[Observation Lounge - Docking Pylon C - SB 234: UNITY]
Once again Commander Wellington had worked her magic. The observation lounge looked majestic. The crowd was dressed in their pristine dress whites, brandishing medals upon ribbons, and commendations. Captain Cropa Rojac wore his own medals on the left breast of his jacket. He had his Blue Ribbon of Excellence from the Academy; the Fleet Commendation Ribbon from his first mission aboard the Chimera under then Captain Guzman (when he infiltrated a Tal' Shiar base with the ship's ODA compliment); his first Golden Shield Award for is service at the Chimera's tactical station; his two Star Crosses for Merit; and his Bronze Star for valor. It was true that there were many officers his age that had more medals, but Rojac was the youngest to have command of a starship. He'd rather have the starship anyway.
But medals were no the only Cropa was brandishing as he walked through the doors and nodded to the guards at the door. On his arm was a particularly attractive Lieutenant, Rayna Dior. He picked her up, as scheduled, at 1500 hours. And, as promised, she wasn't ready until ten before 1600 - giving them two hours for a nice dinner before reporting to the Observation Lounge for the ceremony. They ate at a quite little cafe in the corner of the promenade, enjoying lattes and some lite sandwiches and whittled away the hours in casual conversation before taking to the turbolift.
After Cropa nodded to the guard, the marine saluted and called out to the room, "Captain on deck!"
Dior let go of his arm before he made his way to the stage in the front of the room. He strode regally to the podium and took a deep breath before tapping his combadge - tapping into the room's public address system.
"Good evening." He began, "Thank you all for coming, and thank you again for everyone's exemplary service during our last successful mission. Our ship has proven once more that we are deserving of our great reputation and the position of flagship for the First Taskforce.
"No doubt, your department heads have already had their departmental ceremonies and presented you all with awards and commendations from the last mission on our way back here to Aeran III and UNITY." Rojac said, nodding to the line in front of the stage to his senior officers. "I congratulate on all who were awarded, an thank you for your service to the fleet and ship. I am here today to recognize a few exceptional officers and their contributions to the ship and crew. So without further delay, I call to the stage Marine Captain Anya Xerxes, Lieutenant Junior Grade Gustav Kroitzer, and Lieutenant Rayna Dior."
The room erupted in applause as the three officers approached the stage, and stood with their hands behind their backs to the right of the podium. Commander Trzetrzelewska also appeared, standing before a small table adorned with metal boxes to the Captain's left.
"Marine Captain Anya Xerxes," Rojac began once the applause died down, "you have made your mark not only on our little ship, but also on the whole of Starfleet. Your Lancer design has seen considerable success while employed above the Chimera, and production of further craft as been initiated by Commander Rodgers in the Tarangor Shipyards adjacent to us here at Starbase UNITY. Your actions as Chief of Flight Operations has also proven to be quite exceptional. Your squadron, under your leadership, proved pivotal in the battle of Canna III, the capture of the Breen Base, and the destruction of a Romulan Scorpion II squadron. And your service as a diplomatic liaison to the Erassian Alliance during negotiations to enter Erassian Space were pivotal in the success of the mission." Rojac paused for a moment and nodded to his XO, who picked up three of the silver boxes. "Marine Captain Anya Xerxes, may it be recognized that on this day you were awarded the Omega Cross ribbon for the exceptional leadership of the Chimera's Squadrons, and the Pallas Medal for your service in the negotiations with General Viktor Ivanov and Ambassador Ayanami." The room erupted in polite applause, with a few hoots and hollers from Anya's squadron. "But that is not all." Rojac said, interrupting the celebration. "As of this moment, your are being promoted to the rank of Major and granted all the rights and responsibilities granted therein. Congratulations, Major."
Commander Trzetrzelewska pinned the new rank insignia, the ribbon, and the Pallas medal to Major Xerxes' jacket as the room applauded. Cropa moved on the the next officer to be recognized.
"Lieutenant Junior Grade Gustav Kroitzer was thrust into the position of Chief Engineer at short notice, and has since proven to be an effective leader, adminisitrator and engineer." Rojac commented. "Kroitzer is a brave and selfless individual that is dedicated to hi crew, ship and fleet. His dedication is such that he risked his life for the crew of the Magellan during the Battle of Canna III by making external repairs to the bridge's shield generators during a confrontation with two Romulan warbirds. He also made considerable progress while aboard the USS Rapier before he was force to abandon it in the line of battle." Rojac paused. "With these efforts in mind, it is deemed fitting to present Mr. Kroitzer with a Technical Excellence Ribbon and a Bronze Star for Valor. In addition to an advancement in rank to full Lieutenant." Rojac nodded to the young Engineer. "Congratulations Lieutenant Kroitzer, you deserve it."
Again, Natalia pinned the awards to the jacket of the recognized officer accompanied by the polite applause of the gathered crew. Rojac moved on to the last figure on the stage.
"Lieutenant Rayna Dior, Chief Helm Officer." Rojac began. "Your skill at the controls of a Century Class battleship are astounding. Your experience aboard the USS Franklin, and Captain Mayo's Magellan as junior Helm officer has trained you well for this position. Your contributions in the last mission of navigating us successfully through the Grand Banks nebula twice and performing mind boggling maneuvers in the battle of Canna III played a big part in the Task Group's Success. IT is in recognition of these efforts that you are being presented the Rising Star Ribbon. Congratulations Lieutenant."
Natalia pinned Rayna's award to her jacket, and shook the Lieutenant's hand.
"These officers serve as good examples to the entire crew. Offer them your congratulations - and strive to best them in your service next time." He added with a grin. "We ave two weeks of shore leave here at UNITY; so to those whose leaves I approved, please enjoy yourselves and your time away from the rigors of war. To everyone else, you should have received your duty schedules in your individual inboxes. If you have questions, please contact your respective supervisors." Rojac took a deep breath, and then allowed his trademark grin to grow beneath his beard. "But for tonight, enjoy the drinks, food and festivities provided by the hospitality of Starbase UNITY. Good night."
The room applauded once more and Rojac left the podium to shake the three recognized officer's hands. He took Lieutenant Dior's arm in his and lef the stage - headed for the bar in the corner. He was determined to enjoy the rest of the night. It would be back to duty for himself in the morning.
[End Log]
Captain Cropa Rojac
Commanding Officer
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C
<<OOC AWARDS:>>
The following simmers are presented these awards for their contributions to the simulation.
Butch (Rick and Trent Rodgers): the Star Cross for Merit and the Fleet Achievement Medal.
Bren (Bren Ohmsford and Natalia Trzetrzelewska): Fleet Achievement Medal
Rangi (Rangi Summers, Martin Guzman, and Lucy Flemming): Fleet Achievement Medal.
Congratulations you three, and thank you for your service and dedication to the success and environment of our little sim. To those not awarded at this time, I encourage you to keep trying. Simming isn't about awards, it is about having fun. When you enjoy what you do, often you are recognized for the quality that springs forth from it. Thank you everyone for being a part o this sim, and for letting me lead you all into the unknown.
Now, get logging.
+rojac
