View source for SIM:JP - Capt Kells, Capt Nicholotti, Capt Jaxx - For your service...

'''(( Holodeck 3, Starbase 118 ))'''


<nowiki>::</nowiki> Aron’s thoughts upon materializing unexpectedly in the holodeck rushed immediately to Kali: At least, thanks to their first interaction with one another, she would be prepared for this strange arrival. Indeed, he saw her eyes go wide, saw her tense along with Jaxx beneath their respective uniforms. Droll, he knew, was the way to go. ::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Glancing somewhat lazily around the holodeck, Kali’s eyed the distinct lighting effects of a transporter beam and, for a second, her eyes got a bit wider. Not knowing what to expect, it wasn’t until she saw the distinct form of her former First Officer, who had arrived just like that on the bridge of the Victory, what had seemed such a long time ago. Her look faded into a grin as he approached.::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Spotting his colleague, Jaxx thought about Aron and their last mission.  Things were successful in escorting the Mercury, but not that Jaxx was around to witness it.  Very few times in his career did he have to sit on the sidelines and remain out of the fight.  The only saving grace was that he was in a coma and was not put through the agony of having to watch.  It was a difficult mission and one that resulted in the casualties of many people.  None from the Apollo, but so many on the other side.  Liam was faced with a tough decision, and though justified, Andrus could not help but think he would have done things differently.  There was no telling how different the outcome would have been, if at all.  He thought of the man’s recent promotion to Commander, and it was well deserved.  The fact was, StarFleet already had an Andrus Jaxx, the Betazoid was not trying to clone another.  Liam was his own man, with his own choices to make.  It was the burden of command and one that Liam would have to learn to bear.  The intense loss of life was another story.  That was not as easy to live with.  But Jaxx had faith that his XO would find a way.  Turning his attention to the present, he looked at his friends, and colleagues.::


'''[[Kells, Aron|Kells]]''': What? Am I late?


<nowiki>::</nowiki> In truth, his experience was something that he couldn’t even begin to explain in a moment. Nor did he know why the weight of his grandfather’s hand remained on his shoulder long after Khev himself was far behind -- nor again why the muscle memory centered itself on Khev, and not upon Kali or Didrik, as had his experience earlier.::


<nowiki>::</nowiki> But these were ephemeral thoughts, not easily answered, and too complicated for the situation at hand. He banished them to the top shelf, readied a real, winning smile, and made sure that the box was in his hand. It was. Khev had kept up that part of the bargain, at least. ::


'''[[Nicholotti, Kali|Nicholotti]]''': ::Smirking.:: By some social standards, though I know some who would say time is relative. 


'''[[Jaxx, Andrus|Jaxx]]''': Rhetorical question.  He is always late.  ::looking to Aron:: Except getting back to 118, when there dancing involved, he will be the first one there.  ::laughs::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>It was typical Andrus to pick on those closest to him.  It was part of his charm.  In a way, it was so much better than being indifferent.  If he did not like someone, or care at all about them, he would simply avoid talking to them.  To be picked on by Andrus Jaxx meant that through it all, he liked them.::


'''Kells''': So, shall we be laudatory?


'''Jaxx''': I think with a gathering such as this it is a prerequisite. 


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Kali glanced out towards the crowd, all of them seemingly caught up in something, even if it was themselves.::


'''Nicholotti''': And after what they all went through. ::She nodded.:: Indeed.


'''Kells''': Great, who’s first? (beat) And, uh, who wants to get their attention?


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Jaxx looked out at the sea of people.  There were so many conversations going on that the room was at a constant buzz.  Even the thoughts of that many people in close proximity to him was a bit loud.  On a normal day it would not have been noticeable, but since his coma he had been having issues controlling his telepathic abilities.  He was taking medication, but for whatever reason that he could not fabricate for himself, he did not bring it with him.  It was not really bothering him, yet, and if it did become an issue he would head to the Apollo and get it.::


'''Jaxx''': Oh, I got this.


'''Kells''': You do?


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Kali could tell by the look in Jaxx’s eyes that he had something planned, and it was that which worried her. She raised an amused eyebrow and laughed slightly.::


'''Nicholotti''': Here we go.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Stepping forward, Jaxx found a nice perch to step up on.  With the people spread out, he took a deep breath so that he could make his voice carry with no problem.  He glanced at Kali and Aron and gave them his mischievous grin.  He used to be such a prankster, but it was a job he abandoned when he switched from gold to red.  Cupping his hands around his mouth, he yelled.::


'''Jaxx''': ADMIRAL ON DECK!


<nowiki>::</nowiki> Aron almost rolled his eyes, but he was the one who had just transported in, so he didn’t have much room to chastise unorthodox maneuvers. Besides, he couldn’t deny that it was effective. ::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Kali was unable to suppress the giggle that came after his voice boomed out into the holodeck. You could tell which officers were newer, and which had actually met an Admiral before by the way they reacted. Similarly, you could tell Ops’ crew, who ran into such officers often in the command towers. Still it was highly amusing.::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Jaxx gave it just a few second for the buzz in the room to die off.  All eyes had shifted in his direction, and he could sense the pause in many of them.  It was the part of being a prankster that was so rewarding for him.  Not only did he get to see their reactions, but he could feel their fear, anxiety, and relief.  It was a very rewarding experience for him.::


'''Jaxx''': Just kidding, but now that I have your attention we have a few things to go over.  So, I would like to hand things off to my colleague, Captain Aron Kells.  ::glancing to him:: Aron?


'''Kells''': Thanks, Jaxx.


<nowiki>::</nowiki> He stepped out in front of his fellows. He’d presented several of his officers with their promotions already, but here was an opportunity: ::


'''Kells''': I’d like to recognize Lieutenant Isaac Bale and Lieutenants, junior grade Trel’lis and Kael Thomas for their recent advancements in rank. I would also like to present one more promotion. Lieutenant Commander Cain, please.


<nowiki>::</nowiki> He waited for Arden to join him and allowed, for a moment, his thoughts to wander -- not back to what had just happened, but to many months back when Will had presented him with this promotion. That time had been quite different: alone, in the ready room, much the way Aron preferred to award promotions himself. But this, especially for the reasons for which he gave it, required more pomp. ::


'''Kells''': Arden, you handled yourself better than I could have -- and I don’t just mean this time, although I commend you for the job you did with a scientific vessel in a warzone given that your captain and a major government representative on a mission of mercy had just been kidnapped. I mean every time before: your work in exploring the station that was to become DSX. Your acquisition of fighters to make the Mercury a little less helpless out in the big black. Your handling of command during the Borg crisis. I could continue, and at length, but you’ve waited long enough for this moment: I hereby promote you to the rank of commander.


'''[[Cain, Arden|Cain]]''': Thank you Captain.


'''Kells''': Congratulations, Commander Cain, and may the Architect take her faith in you. (beat) I would also like to recognize Ensign Alexander Richards, who will be moving into the position of acting chief of science in response to the departure of Lieutenant West.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>There was a certain level of pride in the eyes of the commanding officers, and the officers that were given their rewards. Be it promotions, or citations, Kali always enjoyed this part of things. She shot a look towards her First Officer as she began her own run.::


'''Nicholotti''': I have two promotions I’ve yet to make, and two already made to congratulate. First, please join me in congratulating Commander Cody on his rank reinstatement and return to Starfleet. ::She looked at him, emotions welling up inside.:: Let me just say that this station would not be the same without him here.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Pausing for applause and congratulatory words, Kali continued once it quieted down some.::


'''Nicholotti''': I also want to extend congratulations to the newly promoted Lieutenant Colt Daniels, who will be transferring over to Strategic Operations.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Another pause. Then she moved on.::


'''Nicholotti''': Finally, if Ensigns Silveira and Livingston would join us.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>She waited a moment with a grin on her face as the information clicked and they approached. Then, approaching them each in turn, she attached a half pip to each of their collars.::


'''Nicholotti''': You are hereby promoted to Lieutenant JG, with all rights and privileges associated with that rank. 


<nowiki>::</nowiki>And with that, she stepped back.::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Watching his colleagues hand out their promotions was exciting for him.  It was not too long ago when he was the one handing out promotions to Kali, and a few members of her crew.  Now the three CO’s came together as one solid voice.  It put a smile on Jaxx’s face knowing, these were the cream of the crop.::


'''Jaxx''': First, I would like to announce some department shifting.  Commander Tal Tel-ar will be departing Operations, and heading up Strategic Operations.  Ensign Will Stead will be laterally moving over to Operations to fill the void left by Commander Tel-ar.  ::glancing around:: I too have a few promotions to recognize.  My Chief Medical Officer, Jalana Laxyn.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Jaxx waited a minute for her to make her way up to him.  Reaching out he removed her half pip, and replaced it with the full one.::


'''Jaxx''': You are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, with all rights and privileges.


'''[[Laxyn, Jalana|Laxyn]]''' : ::smiling ever so gently:: Thank you, Sir. 


<nowiki>::</nowiki>As she made her way back to where she was, Jaxx called the next two names.::


'''Jaxx''': Next, my Chief Tactical, and Chief Intel Officers, Ra-Uleyra and Viktor Lanius.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Waiting for the two men to take their place in front of him, he reached down and grabbed two half pips.  When they were in place, he reached up, pipping each one of them.::


'''Jaxx''': You are both hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all rights and privileges.


'''[[Ra-Uleyra]]''': Response


'''[[Lanius, Viktor|Lanius]]''': Thank you, sir... thank you.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Once everything had calmed down once more, Kali stepped forward again. Any lasting whispers of conversations ended and silence spread throughout the area. With a smile that conveyed the sense of pride she had in the officers before her, and the joy she took in this part of her job, she began.::


'''Nicholotti''': There are also a few service ribbons to give to those who went above and beyond during this last mission. While there were various aspects involved in what we were all sent out to do, it took teamwork between the ships whose crews are represented here today in order to get the job done and get back here safe. For this, I would like to present the following officers with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. 


<nowiki>::</nowiki>The list was a long one, but one by one, she read out the names of those who had a hand in the resolution of the tri-ship mission into Thracian and Romulan space.::


'''Nicholotti''': From the USS Mercury, Lieutenant S’Peek Avandar, Lieutenant Isaac Bale, Commander Arden Cain, Major Jacen Fanel, Captain Aron Kells, Lt Commander Alexander Matthews, Lt Commander Roshanara Rahman, Captain Quinn Reynolds, Ensign Alexander Richards, Lieutenant JG Kael Thomas, Lieutenant JG Trel’lis, Lt Commander Velana, Chief Warrant Officer Tobias Walker, and Lieutenant Eyas Wulfantine.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>She continued.::


'''Nicholotti''': From the USS Apollo, Captain Andrus Jaxx, Commander Liam Frost, Lieutenant Sidney Pierce, Ensign Will Stead, Lt Commander Ra-Uleyra, Lieutenant JG T’Mar, Lieutenant  Jalana Laxyn, Ensign Oxford Brown, Lieutenant JG Alan Williams, Lieutenant JG Richard Mathews, Cadet Segolene LeMarnix, Commander Tel-ar, Lieutenant Cayden Adyr, Lt Commander Viktor Lanius


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Now, only one ship remained. A small smile crossed her face.::


'''Nicholotti''': And from Starbase 118, Operations, Captain Kalianna Nicholotti, Commander Benjamin Walker, Commander David Cody, Lieutenant JG Vitor Silveira, Lt Commander Katy Orman, Lieutenant JG Johanna MacLaren, Lt Commander Kevin Breeman, Lieutenant JG Ben Livingston, First Lieutenant Thomas Benton, First Lieutenant Joseph Dubeau, Lt Commander Brek, Lieutenant Colt Daniels, and Lieutenant Kaedyn Zehn.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>With the third list complete, she stepped back and allowed the other captains to present the next groups.::


<nowiki>::</nowiki>As soon as the Terran woman was finished honoring those officers, Jaxx had a similar task on his plate.  The three crews had come together in one common goal, a common goal that had been fought throughout the Beta Quadrant.  Many ships and personnel had taken part in the situation, and many in different ways.  No matter how small the contribution, the bigger picture was always in sight.  Stepping forward, he continued.


'''Jaxx''': This galactic incident has taken many lives.  I am not just talking about the lives of our personnel, but the lives of many Romulans whose homes had been invaded.  Many Klingons who lost their lives in combat for the sake of their glory.  I am here to present the following officers with the Klingon Invasion Ribbon.  This ribbon will be worn as a beacon of hope and accomplishment.  


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Reaching down, Jaxx found the first list of names.::


'''Jaxx''': From the USS Mercury, Captain Aron Kells, Commander Arden Cain, Captain Quinn Reynolds, Lieutenant S’Peek Avandar, Lieutenant Isaac Bale, Major Jacen Fanel, Lt Commander Alexander Matthews, Lt Commander Roshanara Rahman, Ensign Alexander Richards, Lieutenant JG Kael Thomas, Lieutenant JG Trel’lis, Lt Commander Velana, Chief Warrant Officer Tobias Walker, and Lieutenant Eyas Wulfantine.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Continuing.::


'''Jaxx''': Next, from Starbase 118, Operations, Captain Kalianna Nicholotti, Commander Benjamin Walker, Commander David Cody, Lieutenant JG Vitor Silveira, Lt Commander Katy Orman, Lieutenant JG Johanna MacLaren, Lt Commander Kevin Breeman, Lieutenant JG Ben Livingston, First Lieutenant Thomas Benton, First Lieutenant Joseph Dubeau, Lt Commander Brek, Lieutenant Colt Daniels, and Lieutenant Kaedyn Zehn.


<nowiki>::</nowiki>Placing the list down, he needed no help for his own crew.::


'''Jaxx''': And finally, the USS Apollo, Captain Andrus Jaxx, Commander Liam Frost, Lieutenant Sidney Pierce, Ensign Will Stead, Lt Commander Ra-Uleyra, Lieutenant JG T’Mar, Lieutenant  Jalana Laxyn, Ensign Oxford Brown, Lieutenant JG Alan Williams, Lieutenant JG Richard Mathews, Cadet Segolene LeMarnix, Commander Tel-ar, Lieutenant Cayden Adyr, Lt Commander Viktor Lanius


<nowiki>::</nowiki>As soon as the last name was called, Jaxx silently stepped back and made his way over next to Kali, giving Aron room to wrap things up.::


<nowiki>::</nowiki> Finally, Aron took his place at the dais. To him fell the responsibility of announcing the last of the ribbons, and he held the names in his mind. He would not screw them up. ::


'''Kells''': First, the Prisoner of War Ribbon. The ribbon recognizes exactly what it sounds like: We, the recipients of this ribbon, have been taken prisoner by an enemy force in the course of duty -- but, thankfully, escaped. Lieutenant Commander Alexander Matthews, Major Jacen Fanel, Lieutenant, junior grade Kael Thomas, and I are the recipients of this award.


The Purple Heart recognizes those crewmembers who have been injured in the line of duty. Doctor Velana, Lieutenant Colt Daniels, Lieutenant Commander Katy Orman, 1st Lieutenant Thomas Benton, and Lieutenant, junior grade Ben Livingston, you are so recognized. Congratulations seems the wrong thing to say here, but realize that your commanding officers, representing the Federation Starfleet, wish to recognize your sacrifices.


The Silver Lifesaving Ribbon recognizes any officer or crewman, regardless of duty post, who has saved the life of a member of Starfleet. Doctor Johanna MacLaren, thanks to your good work as Starbase 118 Operations’s chief of medicine, you’ve been chosen to receive this service ribbon. Congratulations.


The Gold Lifesaving Ribbon recognizes those officers who go beyond the calls of duty and, perhaps, common sense, to save the life of a member of Starfleet while putting themselves in mortal peril. I’m pleased to acknowledge the sacrifices and work of Doctor Velana, Lieutenant Commander Roshanara Rahman, and Lieutenant Colt Daniels. Congratulations.


The Legion of Merit is one of the highest honors bestowed by a service ribbon, and recognizes extraordinarily meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Commander Arden Cain, Lieutenant Commander Roshanara Rahman, Commander Liam Frost, and Lieutenant Commander Brek, your actions have garnered you this prestigious recognition. Congratulations!


The Federation Cross recognizes conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of the recipient’s life while engaged in action against an enemy of the Federation. Lieutenant Colt Daniels, your actions during the previous mission have clearly distinguished you and were especially notable because of your potential for self-sacrifice. Congratulations!


<nowiki>::</nowiki>With the promotions and citations out of the way, the three captains fell back to enjoy the rest of the evening.  The party would be winding down and crews would begin to make it back to their ships for the night.  There was no telling when they would all be together like this again, but it was not something that happened very often.  With so much that still needed to be done out there, the three captains did what they did best...looked to tomorrow.::


TBC


Captain Aron Kells

Commanding Officer

USS Mercury


&


Captain Kalianna Nicholotti

Commanding Officer

StarBase 118 Operations/USS Victory


&


Captain Andrus Jaxx

Commanding Officer

USS Apollo


[[Category:SIMs]]