Actions and Reactions - Part 2 - MD 06
Posted on Sun Mar 16th, 2025 @ 1:43pm by Captain Daegan Baas & Ensign Garath Of the House of Varal [Baas] & Lieutenant Commander Ridge Maguire & Lieutenant Liam O'Riley & Ensign J'Haz Sasha & Lieutenant JG Stevie Thomas [O'Riley]
Edited on on Sun Mar 16th, 2025 @ 1:45pm
2,291 words; about a 11 minute read
Mission:
Sole Survivor
Location: Deck 11 - Open Mess
Timeline: MD 06 - 1620
Their gathering had become something of an unofficial tradition ever since the Captain's thank you mixer. After their shift was over they would get together for drinks and the occasional meal to talk about anything and everything.
Garath was finally off-duty and walked into the lounge scanning the tables for his friends. Once he spotted them he made eye contact with Sasha and raised his hand as he made his way across the room. Sometimes he felt outnumbered being the only guy at the table, but that was nothing a Klingon worried about. From the others already at the table he was the last to arrive, but someone had already got his his usual.
Taking his seat he lifted his glass, "Evening ladies."
Hearing a familiar deep voice Stevie looked over at the last arrival "Garath, nice you could make it" she commented with a grin "I was starting to think you had better things to do" in a teasing manner.
After taking several swallows from his drink as she spoke he grinned as he lowered the glass to the table. "I would have been earlier but it seemed someone's pet capuchin monkey got out. Took three of us almost two and a half hours to corner it." Adding to see what reaction he'd get. "It would have been a glorious hunt but the creature hardly had any meat on it to make it worth while."
Looking at Garath, a picture flashed through her mind at his description. Making a face "Eww, that's disgusting! I'm all for exotic cuisine....but monkey?.....I don't think so" Stevie replied with a smirk.
He laughed. "HAHAHA, I never took you for being squeamish. Besides, who knows with the right seasoning..."
Sasha looked up from a padd with a friendly raise of her tall glass of mocha fizz to the new arrival.
"It is for the best, Stevie. Even with proper seasoning and preparation, a full sized Terran simian of that species would barely make a decent snack for our friend here."
She took a sip of her drink before continuing. "Gareth, next time I suggest using a phaser on wide dispersal and mild stun. It'll shorten your efforts and place the lab specimen under far less stress. Not to mention of course the lack of a proper trophy for future display."
Sasha slid a large tray of authentic loaded nachos closer to him to share. "You're fortunate that it was just a capuchin monkey. There are far more intriguing specimens in the lab that could have made your day much more complicated."
Her eyebrow rose with curiosity. "You didn't see any moopsies did you? "
Stevie had to laugh at Sasha's remarks "Yes I've heard Klingons have.....how shall I put this....a healthy appetite" then looking back at Garath "I'm not squeamish really but I still say that's disgusting."
He cocked his head slightly towards one then the other. "I wonder how you all would do with some authentic Klingon food?"
Looking at Garath for a few moments a smirk came across her face "Garath, are you dropping a challenge; I do love a good challenge" Stevie answered thinking she could choke down most anything if she absolutely had too.
Returning her smirk with one of his own. "Well we aren't that far from Klingon space and my House is based in the Maranga system. I could always see if one of my father's ships could rendezvous with us...replicated just isn't the same and I'd hate for you all to miss out." Looking to the rest, "Everyone game?"
Stevie grinned "I'm up for it" she stated wondering what Klingon concoction he'd present her with.
[Ready Room]
After writing up a citation Daegan replicated the new pip set and award to be awarded. Nodding to the others, he queried the computer on the Ensign's location. "Computer, location on Ensign Stevie Thomas?"
"Ensign Thomas is currently on Deck 11, Mess Hall."
"Perfect."
O'Riley was looking forward to seeing Ensign Thomas finally getting the recognition she'd worked so hard for; also he was curious as to what her reaction would be. Looking to command "Let's do this" he commented.
Padd, award, and pips in hand Deagan gestured to the door of his readyroom. "Gentlemen..."
Liam gave the Captain a courteous nod as he exited the ready room knowing, for Stevie Thomas, what was about to transpire was long overdue.
"You first, Captain," Ridge said as he hung back. "Given the situation, you're the one she'll be focused on guaranteed." He grinned cheerfully as he gestured toward the Ready Room door.
As the headed out. "Once we get there we need to look all serious...on the edge of upset even. Liam you do the 'Captain on deck' and after I call her over, Ridge I will give you a nod and you call attention to orders to cut the tension."
"Sure thing Captain, this should prove quite interesting" O'Riley replied with a grin.
[Deck 11 -Mess Hall]
Garth looked to the others. "Sasha? Nayeliz?"
Sasha nodded in agreement with no reservation. "A culture is revealed in many ways, especially in choices of food. I've always wanted to try gack. I understand it's best when it's fresh."
"Very true." Adding with a smirk, "Then again, a lot of things are best when fresh."
The trio arrived at the ship main crew mess and even in the corridor they could here it was a busy start to the evening. putting on a scowl Daegan lead the way through the doors, flanked by the XO and the ships Chief Engineer. Stopping, near some plants he looked into the room as people enjoyed the beginning of their evening.
In a loud distinct voice Liam called out looking rather stone faced "Captain on deck!" as everyone stood and snapped to attention; it was almost too funny but Liam managed to keep his current demeanor.
Ensign Thomas stood, as did the entire room, wondering what this was all about.
Devin had been keeping tabs on the large party going on while she read a manual regarding mixed drinks. She was no publican but she needed to at least fake it. Then again, perhaps she was just using that as an excuse to not interact with the officers at the table. Sooner or later she was going to have to introduce herself to the senior officers but-
The doors opened and she noted the arrival of the captain, flanked by...the XO and Chief Engineer. She began to give a nod of greeting, then took note of his expression.
Uh-oh, she thought. That did not look good...
After Liam called out the room became silent all except for a few children that that their parents were busy quieting. Taking a frustrated looking breath, as he took a step forward. “Ensign Stevie Thomas?”
The Ensign's heart started to race hearing her named called by the Captain no less. she thought as Stevie swallowed hard before speaking "Here Captain."
He had thought of ordering her 'front and center' but instead he locked eyes with her from across the room and raised his hand. Motioning her over with two fingers.
Garath was very puzzled. He had been on the bridge and seen the Captain in action as well as elsewhere and he had never acted like a hardass. That and had never imagined he would be the type to publicly chastise someone, but maybe he was wrong. As he stood at attention his eye darted to Stevie, “What's going on?”
Not wanting to answer Garath's inquiry Stevie just shrugged her shoulders then started making her way towards the Captain; may as well get this over with whatever fate had in store for her. Walking up to Baas "Sir" she stated as she snapped to attention eyes looking right at the Captain; she'd deal with O'Riley later.
Padd in hand he crossed his arms in front of him. "Ensign Thomas...I am getting calls from those at Starfleet Command and you name keeps being brought up by some high ranking officers."
Glancing to Ridge he nodded.
"Attention to orders," Ridge called out in a voice meant to carry.
Devin was a good judge of character-any halfway decent captain had to become one if they wanted to form a competent crew-and her assessment of Captain Baas was he most definitely knew his job. And part of that job did not entail dressing down a junior officer in public, so she had a good idea what was happening. She turned to the replicator and mentally made a note to get the wine cellar properly stocked and cataloged for future events and celebrations.
"Champaigne," she murmured quietly to the replicator, "Chilled, nine flutes, as in glasses you drink from," some replicators could be so damned literal.
"That would include you was well," Ridge said as he looked at Devin. His blue eyes were twinkling though he kept his expression serious as he turned back toward the Captain.
With the XO's command his manner shifted and expression brightened as a wide grin spread over his face. Looking to and addressing those in the lounge, “Everyone at ease.”
Lifting the padd he read the citation. “To all who shall hear these presents greeting. This is to certify that based on the recommendations of: Commander Zebulan Cartwright, Star Fleet Computer Systems Command & Lieutenant Liam O'Riley, Chief Engineer of the USS Valkyrie, the Departmental Distinction Award for Engineering, is awarded to Ensign Stevie Thomas for outstanding performance of her duties as a Computer Systems Specialist aboard the USS Valkyrie.
“On stardate 77077.69 Ensign Thomas' exemplary attention to detail identified an unauthorized and malicious software update that had been released throughout Utopia Planitia. Ensign Thomas was able to spot a seemingly official update and questioning its validity; something that engineering staffs on several other starships had failed to catch, she reported immediately to the SFCSC. Her quick thinking prevented the wide spread installation of this malicious programming, not only to the computers of the USS Valkyrie, but to every starship docked, being repaired, or under construction at Utopia Planitia. While the attack is still under investigation, her actions undoubtedly prevented the compromise of over 100 starhips and quite possibly saved countless lives. Her watchful eye, initiative, and devotion to duty brought prideful attention to the USS Valkyrie, reflects great credit upon herself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of Starfleet and the Federation.
“Given under my hand on stardate 77209.55, Captain Daegan Baas, USS Valkyrie Commanding.”
Stepping forward he pinned the award to her uniform and stepped back. Handing her the padd he extended his hand. “Congratulations.”
A wave of relief washed over Stevie as she gratefully shook the C.O.'s hand while fighting back the emotions welling up inside of her "Thank you Captain for the recognition" was about all she could manage to say and still keep her composure.
Raising a hand he needed to quiet the applause. “Quiet please..." grinning, "it's not over yet. It was mentioned, by several officers, that it was a waste of material to have such an officer remain a mere Ensign. A fact I am in complete agreement with. Therefore, and so you can pass on your skills to those under your charge... Ensign Thomas...it is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.” Again he stepped forward removing her Ensigns pip and replaced it with the LTJG pip set.
Once again he stepped back, “Again, Congratulations...Lieutenant.”
Garath watched feeling a pride for his friend, and as the Captain stepped back raising a hand to signal the restarting of the applause. Letting out a roar he applauded with the rest of Stevie's circle of friends.
Hardly believing what had just transpired, Stevie couldn't contain herself any longer as a stream of tears ran down her face. After all the years of hard work, finally she was being taken seriously for her abilities despite her looks. Wiping away the tears with her hand Stevie swallowed hard as she managed to speak "Thank you so much Captain; you have no idea what this means to me" then glancing over at Liam, he was clapping vigorously smiling from ear to ear as he gave her a nod of "well done".
Lieutenant J.G. Stevie Thomas then snapped to attention once more before turning and making her way back to her friends while giving a polite nod to those applauding.
Seeing Devin and another member of the staff emerge with trays of champagne he nodded approvingly before snatching a glass off a tray. "Everyone...lifting his glass. To the first promotion on the Valkyrie. The first of many."
Raising her glass, as she wiped away the last remaining tears of joy, Stevie honored those who would follow. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think she would be the first promotion on the Valkyrie; she had her Chief to thank for that.
Devin gave the newly minted lieutenant a polite nod and she felt a pang of...well...regret seemed not the right word for it. Perhaps it was simply the envy of an outsider looking in? She made certain the feeling did not reach her face. These people were happy, deservedly so. They did not need a sour face ruining their celebration. She gave polite nods and smiles as the champagne flutes disappeared off her plate.
Captain Daegan Baas
CO
Lt. Commander Ridge Maguire
First Officer
Lieutenant Liam O'Riley
CEO
Ensign Garath of the House of Varal
Security Officer
NPC played by Baas
Lieutenant J.G. Stevie Thomas [O'Riley]
Computer Systems Specialist
RSS Feed