ground and you began assisting with the survey of Selene to rendering medical assistance to a much-appreciative Raeyan. Locating Selenians in status, disabling security drones, uncovering bombs and identifying the source of their people’s sickness. A banner mission for you.
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of her accomplishments sink in while also working to identify the appropriate wooden boxes for the moment.
Herrick: So, I’m pleased to award you ::opening each box:: the Wilderness Survival Ribbon, the Explorer’s Ribbon, and the Medical Service Ribbon.
He offered his hand for the Barzan to shake.
Tam/Caras/Ral: Response
Moving his gaze back to the table, he found his next awardee; the man he was on the rocks with.
Herrick: Lieutenant Morro Caras. Being a more conspicuous away team member on a planet with clear xenophobic tendencies while still showcasing the best of Starfleet isn’t easy, but you handled it with grace. You worked to find common bonds and shared experiences. Despite your injuries under General Syms interrogation, you held firm and also aided in our escape along with establishing contact with the Chief Minister.
He took a breath, offering a genuine smile. Despite their disagreements, Morro was a capable officer despite the internal wrestling.
Herrick: And, if that wasn’t enough, you led a team back down to the surface to create a defence against the offensive weaponry wielded by the Nova Terrans and New Gaians. All of which is why you’re recognized with the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Ribbon and Innovation Ribbons.
He offered the trio of ribbons to the Chief Engineer, along with an extended hand.
Caras/Tam/Ral: Response
Now, it was down to the table’s last recipient of the evening.
Herrick: Lieutenant Wyatt Ral. From the start, you’ve been a system rockstar on this mission. From solving the Thor’s initial difficulty in facilitating communications with the UNE fleet to your on-the-feet thinking to create a last-minute defence of tachyon shield saturation to avoid subspace weapon damage, you’re a proven engineer. And whilst you were on Nova Terra, you helped create an avenue of escape from a precarious situation involving you and your team. Beyond that, you also deposited the hack into the satellite’s system.
Again, he paused. The team had accomplished so much. These few words didn’t cover the full gamut that they’d accomplished, but it highlighted how much talent was amongst their new crew.
Herrick: Which is why I’m pleased to award you both the Innovation and Good Conduct Ribbons. ::offering the boxes:: Congratulations.
He extended his hand in the ACheng’s direction.
Ral/Tam/Caras: Response
Herrick: (looking at the others at the table) Aye, definitely one of the best. I’m glad the gods brought us together. 750 of the best that Starfleet has, making inroads out here in the GQ.
The first officer knocked twice on the table, and the lighting returned to normal.
Ral/Tam/Caras: Response
[END PART TWO / AWARDS TBC]