Cmdr. Kelrod: Time to start saying goodbyes.
Kelrod Dickens
((Captain's Mess, USS Veritas -- Docked at Star Station Esperance))
As the senior crew of the Veritas was summoned to the captain's mess, Kelrod, knowing the near future of the ship, knew that this will be some kind of final ceremony for them on the ship, at least for a while as the repairs will take some time to fix everything that they've had to jury rig and patch over the five years they've been on the Shoals. As he entered the room, he couldn't help but be aware of the different faces around, knowing that it'll be some time to see some of them and others, he'll not see in many years, if ever.
He made it a personal matter to check on each and say farewell before leaving and as the captain took the center of the room, he took a relatively discreet position in the back of the room.
Rahman: To the officers of the USS Veritas, it has been my distinct pleasure to serve as your commanding officer. I've never been one good at saying good-byes, so instead I'd like to begin with celebrating your achievements. First, Lieutenant Wong, Ensign Reade, and Ensign Thorne: for holding off a Klingon boarding party using the power of holoprogramming, I hereby award you the Innovation Ribbon. As they approached and thanked for the ribbon, Kelrod looked over his young pupil, already happy for her and hoping this to be a starting point of a future Starfleet career Rahman: Next, for fighting off a Klingon boarding party and defending this starship from capture, I award Ensign Reade and Lt. Commander Ukinix with the Good Conduct Ribbon. Well-done, gentlemen.
He barely knew Ready, but Wil was someone who he wasn't surprised to be granted that award. He's always one to do what's necessary and don't loose that kind spirit, though sometimes needed of temper, specially when in company of certain individuals
Rahman: Commander Blake, Ensign Thorne, Lieutenant Wong, and Lt. Commander Allison-Parker, I hereby also award you the Good Conduct Ribbon for your actions escorting our guest Kallo Ver to safety.
Again Thorne received recognition for her work and Kelrod was proud and hoping that all this, showed her that she had the potential to become a great Starfleet officer and someday, see her again with at least three pips in her collar.
Rahman: Finally, I'd like to recognize Lieutenant Wong's efforts in organizing and championing a mental health week in the wake of the conflict with the Klingon separatists. Lieutenant, I hereby award you the Unity Ribbon. One thing he has to say about Wong, it was the most unexpected Klingon he'd ever met, more being a Starfleet officer and a doctor nonetheless. His golden hair was another trait uncommon for a Klingon and hearig that his work and efforts are being rewarded was something that he agreed fully. Rahman: Next, I'd like to award the officers who accompanied me to locate the lost shuttlepod of the Earth Starfleet ship Endeavour. Besides myself, Ensign Reade, Lieutenant Wong, Lt. Commander Parker, Ensign Thorne, and Ensign Kivik are hereby recognized with the Scientific Discovery Ribbon. Congratulations!
So, it was quite good to see the good Parker getting a scientific ribbon. His change to Ops officer wasn't easy but he'd shown that he's more than just a military muscle to many people. Ensignns Reade and Kivik were also welcomed prize receivers. Rahman: Next, I'd like to award the Defense of Temporal Flow Ribbon to Lieutenant Toliver and Lt. Commander Ukinix for finding a way to get an undermanned Veritas out of a temporal loop. Acting Ensign Tracey Townson is also recognized in abstentia.
He remembered that, also how he and Kyo worked from the shuttle to find out the source of the disturbance to help them get out of it safely. He remembers the first time he'd been given one of those. It was a nice reminder of how to deal with temporal anomalies. Rahman: Next, I'd like to recognize Commander Blake, Lt. Commander Ukinix, and Ensign Kivik with the Innovation Ribbon for creating a modified prototype of Tristam Core’s MST project to rescue those miners trapped deep underground. Certainly, the ingenuity of how the worked to get them out was something to praise them. He looked at Blake who seemed a bit off, but accepted the compliment and ribbon with grace.
Rahman: And finally, for the entire crew who worked together with the Antor II government and first responders, you all are hereby recognized with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Kelrod nodded as they all certainly worked together, not only among themselves, but with Antor people to help those in need, and that's something to be proud of.
Thorne: Congrats everyone! I brought candy for everyone to celebrate!
Reade: Congrats everyone!
Suddenly, wil did something... unusual, as she began tossing the ribbon boxes out like chum to sharks…
Ukinix: ::Throwing
box with ribbon to each person:: You get a ribbon. ::Another
throw:: And you get a ribbon! ::Yet another throw::
And *you* get
a ribbon!
As Kelrod received one of the boxes, he smiled at the way that Wil had decided to give the final ribbons for their tenure on the Veritas and the Shoals, certainly distinguishing himself from any other second officer that he'd ever served with.
Rahman: Before we depart as a crew, there is one final manner. Ensigns Reade and Thorne, Lieutenant Wong, will you please step forward?
The three officers walked again in front of the captain as she moved to do something Kelrod was expecting.
Rahman:
As my last act as your commanding officer, I am pleased to promote
you all to the next rank, effective with the start of your next
assignment. Lieutenants Reade and Thorne, your service to this ship
has been commendable, and I wish you both great success in your next
postings.
Rahman: I heard from many people before I took this assignment five years ago that the Shoals changes people. Out here where resources are scarce and we are often the only ones we can count on, it's easy to get cynical or frustrated... maybe even disappointed.
She walked down the line, looking at Blake's face, then Kelrod's, Parker's, and Vanlith's.
Rahman:
But over these past years, I've seen you all and those who came
before you on this ship step up to the challenge to provide services
for the colonists who call this region home. And
for a brief time, it was our home as well. The Shoals may have
changed each of us, but each of you has also changed the Shoals--for
the better.
The captain was right, they've changed and the situation on the Shoals only made that change more noticeable. For Kelrod, the time spent on the Shoals had taught him to be more adaptable, to look before jumpìng. The different policies of the different planets they're operating, made him more aware that not only practical knowledge, but political and regional policies are a needed read to work, specially if you go around at warp speed, dealing with different species, believes and ways of life.
Roshanara took a deep breath as she looked back at the assembled group.
Rahman:
Your time on Veritas has prepared you well for any assignment
that awaits you next. I can't wait to see what that will be for all
of you. It's a big fleet out there, but you'll be surprised when you
might cross each other's paths again.
That was true. In his career he's come to find people in different places and in different times. T'Lea, Alora, Blake, ... they're just examples that in such a big place like that part of the galaxy, there are ways for people to meet again. He really hoped to meet them again someday.
Rahman: Now go, enjoy your leave.
The captain of the USS Veritas nodded one last time at her crew and clasped her hands together.
Rahman:
That's my final order.
The crew threw themselves in an applause and began talking to each other. He made his way to Parker, the big former Marine made Operations officer.
Kelrod: So, are you ready for your next adventure?
Parker: Response
Kelrod: I'm sure you will, if you've proven something is that you're capable of many things, overcome years of training and specialization and be more than what you already are.
Parker: Response
Kelrod: It's been an honor to serve with you, both as your Chief in security and as a colleague while you're in Ops.
Parker: Response
Kelrod: I've yet to decide about my future, but I have some offers on my table
Parker: Response (OOC: feel free to add more tags as you see fit )
After Parker, Kelrod looked for someone else, finding the good doctor free, so he approached.
Kelrod: Congratulations are in order!
Wong: Response
Kelrod: I must say you've been quite an interesting person to know an I hope that we can serve together again.
Wong: Response
Kelrod: I'm sure I'll find you as a Chief medical officer of some ship or installation. You're a good doctor, but also a good person. Keep it that way!
Wong: Response (OOC: feel free to continue if you wish)
After leaving Wong he noticed some of them already left, what let him with the task to find them and said his farewell, somehow he felt he needed to do that before leaving. He noticed Blake with Rahman still in the room and approached them. The two women were an imposing duo for him, not by their size or physical size, but for the radiance of authority, knowledge and skills.
Kelrod: Captain, Commander,... It's been a nice ceremony for our final time on the Veritas.
Rahman/Blake: Response
Kelrod: I'd like to say that it's been an honor to serve with you both. I've learned a lot and grown thanks to you and not only on a professional level.
Rahman/Blake: Response
Kelrod: :: to Blake :: The universe seems to have a way to make things happen, so I hope we have the chance to meet again. oO I hope you don't go through another change or it'll be really awkward Oo
Blake: Response
Kelrod: Captain, I've been your Chief of Security for these five years on this ship, ...
(Flashback - 239312.08 )
(( Veritas -Shuttlebay 1))
::The ship's former first officer Commander Zhou stood by Rahman, the rest of the crew assembled across from them, standing at attention.::
Zhou: ...you are hereby requested and required to relinquish command of your vessel to Captain Roshanara Rahman as of this date. Signed, Admiral sh'Hiel, Starfleet Command.
::He paused for a moment, not looking at her.::
Zhou: Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain Roshanara Rahman. Voice authorization: Zhou-Tango-Sierra-33.
Computer: Transfer complete. USS Veritas now under command of Captain Roshanara Rahman.
::The sound of the bosun's whistle signaled the final part of the ceremony. Roshanara looked over at the man next to her.::
Rahman: I relieve you, commander.
Zhou: I stand relieved.
:: Zhou seemed cold, as if he’s a kind of android just performing a determined program. He guessed that relinquishing a ship’s command wasn’t easy but that’s what starfleet life is.::
::She addressed the crew gathered in the bay.::
Rahman: All those besides the senior staff are dismissed. We'll be proceeding back to Shadow's Edge tomorrow. If you wish to spend some time on the station, you are free to do so.
::As people began shuffling out, she turned back to address the remaining officers in front of her. He remained at attention. ::
Rahman: It's good to see you all again. I'm sorry it couldn't under more pleasant circumstances, but Starfleet has tasked us with finding out what happened, and there's no set of officers I'd rather have at my side to tackle this mission.
Greyson: And to you as well, Captain.
( End Flashback )
Kelrod: ... and I doubt we won't see each other again. So, until next time
He wanted to hug her, but her rank and the respect he had for her found it inappropiate so he just extended his hand for her to shake it.
Rahman: Response (OOC: Feel free to add anything else )
TBC:
