Awards and Decorations

Posted on 25 Dec 2024 @ 6:13pm by Captain Bane Plase & Lieutenant Commander Temerant Bast & Lieutenant Commander Stovek & Lieutenant T'Lara Ahmad & Lieutenant Maralen Seitha

1,140 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave and Reassignment
Location: Observation Lounge, Starbase 375

ON:


Bane looked on to the officers that he had gathered here. There were few in number, but each of them were larger than life to him, and to those they served with. Tonight would be recognizing them for their talents, their hard work and their dedication to the U.S.S. Cygnus. For now, each of them were mingling idly, a few with a cocktail of Aurillian origin, others still with finger foods, and the remaining with nothing at all, depending on their mood and disposition.

The observation lounge on Starbase 375 had been redecorated from a staff meeting point to a ceremonial location, complete with the Federation Flag, the Flag of Starfleet, as well as member world flags of all the officers that were gathered here to receive their due.

At last, the time arrived. He nodded lightly to the Yeoman, who then took to the podium provided. "Attention! Captain on Deck!" she bellowed, getting everyone's attention. All of them turned to the podium and waited for their Captain to arrive. Without delay, the Captain made his way to the podium. Without looking at those in front of him, he kept his eyes down and placed his PADD just so, with his notes. On the shelf on the podium lay several boxes.

"Attention to orders," Bane began, finally looking up. "For her outstanding devotion, dedication and effort to the U.S.S. Cygnus, especially in the face of extreme adversity, challenge, contributing to the ship at every turn and unusual nature of the mission, Lieutenant T'Lara Ahmad is hereby awarded the Act of Distinction. Lieutenant Ahmad's exceptional service is in keeping with the highest standards of Starfleet and reflects great credit upon herself, the U.S.S. Cygnus, Starfleet and the Federation. Congratulations, Lieutenant," Bane said, smiling at her and pinning the medal on her chest.

T'Lara stepped forward to receive her award. She did not feel like she quite deserved such a thing given her injury and absence from duty during the most trying time of their collective ordeal, however she wasn't about to argue the point with the captain in front of the crew.

With a gracious dip of her head, she replied, "You honor me, captain. We would not be here today if it were not for the collective efforts of all the crew during our recent ordeal."

The Captain smiled warmly at her, then began speaking again.

"For his outstanding devotion, deep dedication, extra effort and service beyond the scope of his position and responsibility, Lieutenant Maralen Seitha is hereby awarded the Citation of Valour. Lieutenant Seitha's exceptional service is in keeping with the highest standards of Starfleet and reflects great credit upon himself, the U.S.S. Cygnus, Starfleet and the Federation. Congratulations, Lieutenant," Bane said, smiling at his Chief of Security, and pinning the medal to his chest.

Maralen stepped forward, for once not wearing his signature expression of calm. For this moment, a significant one, he was ignoring his training and allowing his emotions to express themselves. Currently, the dominant emotion was humility. The rest were... complicated. He did not feel as though he deserved this. After all, in his estimation, losing 60% of the crew constituted a significant failure on his part. The captain, however, seemed to disagree, and he was immensely grateful for that and humbled by it. The captain's words touched him deeply, therefore, and he did not hide this fact. He bowed his head and then met the captain's eyes, giving the captain an expression of humble gratitude. "I am honored by this, Captain. Thank you, Sir." In his mind, this crew had very quickly become his new family, and he would do all in his power to protect them, whether it was his job or not. His own feelings about this last mission's failure were shelved for the moment -- he would address them later in his Journal and in meditation... again. For now, though, he sufficed with the gratitude and then stepped back.

Captain Bane congratulated the Lieutenant, then continued.

"For his efforts to be better understood by his fellow crewmates, for his efforts to save the ship at great personal cost and for his extreme dedication, devotion and service beyond self, Lieutenant Commander Stovek is hereby awarded the Cross of Distinction. Lieutenant Commander Stovek's exceptional service is in keeping with the highest standards of Starfleet and reflects great credit upon himself, the U.S.S. Cygnus, Starfleet and the Federation. Congratulations, Commander," Bane said, smiling at his Chief of Operations, and pinning the medal to his chest.

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one,” said Stovek plainly. “Most of you are familiar with that Vulcan axiom. I am privileged to be part of this crew’s many and will strive to remain worthy of your trust.”

Bane nodded appreciatively and warmly to the Commander, then continued.

"Starfleet, in their infinite wisdom," Bane began, his voice serious at first, but rapidly descending into sarcasm, "has denied my request for a different award to this next officer. To that end, I will give the very next best one I can, under my own authority. For his efforts which have been above and beyond reproach at all times, for his tireless, ceasless, incredibly detailed and highly professional and outstanding service, Lieutenant Commander Bast is hereby awarded the most prestigious award that can be given by me, the Captain's Distinguished Service Order. Lieutenant Commander Bast's exceptional service is in keeping with the highest standards of Starfleet and reflects great credit upon himself, the U.S.S. Cygnus, Starfleet and the Federation. Congratulations, Commander," Bane said, smiling at his First Officer, and pinning the medal to his chest.

"Captain," replied Bast. "I'm honored to serve under you. And serve these fine officers. You all make the Federation proud."

Captain Bane reached out and shook Commander Bast's hand, and looked upon him with great satisfaction, admiration and respect.

Maralen looked to the others, his voice now showing sincere warmth and respect for the officers around him. "I hope I am not speaking out of turn, but I just wished to say congratulations to all of you. You deserve these awards." He then gave them a bow of his head. "It has been, and shall continue to be, my honor to serve with all of you." This declaration was for the other awarded officers and the captain, so he included Bane with his eyes as he said it.


OFF

An awardish post by:

Lieutenant T'Lara Ahmad
Chief Engineer
USS Cygnus

Lieutenant Maralen Seitha
Chief Security Officer
USS Cygnus

Lieutenant Commander Stovek
Chief of Operations
USS Cygnus

Lieutenant Commander Temerant Bast
First Officer
USS Cygnus

and

Bane Plase, Captain
USS Cygnus, Commanding

 

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