USS Athena
17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)
Posted by Fleet Captain Ghubari Koraia (Captain) in 17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)
Posted by Lieutenant Commander Stark Nightstalker (Chief Intelligence Officer) in 17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)
Posted by Lieutenant Commander Liam Madison (Chief Science Officer) in 17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻(snip)
Dark hands resting on the edge of the podium, Koraia looked over at those of her crew who were present. Long gone were the days where they could hypothetically gather in one place and she would know everyone on sight. These days, it was whomever could get away from their post and if she was lucky she’d recognize a handful outside of her senior staff. It would never cease to be slightly odd to her.
She should give a speech, and indeed Ghubari always did. Something reflective of recent events and encouraging. Today though she wasn’t sure what to say, and though she never scripted things, this time she sort of wished she had. Koraia took a slow and deep breath, and began. “To say that our last mission was a challenge would be a severe understatement. There are few words that can encompass what we went through and those that were present for any of the events off the ship understand just how close, how narrow a situation it truly was. Yet not once did I ever have reason to doubt our success. And that is simply because this crew is nothing short of extraordinary. Time and time again I ask things of you most captains never have to ask. And you never falter. That isn’t to say we don’t have our moments of doubt, or worry. But as I have witnessed each and every time, we all set those moments aside and work towards our goal… together.”
“On a ship this large, it would be unusual to give blanket awards, and yet, I can’t think of a single good reason to deny each and every one of you the commendation you so rightfully deserve. So a special commendation will be noted in each of your files. It is but a small token of my extreme gratitude for your continued excellence in the face of extraordinary danger.”
Koraia took a breath and reached to the shelf on the podium for the first box. “And yet, in some cases, it is simply not enough. Lieutenant Commander Liam Madison, front and centre,” she said with a growing smile.
Fl. Captain Koraia, CO
Before Joseph dragged him off and nudged him into interacting with others, Liam’s name rang out over the silenced crowd. Both of the men turned their heads toward the stage area. Joseph sighed in defeat. He released Liam’s arm then stepped back to give him room. Despite being able to escape his prior circumstance now, Liam found himself in an even tenser one. He cursed the fact Koraia started with him but didn’t let it show on the outside.
A deep breath filled his lungs as he moved from the far wall toward the stage. He stiffly stepped onto the platform and took his position. In a low voice, he spoke quietly enough that only the Captain heard him.
“I’m starting to get the impression you’ve got some telepathy or know me better than most.” He hinted at the fact he wanted to run than become the center of attention.
“The perks of being an empathic captain. Or even simply an observant one,” Koraia remarked equally quiet with a gleam in her eyes.
“However, I do thank you for saving me from Joseph’s attempts at forcing group socialization upon me. I’m just disappointed it might not last long.” Liam naturally glanced through the crowd to find his nephew.
Joseph had wandered close to the stage exit and hovered there like a Jackal mastiff stalking an escaped prisoner. Typical, Liam’s hope soured immediately at his waiting doom.
-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.
Stark had watched Ghubari speak and made a mental note to stop in and see her at a later time. Indeed they had been through a great deal and some more than most.
Stark Nightstalker CIO
Ghubari smirked. “We all have our burdens,” she said softly before reaching for a small box and speaking louder to the crew gathered. “As many of you know, and experienced, a good deal of our senior staff were scattered about at various times dealing with one situation or another. And it would have been quite easy to lose track of who was doing what. But fortunately, I know everything that happens on this ship,” she said playfully, her demeanour much lighter than usual. “And that is why I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the fact that during much of the crisis, our Chief Science Officer spent an extraordinary amount of time trying to keep my ship together. Given history, it’s much appreciated.” She allowed her gaze to return to Liam. ” But just in case that verbal appreciation isn’t enough, I thought it fitting that you should have this.” She opened the box where a small flat circular object sat. It was much bigger than a pip but still small, around the width of an average Human thumbnail. “Liam Madison, it is my great honour to give you the Starfleet Medal of Commendation for your efforts. Yes, there were others involved, but it was your constant action and leadership that made the difference. Risk is a hard thing to define sometimes, and valour is not always shown in the big and flashy actions. Know that all is appreciated on this ship.”
The captain stepped back to clap as she smiled at her CSO. Yes, he was bound to be uncomfortable. But he would adapt and deal with it. Besides it was her right as a captain to make her crew step out of the comfort zones.
Waiting until Liam had stepped back, Ghubari then cast her gaze back to her crew. “Lieutenant Junior grade Benjamin Grey. Do join me, why don’t you?” she said with a bright smile.
Fl. Captain Koraia, CO
Karina smiled as the Captain pinned Liam. He had certainly deserved it.
Karina
Doctor