Awards Ceremony

Posted on Sat Apr 30th, 2022 @ 7:32pm by Captain Karyn Somers & Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Maria McMahon & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger & Lieutenant Isabelle Raal & Lieutenant Rick Gibbs & Lieutenant JG Marina Tanger & Captain David Blake & Lieutenant JG Samantha Blake, Ph.D & Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry 'Hank' Keitel & 2nd Lieutenant Saul Humphries & Rear Admiral Stera Saagu & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll
Edited on on Sun May 1st, 2022 @ 1:00am

Mission: The Riixian Insurection
Location: Parade deck USS Leto NCC-80916
Timeline: 239504.25

Captains log Stardate 239504.25

The Betazoid council has voted to remain in the Federation and has decided to honour us on behalf of their entire world for our efforts to save their planet from the Riixxian Caliphate. Our own Lieutenant Brannon aka Havre Belbre has had her clan name restored and is now a member of the ruling Fifth House of Betazed. She has been named a Daughter of Betazed, which is similar in Earth terms to being knighted. A great honour to say the least. The information in her amulet exonerated her family and restored both truth and peace to the masses. Needless to say, she has brought great credit to herself, her ship, and the United Federation of Planets and her honour is so noted in this Captain's Log. On another note, we have bidden Lieutenant Jamie Dougherty a fond farewell as she has left the Leto and has transferred to the fifth fleet, we all wish her well.

[ON]

"Chief of the boat, please assemble the crew on the parade deck at 1200 hours. Full dress uniforms." Maia ordered.

Hank acknowledged Maia with a nod of his head. "Aye Captain."

Brannon put on her dress uniform and made her way to the awards ceremony. She was still a little tender from her wounds, but Dr Hendon did a great job fixing her up. She walked through the door to the Parade Deck. As she entered several enlisted from Security came to greet her and congratulate her on a mission well done. She thanked them and made her way to the refreshments table. The food in Sick Bay is bland. And tastes like cardboard. She got herself a Betazed Brandy that she was introduced to on Betazed. And a plate of food then went to a standing table to enjoy it. She figured Dr Hendon will get onto her for the brandy but she did not care. She just wanted to enjoy herself and relax after the last mission. It was especially hard for her.

Dress uniform. Robert rubbed at his collar which he was sure was cutting into his neck. His wife Alice could not attend the ceremony due to the twins having upset tummies. Apparently, they tried to see who would explode first. After stuffing large amounts of ice cream in their bodies. Somehow they had overridden the replicator limiter program. Something that would have to be addressed once. They were better and not sick.

Dress uniform. Why did these things always fit so tight? He walked into the parade deck hoping the collar would not decapitate him.

Karyn was in her quarters, getting into the one uniform she hated, her dress uniform, this version was not her regiment's traditional dress uniform, it was a modified version of the Starfleet Dress Uniform, where all other officers attending would be in the standard dress uniform colour of all white with a departmental patch on their chests. The 95th Rifles modified version was an all green tunic, with black Piping, the center part of the tunic was all black, she had rank epaulettes on her shoulders similar to what the old US army used to wear, on her right shoulder she had her regiment badge, on her upper left arm was the White Cord of Courage on her collar, both sides had the number 95 on display. Her knee-length skirt was also green and had a black stripe down the outside of the garment with her legs encased in tights, she had on one-inch heeled shoes black and highly polished, she finished it off with a shoulder belt unique to the Rifle Regiment.

Her long red hair was styled in a french twist style, she wore studs in her ears and minimal makeup, as she looked at herself in the mirror she remembered her says as enlisted and did not have such an extensive dress uniform wardrobe. But her silver First Lieutenant Bars sat proudly atop her epaulettes all shiny, deciding she was as presentable as she could be, she left her quarters and headed to the nearest turbo lift, the moment the doors closed "Shuttle bay" she said, well that was its official name, even though it was currently being used as a Parade Deck.

She finally arrived and the lift doors opened directly onto the shuttle bay, not many were there at the moment, only Brannon and Hendon were there chatting away, inhaling she walked over to them.

Marina had stood looking at herself in the mirror for what seemed like an eternity, it had been a lot of years since she’d worn a Starfleet Uniform even though she was working for them the whole time. Happy with how she looked she felt strange walking to the shuttle bay, especially with the looks she was getting from some of the crew, not that she could blame them.

Having heard the news that Betazed was remaining a member of the Federation, Maria was happy about that, but what made her even happier was that her Father now recognized her as His Daughter although he could not formally recognize her as a Daughter of Betazed just yet, her Grandma was working on it. But what it needed was for both parents to agree to it for it to be done, but with her Mother refusing to talk with her father it was going to be difficult. As she continued to walk along the corridor in her dress whites as she remembered the conversation with her Grandma.

[Shuttle Bay/Parade Deck]

"Commander Hendon, Lieutenant Brannon, how are things with both of you?" Karyn asked suddenly realizing that she would be one of the few officers not in the traditional dress uniform that all other Fleet Officers wear she asked both the Officers.

I am doing well now, took a little pounding from the Caliphate. But I gave them 10 times worst back. I am back to full duty doing my job as CoS and weapons officer. How are you holding up LT Somers?" Replied Brannon.

“Not too bad been a little busy putting people back together again. Although I am sure this dress uniform collar is going to take my head off.” Robert said

Looking at Hendon's uniform, tell me about it, I am not too fond of the dress uniform either, and mine is a variation of yours, I am good otherwise, you Lieutenant?" Karyn said.

“ Imagine it. Death by decapitation weapon used, dress uniform collar.” Robert remarked.

Walking into the shuttle bay Marina saw Hendon, Brannon, and Somers so made her way across to them. “I hope I’m not intruding?” She offered a smile as she greeted everyone.

"Hello LT Tanger, good to see you here. Be sure to get something to drink and eat. The food at these ceremonies is first class. And nothing personal Dr. Hendon, the food in sickbay resembles cardboard to me taste-wise. But it does do what it is meant to do though."

Marina nodded in agreement. “I thought it was my tastebuds!” she smiled. “Perhaps the food replicators in Sickbay need looking at.”

“To be honest it’s done for a reason. The food is kept bland to aid recovery. Nothing gets you up and about quicker than cardboard-tasting eggs. Oh, it’s not my idea. Starfleet medicals actually.” Hendon said

Marina couldn’t help but grin, that could be oh so true but it obviously wasn’t. It was an amusing thought nonetheless.

"How about I have engineering update it and then we don't have to tell Star Fleet about it. I can be our little secret Doctor. If caught you can tell them the Cheif of Security did it and everyone liked it." Replied Brannon.

Looking at Tanger "hello Lieutenant, no not intruding, as for the replicator food, believe me, it is much better than ration packs, now they never taste right" Somers said.

“Well they are designed for emergency use” Marina grinned.

Brannon smiled, "They are bad but some of them taste better than the SIckbay replicator. As she looks at Dr. Hendon. How about a food upgrade. I was able to get some excellent new recipes for the replicators from Betazed. That is extremely good. And already have them on the replicator in my officer and quarters."

“ That would be a good idea. Although at the moment replicators are a sour subject with me and my family. Let’s just say there was an incident before I came here.” Robert said blushing.

Lieutenant Kasey Tanger arrived with Lieutenant Coleman at his side. They had met outside and started chatting so they just walked in together. Kasey had some desire to pursue her but he was not sure he wanted a relationship while on the ship. However, now that he has a sister serving on the ship, he was beginning to have revived thoughts about getting involved with another. He could use the distraction from time to time and dating could add to his fun personal time.

The doors opened to allow Isabelle into the shuttle bay, looking around she smiled as she walked across to Kasey. “Hello, Lieutenant.”

"Hello, Lieutenant. How are you?"

“I’m fine thank you” Isabelle smiled warmly. “How are you and Marina getting along?”

"Well, I never thought I would have a sister, but I am glad to have one and that we are reconnected. I am sure we will have our issues but we are family and I will be the best brother I can be." Kasey replied. "How about you, all going as you would like for it to go?"

Isabelle nodded. “So far so good, but I’m sure I’ll have a full calendar for a while after recent events.” She smiled warmly. “If you ever need a friendly ear you know where to find me.”

"Thanks and I am sure I may do that once Emily gets tired of hearing my voice," Kasey replied with a wry grin as Emily took his arm and led him towards the refreshment table.

Sheena walked in with her mother, Ambassador Verinnia Toran, who looked better now that she was nearly healed, ready to attend the ceremony. Sheena in her tight dress whites, and Verinnia in a beautiful blue flowing robe, walked up behind the captain, "Finally got here just in time heh captain?" Sheena said.

"Yes I wish your father could be here but Dr. Hendon didn't think he should be out of bed just yet. The VIP shuttle should be here soon." Maia replied.

"Lieutenant McMahon, it's good to see you here, have you seen commander Blake?" Maia asked.

“Oh, Hi Captain,” replied Maria looking at her commanding officer, continued speaking “ I haven't seen Ryan, I mean lieutenants commander Blake since I left sickbay,” as she knew that she still felt guilty about letting him down on the away Mission and also finding out about the bomb in her head. although she did have a message for him from her father that she had to give him. although she had been called to Lieutenant Commander Hendon's quarters due to the twins hacking the child lockout on the replication unit and getting loads of Ice cream, now she had to try and figure out how this happened and make a better lockout. but it would mean informing the Captain.

Brannon saw Captain Sterling come in. she stood, "Captain on the Deck!!!

'As you were the VIP shuttle will be landing in a moment. Lieutenant Somers, please have the honor guard standing by." Maia stated...

Ryan was speaking with a member of his staff when he overheard Maia asking Maria about his whereabouts. He stepped over and greeted both ladies. "Captain, Lieutenant McMahon. How may I be of service?"

“Ah, lieutenants commander Blake, I have a message for you from my father,” Maria stated pulling a chip from her pocket and handing it over to Ryan, she said,” I think it is a Thank you for bringing me back to the ship safely although she could not say for sure and that her father had only just recognized her as his own.

Due to her training the moment the word "CAPTAIN ON DECK" was sounded Karyn snapped to attention, such was her training.

Maia watched as the class 9 diplomatic shuttle landed on the parade deck.

"Security detail Post!" Maia ordered.

The red carpet was rolled out and the Prime Minister strode out of the shuttle Tarlana Grax leader of her people.

Maia bowed and said.

"Welcome to the Federation Starship Leto, Your Excellency, Your presence Honors us."

"Your service has honored us, Captain Sterling, to you and your gallant crew on behalf of all of the united people of Betazed, we give you thanks."

"Thank you Madam Prime Minister, won't you please join me on the podium," Maia replied.

Once they were on the podium, Maia instructed Senior chief Keitel to call the deck to attention and to start the ceremony.

Senior Chief Keitel nodded to the various department enlisted advisors before coming to attention. "Ship's company! Attention!"

Marina lined up alongside her brother as the crew was called to attention for the start of the ceremony. She couldn’t help but smile feeling free for the first time in a very long time.

Gibbs was late. Not that he had intended to be. There were some personal things he was having to deal with. However, he did get there. In full dress uniform, all spick and span. Slipping in almost silently, the only few that may notice him come in would either be the ones looking, or those that he stopped next to go to attention.

Ryan stood off to the side with a PADD in hand. He would be reading off the list of awardees to be recognized by the Captain for the ceremony.

Brannon noticed Gibbs sneaking in late. She thinks to herself. I will have to inquire about that after things settle down. When the ceremony is over and we are just eating and mingling.

Captain Sterling stood up and went to the podium

Attention to orders.

Corporal Saul Humphries a fire team leader from the Second platoon 1st squad of Det 95th Rifles, couldn't be with us today, but he is being awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze star for wounds sustained and the bravery and gallantry above and beyond the call for duty for actions during the battle of Niation falls.

First Lieutenant Karyn Somers Please step forward. First Lieutenant Karyn Somers has distinguished herself multiple times as the Deputy Commander of Mar Det 95 for her courageous actions at the battle of Niation falls she is being presented with the Silver Star and is being given full command of MarDet 95." Maia stated.

Karyn was surprised by this, but she tugged down her tunic and stepped forward, amid clapping she arrived at the front of the assembled and came to attention in front of her Captain and saluted then the Captain pinned the silver star to her chest and appointed her the new MCO of the Rifles on the Leto

Captain Sterling saluted and then pinned the medal on her blouse.

"Congratulations Lieutenant! I feel you are more than up to the task. You and your team are a credit to the Leto, the 95th Rifles, and the Star fleet Marine Corps. Semper Fi!!"

Saluting again "thank you Captain" Somers said and returning to the assembled officers who were applauding all those who got awards.

Next, we have a special presentation from Prime Minister Tarlana Grax of Betazed

Minister Grax go up and took the stand.

Would Lieutenant Angeliqur Brannon and Lieutenant Marina Tanger please step forward?

You have both been denied access to civility and Betazoid tradition because of your family affiliation with the Riixxian Caliphate. However, because of your great service to us, I am here to bring you back into polite society and restore both of your houses, and grant you the noble title of "First Daughters of Betazed". Your houses will now be recognized as part of the Fifth House of Betazed. You are entitled to all the rights and privileges of that rank.

Lt Brannon came forward and saluted as it was Betazed tradition. As she stood there she had to fight back tears of joy for what she had fought like a true Star Fleet Officer, but also in defense of her homeworld. As she stood there she could not help but think of her parents and wish they could have been there to see this.

"Thank you Minister Grax, I am honored.

Marina had stood for a moment completely dumbfounded before she quickly moved up, following suit with a salute. She wiped away a few emotional tears.

“Thank you so much Minister.”

"Furthermore to the Captain and crew of the Starship Leto, You are all being awarded the Star of Riix for saving billions on our planet and preserving peace and our culture. You all truly represent the best traditions and practices of the United Federation of Planets and we are forever in your debt. Thank you." The Prime Minister stated.

"On behalf of myself and my crew, I wanted to say that we are grateful that the Betazoid council voted in favor of remaining in the federation. We are all stronger as a result.: Captain Sterling replied.

There will be a banquet commemorating this event in 20 minutes. All are welcome to attend. Sterling said.

[OFF]

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A Post by

Captain Maia A. Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran
Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake
Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Angelique Brannon
Chief Security Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Rick Gibbs
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Kasey Tanger
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Maria McMahon
Chief Operations Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant JG Marina Tanger
Infiltration Specialist
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant JG Steve O'Carroll
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Issabelle Raal
Chief Counsellor
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

1st Lieutenant Karyn Somers
MCO 95th Rifles
USS Leto NCC-80916