Awards Ceremony

Posted on Fri Jul 23rd, 2021 @ 3:57am by Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Maria McMahon & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger & Captain Karyn Somers & Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry 'Hank' Keitel

Mission: The Riixian Insurection
Location: Recreation Deck
Timeline: 239507.12

[ON]

Captain Sterling had hospitality and recreational services set up the recreation deck to hold an awards ceremony the crew had completed their first mission The Thorion Conundrum. Thorion 4 was now a Federation Member and the Federation Embassy to Thorion-4 was complete. Tomorrow the starship Leto would set a course for Betazed. The Leto would be escorted out of Thorion space to the border where the subspace sandbar finally ebbed.

Maia enjoyed a nice dinner then went back to her quarters to change into her dress uniform with her 95th rifle white chord. Being a Starship Captain really was more responsibility than a privilege but on occasions like this, it was fun to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of her crew. So far she really hadn't had much of an opportunity to decorate anyone. But now it was time.

Maria walked into the recreation deck and took in the sight of the spread that her Chefs and the hospitality team had pulled off and decided that they deserved a mention during this Ceremony and maybe she had to quickly speak to the Captain about it; as she walked along next to the tables that held different types of food and drink. Now only for the second time in a few months, she had to wear her dress uniform and it had been brought out of the closet at night after she had been trying to sort the department out.

Lt Brannon put on her dress uniform and made her way to the recreation deck. As she entered she was surprised at first over the layout of the food. There was enough to feed 2 starships. Then she saw Captain Sterling and walked over. "Great layout Captain. Is there anything I may assist with till the others arrive?"

She did pick up a nice glass of bourbon to drink while they talked.

"No, I think we are good to go at this point. Have you heard from your contact on betazed"?

Brannon replied, "Very good Captain, I received a report a little while ago from Ambassador Saagu. She said sometimes areas are and peaceable and other times they can be out of control. She seems to think the Rixxian Caliphate is too small to cause widespread problems and just are doing commando-type raids to try and make them look bigger than they are.

She said the area around the Council is secure at the moment and is doing things every day to end the hostilities before they get totally out of control. She said she wants to meet with you, and any ambassador staff we have onboard the Leto. And she did ask that I be there also so she can brief me on what I need to do to reclaim the House of Belpre. She said that it is imperative I get control of the House of Belbre so I can work to influence the vote to stay with the Federation.

She feels there are enough votes to stay with the Federation on the Council now but we still need to have someone to argue for the Federation in the Council Chamber due to the fact when the council meets it will be only members of the council that will be in the chamber. She has already set things in motion for me to take over the House of Belbre upon our arrival.

"Will you be resigning your commission on this ship then?" The Captain asked.

"No Captain", replied Brannon. "Counselor Deanna Troi Riker had an excellent career in Starfleet and also served on the Betazed Council as well. In most votes, I would be able to cast my vote from a video conference link. On the rare times I needed to I could go back to Betazed on Leave for critical votes the require me to be present in person. So I can do both at the same time."

"Good to know! I would hate to lose you Lt. Brannon. Any word on the Thaleron weapon, Lieutenant?" Maia asked.

Brannon replied, "Not yet but some leads have been uncovered and it is hoped the sensors on the Leto can help speed things up. And as to my leaving it would only happen if Starfleet ordered me to do it. I love the Leto Captain. Also, I sent Ambassador Saagu a copy of what I found on the chip in my amulet from my mother through secure Starfleet channels. She is going to take a copy to the President of the Council to show them the evidence we have against the Rixxian Caliphate. That way we should be left alone on arrival due to the information being in their hands it is not going to do anything to stop the delivery. And it will be in the hands of all members of the council when we arrive.

She plans to beam aboard when we arrive to give you and others a full updated briefing so we have the latest information. And long-range sensors are sweeping the area of Betazed space looking for traces of it now. How to have a sector of space it is in before we arrive, Captain."

"Are we expecting to meet anyone before we get to Betazed Lieutenant?" Maia asked.

"I do not anticipate anyone but I do plan to keep sensors looking for anything just in case. You know the first rule is always to expect the unexpected Captain. And I am ready for anything we may encounter as you know also. I always anticipate the unexpected Captain." Brannon replied.

"Very well shall we go in then?" Maia said.

Karyn in her 95th Rifles official uniform with her sash/chest belt going from her left shoulder down to her right hip, stood just outside the recreation deck and straightened what she could, her dress uniform was all green with black piping, similar to the standard Fleet dress uniform, her collar had a bronze rank bar on each side, on her upper left jacket arm was the White Cord, her bottoms were green in colour and she wore standard Starfleet dress shoes, two styles had been merged, USMC and Starfleet styles for the collar area, but all the piping and White Cord and Shoulder sash was from the old Rifles regiment. Giving one final tug of her tunic she entered the room and saw a feast fit for a king, she went up to the drinks table and poured herself some Bajoran spring wine as she tugged at her collar "I hate dress uniform" she said to herself.

Hank was on the stage next to a few yeomen as they sorted ribbons and medals for the Awards Ceremony. He was looking at a PADD and checking that everything on the table lined up with the order he would be calling out the orders for.

Sheena had a quick dinner with Ryan and helped him dress for the ceremony and eventually got herself ready. Complete dress uniforms, all primped and primed, she and Ryan left for the ceremony.

Alice laughed as Robert held his breath in as he did up his dress uniform.

" Don't laugh it's been a while since I have worn this." He told his wife.

" Listen Rob you're not that fat it will fit fine. You cannot hold your breath all through the ceremony." Alice replied.

Robert let out his breath. The uniform seems to fit and nothing is split. He smiled with relief. Then they both walked to the recreation deck. Waving to the babysitter as they left.

" You know as a boy I once held my breath until I turned blue. Michael bet me his toy shuttle craft collection to do it. Boy did mama go mad at him," Hendon said

Soon they arrived at the recreation deck. After obtaining a couple of drinks they mingled.

It took nurse Peeters a while to get dressed in her uniform. It somehow got damaged and she only found out 15 minutes ahead of the ceremony. She had no clue on how to fix it. Her skirt was torn on the side, a third of the length. It seemed like she did it on purpose, giving people more to look at than she was comfortable with. She had no spare skirt so she had to do with the one she had. If she stood still it wasn't that visible. It's not like she had to go and stand before the whole crew anyway. She had tried finding safety pins but to no avail.

Sneaking her way to the recreation deck, trying not to be seen, she saw Dr Hendon and his beautiful wife enter. She hoped when they would bump into each other he wouldn't notice. Entering she was baffled by the number of crewmembers that had shown up and the amount of food that has been prepared for the event. She quickly decided to be a wallflower and let things unfold.

Tanger arrived at the recreation deck in his dress uniform. He never really felt his dress uniform was very dressy as he wore it a lot more than others on the ship for his line of work. But he was eager to observe a ceremony on the ship since he was relatively new to the crew. He obtained a beverage and then started to watch the other crew. He noticed one young woman that caught his eye. She was in a medical uniform but he could tell she was empathic but more so he could tell he was having some attraction to her. If he had a chance he would like to get to know her more. However, this was not the time or place to act upon his desire to pursue a relationship.

*Sideroom*

“So Alessa does this feel weird to you?” James asked while trying to straighten the tie on his class A. He let out a grunt because it wasn’t being overly cooperative.

“Your dress uniform?” The Counselor asked. She was standing there in her class A’s and smirking,

“I mean going to an awards ceremony for a ship where we have only barely been on for an op we were not a part of?” He said. He slapped the bow tie down in frustration.

“My wife, rest her soul used to handle this nonsense would you lend a hand?” James asked.

Les stepped forward and complied adjusting the tie.

“Captain, the way I look at it is we are both very big outsiders, we have done nothing to endear ourselves to the crew. So this is our chance to..” Les was cut off by James.

“Let me guess make friends?” He spoke in the most sarcastic tone.

Les laughed till she snorted.

“I was going to say sit in the back and when the bar opens run up a huge tab.” She said.

She then mussed with a single lock of his hair, “There because nobody should look perfect.”

James laughed, “Let's deny them forever and just take off live forever someplace with a non-extradition.”

“Forever and ever tusk to tusk?” Les quipped back.

“A Lion in Winter fan are we?” He asked.

“Well, you started it. But come on we better make a showcase if not I am sure folks will get real cranky.” Les said.

They both headed to the ceremony.

- Main area -

After getting her drink she noticed the CDO and walked up to him, "hello Lieutenant? I do not believe that we have yet met" Somers said as she held her hand out in offering, this was the first time she had ever interacted with a Starfleet Diplomatic Officer outside of earth.

"Hello, Lieutenant. I am glad to meet you, I am Kasey Tanger. I reported to the ship just before the Thorion mission and feel like this is a good fit for me." Tanger replied. "So I have not served as a ship's diplomat before this assignment. Are these ceremonies a formality after missions?"

"Second Lieutenant Karyn Somers," she said "as for this meeting I do not know, I have not long arrived on the ship myself, my first mission was a SAR mission to rescue some kidnapped crewmembers, but I would expect more like this along the way," Karyn said with a smile.

"I too would expect more like this at least on missions in this domain of space. The region is full of pirates and such as well as those mercenaries who sell themselves to the highest bidder to do their dirty work." Tanger added as the Thorion dignitaries came into the room and headed for the Captain. "I am very sorry but I am needed to assist with the Dignitaries from Thorion who requested to join us for this ceremony.

Maia looked around and greeted all comers the Thorion President Jal'on was there with various Thorion dignitaries poor Tanger she thought. He must have his hands full. Maia gave the signal to Senior Chief Keitel to call the assembly to order.

Hank tapped his commbadge, connecting to the room public address system, and called for everyone's attention. He then called out the names for each person receiving an award to line up in order of lowest to highest rank at the bottom of the stairs to the stage.

As she was the team leader for the SAR Karyn went up first with her team and those they rescued following behind, she walked onto the stage far enough to allow everyone else to stand safely on the stage and waited on the Captain.

LT Brannon took her place near the back of the line. She hated doing awards and receiving them but she always took part to follow Starfleet Traditions.

K'Rin took her place in the line of awardees. A bit shocked but calm, her ears twitching in anticipation and her tail swishing back and forth showing her anxiety.

Jamie had come in, dress uniform fitting snugly as ever, considering it wasn't designed for someone with her...assets. Light makeup, and her mass of red hair in a regulation bun. She sat in the second row, waiting for the awards to start. She hadn't read her communique in a while given all that had happened to her, so she'd be surprised if she had an award.

Captain Sterling stepped up to the podium.

Attention to orders. The Bronze Star medal has been awarded to Ensign K'Rin C'Tinu. Damage Control Specialist K'Rin C'Tinu distinguished herself in combat operations by selflessly and with great Valor did rescue captured Leto Personnel from an enemy base. The distinctive accomplishments of Ensign C'Tinu reflect great credit upon herself, the USS Leto and the United Federation of Planets.

The Captain pinned the Medal on her blouse.

"Congratulations, Ensign C'Tinu!" Maia said.

Smiling, tail briskly moving back and forth, ears straight forward now, "Thank you Captain Sterling. I shall endeavour to continue serving this ship and the Federation till the end", she said saluting. Turning quickly, she left the podium and returned to her place.

"I'm very proud of you K'Rin, Well done," Maia said.

Attention to orders. The Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star medal has been awarded to Second Lieutenant Karyn Somers. 95 Rifles Detachment Marine Executive Officer. 2Lt Somers planned and executed the Rescue Operations and Distinguished herself under intense enemy fire, She also distinguished herself in combat operations by selflessly and with great Valor did rescue captured Leto Personnel from an enemy base. The distinctive accomplishments of Second Lieutenant Karyn Somers reflect great credit upon herself, the USS Leto and the United Federation of Planets. As a consequence of her great bravery, she is also being promoted to First Lieutenant.

The Captain pinned both Medals on her blouse. Then pinned her new rank on her collar.

"Congratulations Lieutenant Somers" Maia said.

Karyn was shocked, she had not expected a promotion so quickly, she was only given a field commission a short while ago and now another promotion, that was the biggest shock, the other shocks was the Bronze Star and DSM, she found her voice, it was filled with emotion "thank you Captain" she could only say as she felt the two models pinned onto her chest and her Bronze bar replaced by one silver barm so far she had followed her Sisters rapid rise as he Sister Alex was also given a field commission and rose through the ranks quickly as she shook the Captain's hand. Then after that, she and the others who had gotten awards and promotions stepped back down off the stage and returned to the assembled and applauded where it was required oO I need a good stiff drink Oo Karyn said to herself and made a mental note to speak to her Sister on the Tomcat.

Dr Hendon had only caught the back end of the mission. So he was not expecting any award. But from the condition of some of the crew who had returned. They all deserved the highest recommendations.

Attention to orders The post of Assistant chief science officer has been awarded to Dr Samantha Blake effective immediately. Though she isn't a member of Starfleet, I am appointing her a brevet Lieutenant Junior Grade and officially welcoming her as a member of the crew. She has demonstrated bravery and a cool head in the face of great danger. There are no medals I can give a civilian even when they deserve one. Still, I am awarding her the Exemplary Service Commendation Medal.

"Well done Dr Blake." The Captain said pinning the medal to her blouse.

Samantha accepted the award in her left hand as she shook hands with Maia. She gave Maia a nod. "Thank you for making me not only feel at home but giving me a permanent one as well."

"I'm very happy to have you with us, Samantha". Maia said.

"Attention to orders the Bronze Star and Exemplary service commendation medal are being awarded to Nurse Kimberly Peeters. Nurse Peeters distinguished herself in combat operations during the rescue of starship Leto prisoners from an enemy base. Nurse Peeters demonstrated courage, valour and compassion keeping the wounded alive and getting them safely moved to be triaged more effectively. The distinguished accomplishments of Nurse Peeters reflect great credit upon herself, the Starship Leto and the United Federation of Planets."

Peeters heard the captain calling her out and her heart sank in her shoes. She couldn't be that wallflower anymore and had to follow the others getting their rewards. She stepped quickly to the podium, letting loose of the "sexy" torn skirt, it looked silly anyway trying to hide it and she was sure everyone would notice it anyway. At least she gave the crew something to talk about, she taught.

This should have been one of the proudest moments in her career, getting awarded for her services but she somehow felt she didn't deserve it. They did make it all back alive but the rampage they caused was far from the values she taught were highly respected within Starfleet. She saluted the captain and took her medal with the grace that was expected from her.

"Well done Kimberly," Maia said pinning the medals to her uniform.

"Thank you commander Sterling" looking at the medals she was thinking that she somehow could redeem herself by being more outspoken when violence wasn't the only option. Peeters added shyly: "... and sorry for my torn skirt, captain" before she left the podium.

"Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll was also awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, He is still in sickbay healing from his wounds. Let's make him feel better by visiting him.." Maia said.

"Attention to orders the Mission excellence award has been awarded to Lieutenant Jamie Doherty for exemplary conduct and bravery while being captured and held prisoner of the Orion Syndicate during the crisis of the Thorion Conundrum. Her distinctive accomplishments bring honour to her, the starship Leto, and the United Federation of Planets."

oO Wait, what? Oo she thought as she had a puzzled look on her quite symmetric face. She stood and walked up to the captain, and saluted smartly. She didn't always follow the rules, but it was important to do so in front of the entire crew. oO I don't know if I deserve this, Oo she thought to herself, her thoughts running five or six threads of thought at the same time. "Thank you, Captain," she said with a pleasant smile and a small polite nod.

"You have don't good things here and I want you to continue to do good things here." She offered Jamie her hand.

Lt. Dougherty shook the captain's hand, and accepted the ribbon she was handed, and turned crisply, and returned to her seat, looking at the ribbon and medal box she had occasionally seen in her own career, and her family had seen for centuries of service all the way back to 1776.

LT Brannon was next to last to step up. She stood there at attention and waited for what was going to happen next. Due to past ceremonies, she knew what was coming but it was always tense when you stood in front of the crew and Civilians on the ship that was assigned.

"Attention to orders the Ribbon of Merit and Exemplary Service Medal and Purple Heart are awarded to Lieutenant Angelina Brannon for exemplary conduct and bravery while being captured and held prisoner and wounds sustained by the Orion Syndicate during the crisis of the Thorion Conundrum. Your distinctive accomplishments bring great credit to yourself the Starship Leto and the United Federation of Planets." Maia

LT Brannon smiled, "Thank you, Captain, I consider it an honour and an honour to serve not only Starfleet but also as part of your crew on the Leto. We are a strong team.

"I agree Angelina, we have a great crew. It is I that am honoured to serve with you, Lieutenant", Maia said

Ryan was the last to step up to Maia and come to attention. His uniform was immaculate and his posture regulation perfect. He was glad to have seen the others honoured so.

"Attention to orders, The Christopher Pike Medal of Valor and Purple Heart are awarded to Lt Commander Ryan Blake. For service above and beyond the call of duty. Lt Commander Ryan Blake led an assault on Orion pirates and at great cost and personal injury. Despite the odds and injuries sustained, He saved many lives, which directly affected the outcome and resolution of the mission campaign the Thorion Conundrum. The distinctive accomplishments of Lt Commander Ryan Blake bring great credit upon himself, the Starship Leto, and The United Federation of Planets." Maia stated.

Ryan accepted the award in his left hand as he shook Maia's hand with his right. He still wasn't one hundred per cent he really deserved the accolades bestowed upon him, but his pride for the awards the others received made up in some small way for his own self-doubts. All of the others received much do awards and promotions in his opinion.

Sheena felt his emotions, but she smiled at him, as he did deserve the medals and honours. She was proud of him as she was also proud of all the members of that rescue mission. They all went above and beyond the call of duty on this mission.

[End]

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A post by:

Captain Maia Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran
Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake
Second Officer/Chief Strategic Operations Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

LT Angelina Brannon/Havri Belre
Chief of Security/Chief Tactical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lt.CMDR Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Maria McMahon
Chief Operations Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Kimberly Peeters
Head Nurse
USS Leto Ncc-80916

&

Lieutenant Jamie Doherty
Chief Engineer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Kasey Tanger
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Captain James Gorebets
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

1st Lieutenant Karen Somers
Marine Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Jace Wynn
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Alessa Herria
Chief Counsellor
USS Leto NCC-80916