Ceremonies of Light Part 1

Posted on 15 Dec 2019 @ 11:34pm by Lieutenant Paul Winchester & Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt & Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Commander Alexanderia Cahill & Lieutenant Commander Cody Parker & Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Lieutenant Lamia ‘Mia’ Kildare & 1st Lieutenant Reagan Risum & Lieutenant Serina "Reaper" Donovan & Lieutenant JG K'Rin "Tiger" C'Tinu & Ensign Teela Tjaansz & Lieutenant Karyn Somers & Master Chief Petty Officer Lucy Armitage & Sergeant Major Christopher "Chris" Kildare
Edited on on 27 Jan 2020 @ 12:29am

2,677 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: S03 Ep 01: Family Of Slaves (incidentals)
Location: Starbase 51
Timeline: Mission 1 S3 Day 26

[ON]

- Ceremonial Hall -

Early in the morning the engineering and diplomatic departments along with helpers set up the grand hall set up the place for the upcoming ceremony that the Tomcat would be arriving soon, Karyn and Samantha were tasked with getting things ready for the ceremony, there were now plenty of Counsellors present on the station. The two women had set the place up in record time, at the back was some tables set up that would have food and drink on them on the day of the Ceremony.

Commander Smithson’s Commbadge came to life =/\=Flight control to Commander Smithson =/\=

Tapping her Commbadge to make the connection =/\=Smithson here, what is it? =/\=

=/\= the Tomcat has just docked Commander =/\=

=/\= Thank you control Smithson out =/\= she looked at Karyn “Karyn go let Lieutenant Risum know his new posting has finally arrived” she said.

“Yes, Commander,” Karyn said and left the room.

- Outside the hall -

Tapping her Commbadge =/\= Chief Somers to Lieutenant Risum =/\=

Reagan had been in the middle of a holodeck work out session when his commbadge chirped. He quickly grabbed a towel and wiped his face. Picking up his commbadge he pressed the response button and spoke. =/\= Risum, Go ahead. =/\=

=/\= Sir, just to let you know the Tomcat has returned and at some point, the CO will speak to you just thought you should know that your new assignment has returned and from what I can see she has some scrapes, you will need to marshal the new Rifles that arrived ready for boarding =/\= she said.

=/\= Copy That. I’ll get freshened up and rally the troops. Risum out. =/\= Reagan said as he cut the Comms and quickly gathered his things. “I’ll need to hit the barracks and grab the men before we head to the Tomcat.” He muttered to himself counting the things he needed to grab from his room before heading out.

With that done, Karyn returned to her tasks, there were sitreps to do so the Captain could read them.

- Day of Ceremony: 07:00hrs -

Fleet Captain Jasmine Somers was on the podium arranging stuff and she saw her crew file in all in dress uniforms, there were haunted looks on some of the faces indicating those that went through hell and they were still recovering from their ordeals, but she was hoping this ceremony would go a ways to helping alleviate their troubles, if only for a short time.

She waited for a time until all had arrived into the Ceremonial Hall, while she was waiting for the last few stragglers, she straightened up a small wooden box as well as the trays of awards, her faithful Yeoman Lucy Armitage was assisting her on this instance. While Jasmine and Lucy were setting up the awards catering staff were setting up the buffet tables and make-shift bar, which mostly served synthehol, but real drinks were available if requested.

“Lucy finishing things here I have got to go and sort some final things out,” Somers said.

“Yes, Captain” the Yeoman replied and watched her CO leave the room.

It was 08:00hrs. when Jasmine returned and got back up on stage and double-checked the stuff for the crew should be arriving shortly and she wanted things ready for 09:00hrs.

08:30 to 09:00…

Maia was in her quarters changing. She wore the traditional dress white Starfleet issue dress uniform. She double-checked to make sure her medals and decorations were up to date and correct, made sure her regulation boots were polished and that her white cord was spotless. Maia took a sonic shower to freshen up, brushed her hair and only wore enough make-up to highlight her features. Checking herself in the mirror to make sure she presented a professional image she left her quarters and headed down to the awards ceremony.

Somers looked up to see the first of her crew to enter…

Maia walked in looking every inch the respected responsible leader she was. She made her way over to Captain Somers.

"You look like you have some bad news for the crew Captain, I take it your promotion came through and you're moving on"? Maia said.

"No on both accounts Maia," Somers said with a smile.

Having got changed into his fleet whites, with the gold collar, Paul Winchester knew that this was going to be a celebration of those that had done their part and being rewarded for doing so, as he strode into the Hall and looked around, He knew that Somers had gone all out on this and boy this was Grand, to say the least. He called, “Anyone here?” as his voice boomed around the empty room.

Lamia stepped nervously into the ceremony hall, she wasn’t sure if she was looking forward to this or not, but she had to get used to being out amongst the crew again. She couldn’t sit and hideaway in quarters forever. She looked towards Winchester as she heard his voice. “I am Lieutenant” She nodded politely as she greeted him.

"Good to see you up and about Lieutenant," replied Paul looking back at her, He asked, So How are you?" as he knew that things were getting back to normal for those that were taken. as he held out his hand in greeting he wondered if asking her if she wanted a drink yet and hoped that she would be alright for one.

"I'm...getting there Sir" Lamia offered a brief smile. "Still recuperating but I'm much better than I was thank you." She looked around before seeing Dodd and Walon step into the Hall.

Dodd and Walon entered the Grand Hall holding hands as it was helping them cope with the terrible ordeal they had undergone. While it was not typical for them to do so in uniform, it was helping their comfort levels and it was helping to keep Dodd from fidgeting with his dress whites.

~~ I would be happier in engineering or somewhere that clothes were not required. ~~ Dodd thought to Walon which made have an enormous grin on his face.

~~Just leave your Jacket alone and when we aren’t required to remain, we can get comfortable however you want~~ Iria thought back to him keeping a giggle in just barely.

~~ I can’t wait. ~~ Dodd thought to Walon with a slight chuckle. Then he noticed that Arderne looked over at them and started to head towards them. ~~ I hope she is feeling better as I know she is having a hard time. ~~ Dodd thought to Walon. He was concerned but knew she just needed to deal with the things as only she could.

Lamia smiled as she walked over to Remington and Iria. “Hi. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you both. I haven’t been out and about that much.”

Iria nodded to Lamia, “Are you alright?” There was so much that Lamia had to be thinking and feeling, after the ordeal from Orion’s experiments upon them all and the loss of her baby.

“Alright…” Lamia took a deep breath. “I could say yes but that would be a lie.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Right now, I’m wishing I’d waited for Chris.” She’d rushed out of quarters earlier before she changed her mind about going out at all.

Iria nodded softly she started to ask if Lamia wanted to call and see if her companion was available to join them. “If you want…”

“You are among friends and we will always be here for you if you need us,” Dodd added to the conversation. “How is Chris?” and then he noticed Arderne turn her head.

Lamia’s attention was drawn to the doors as Chris Kildare walked in. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief as he looked around before heading in her direction.

Chris got word that attendance at the ceremony was mandatory, now he was officially on the crew roster so he had to attend, what he hated the most was the monkey suit he had to wear, as he was 95th Regiment his dress uniform was a little different from the fleet version in that it had more decorations and braids and lanyards on it and a white cord on his upper left arm, the middle of the chest was white while the rest was green, all Riflemen present wore a similar uniform to him, the band around his collar was red indicating he was a specialist, straightening up his tunic he stands in the doorway and scans the room and spots his Mia looking over at him he smiles back and walks over to her position.

“Hello Lieutenant,” Chris said all formal, wise considering where they were.

“Am I glad to see you!” If it wasn’t a formal event, she would have hugged him there and then, instead, she took his hand for a few moments to help calm herself down.

After surreptitiously taking her hand she seemed to calm down “Easy now Mia.” he said and listened in to what was going on around them.

Lamia took a deep breath as she composed herself and finally let go of Chris’ hand.

John was holding Serina by the shoulders as they walked up to the hall doors, “Serina are you alright, you are trembling,” he asked her.

“No, but I will be fine. Please let’s just go in before I break orders and not go,” Serina said flatly. Serina was holding John’s hand as they walked into the Ceremonial Hall. Her mind in turmoil from realizing her parents would take her babies and raise them. However, she was a Starfleet officer with a career and a job, so she had no choice in the matter. Her career came first and family second. Serina saw the crew as they were milling around and led John to say hello.

“Hi, Lamia how are you feeling?” Serina asked.

Lamia offered a smile now she was starting to feel more comfortable. “Hi Serina, I’m doing okay thank you. How are you, and your twins?”

“Oh, they are fine. They are a handful, but John and I are adapting. I heard about your loss and I am so sorry but look at it this way, it was not meant to be. Just be glad you can still bear children normally. I know we are grateful just that I still can have children,” Serina said gently. Serina stepped up to Lamia and hugged her, “Come by my quarters and we can talk,” she whispered in her ear before she broke the hug.

Lamia nodded and smiled as she looked at Serina. “I will, thank you Serina.” She turned to look at Chris before looking back at Serina. “I…I’ve been struggling to cope in areas where there have been families, it’ll do me good to get used to being around children.”

"I know you will feel right at home when you see the twins. They are so cute, you will fall head over heels in love with them", Serina said smiling.

Dr Cahill put on her dress uniform with her other accessories. She walked to the mirror. Checking her appearance. Everything was good.

Personnel from Starbase 51 manned Sick Bay so all personnel assigned to the Tomcat could attend the Ceremony. She walked out of her office and heard a whistle from one of the female nurses and smiled.

"Easy Lt or you may cause a rush to Sick Bay."

Lt Brown smiled, "You will be the best looking Dr their ma'am." She smiled as she went to the door to get beamed to the Starbase. Once on the Starbase, she went to the room and entered.

Dr Cahill got a drink and started moving around the room talking to the others. Then she noticed where here seat was and went to a place close to it. And stood by.

Dodd and Walon then made their way to get a couple of drinks and then find their seats. In the past, their seats were always in separate places, but since they went to the captain about their relationship and engagement, they now found their seats side by side. However, all Dodd could think about was getting out of this monkey suit.

Lt JG Taggert took a full ten minutes adjusting her dress uniform in her quarters before leaving for the ceremony. oO It didn't use to take me an hour to get ready Oo she mused to herself. Her makeup was tasteful and understated, with subtle eye shadow and dark red lipstick. Her hair perfectly set in a bun at the top back of her head. Her uniform was a little tight across the chest though, but she didn't have time to adjust the measurements. Her pants were the same.

Walking into the ceremony hall, Nicci quickly found her seat, which was luckily next to Ensign Tjaansz.

"Well, don't you look pretty today," Teela jokes.

Nicci blushed, getting embarrassed. Comments like that always made her stammer. It took her a few moments to collect herself before she could reply, "Thank you, Teela."

"After we're done here, I have a little Jamaican Beach program I want you to try," Teela added. "Sunny, 85, and clear waters. The perfect way to relax after a mission."

"Sounds perfect," Nicci smiled.

From where he was standing next to her Kildare looked over "so Mia, do you think you will get more than the Purple Heart with this ceremony? I heard that all the Captives are being awarded the Purple Heart?" He asked.

Lamia shook her head. "Maybe others, not me. I didn't do anything to deserve getting a medal. You don't get medals for being a scared, breeding slave!" She took a deep breath. "I just wish they'd hurry up so we can get this over with."

"The Purple Heart is given to those who were injured in a theatre of conflict, injuries can take any form, but all those who were captives will be getting a Purple Heart, I know there are other awards, but I do not know what they are," Kildare said then it hit him what she said, "why do you think you are unworthy or an award?" He asked.

Lamia sighed. “I just...I didn’t do anything brave to deserve an award. I was terrified!! All I wanted was to get the hell out of there and get home to you. In the process, I mated with one of our own crew and ended up pregnant!” She hung her head. “I don’t feel that I deserve a medal for that.”

"The Purple Heart is in recognition for one's sacrifice, this you have done and the Purple Heart is the Fleets way of acknowledging a sacrifice, so just go with the flow and accept any awards coming your way," he said with a friendly smile and squeezing her hand gently.

Lamia nodded. “I will. I promise.” She offered a more confident smile.

*smiling* "that's my girl" he quietly said as he noticed that all the crew had finally arrived or almost all, there were still some stragglers to come, namely the new MCO. Who it seemed finally arrived with Parker.

With all the crew now assembled the Captain cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.

[OFF]

Fleet Captain Jasmine Somers
Commander Officer

Commander Maia Sterling
First Officer/Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant Commander Alexanderia Cahill MD
Chief Medical Officer/2XO

Lieutenant Remington Dodd
Chief Engineer

Lieutenant Paul Winchester
Chief Intelligence Officer

Lt. Jg Iria Walon
Chief Counsellor

Lt. Jg Nicole Taggert
Assistant Chief Engineer

Lt. Jg Amiri Aldana 365 D.V.M., M.D
Assistant Chief Medical Officer/Counsellor

Lieutenant JG Serina 'Reaper' Donovan
CAG/Raider 1/Helm Officer

Lieutenant JG Lamia 'Mia' Arderne
Chief Operations Officer

Lieutenant Jg Cody Parker
Mission Advisor/CoS

1st Lieutenant Regan Risum
Marine Commanding Officer

MCPO1 Lucy Armitage [P: Somers]
Captain's Yeoman

Ensign Teela Tjaansz [P: Taggert]
Engineer

Lt Jg John 'Sickle' Martinson [P:Donovan]
Pilot, Raider 2

 

RSS Feed