STF

Side Sim - The Envelope, Please. - (Tag ALL Crew)

Posted Jan. 18, 2021, 5:01 p.m. by Lieutenant Faye Calloway (Mission Specialist) (Lindsay B)

Posted by Lieutenant Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in Side Sim - The Envelope, Please. - (Tag ALL Crew)

Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Side Sim - The Envelope, Please. - (Tag ALL Crew)

Posted by Lieutenant Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in Side Sim - The Envelope, Please. - (Tag ALL Crew)
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻

The sound of a Boatswain whistle sounded throughout the Manhattan, followed by the Captain’s voice.

=/\= Crew and residents of the USS Manhattan, this is your Captain speaking.=/\= There was a pause for a moment, and then Cochrane continued. =/\= Well… we’ve certainly had a time of it over the past few weeks. But I am happy to report that we all made it through with flying colors. I want to thank all you for your diligence and professionalism while we sorted out some… well… let’s just say that the Manhattan will be doing its own dirty laundry from now on, not anyone else’s. So, to celebrate and commemorate that fact, we will be having a party. Ship wide. That will follow a very special awards ceremony in the new arboretum at 1900 hours this evening. Dress uniforms for all officers and enlisted. Civilian dress is formal black tie. As we cannot fit everyone on board in such a space, the ceremony will be broadcast throughout the ship. The after-party will be held in the lounge, Officer’s Mess, and Cargo bay. Attendance at the awards ceremony is mandatory for all Department Heads and Officers. Viewing is mandatory for all others. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing everyone dressed up tonight. Cochrane out. =/\=


At 1830, Cochrane arrived in the arboretum. It had been staged according to his directions. A stage had been set up in the center of the space, on which stood a single podium. He inspected the risers and then he looked around for any of his crew.

Cochrane, CO

OOC: This is the new garden for everyone’s reference: https://www.star-fleet.com/core/stf1/manhattan/posts/116416/

(snip)

Cochrane smiled. He knew he had chosen the perfect location. “There will time enough for sight seeing after the ceremony. Now, if you all will excuse me, I have to make sure I have my speech ready.” and he lifted his glass and turned and walked towards the stage, pulling a mini-PaDD from his pocket.

Cochrane, CO

Luke couldn’t help but notice that Faye was still wearing the hair pin he had given to her for protection, trying not to over think it he allowed himself a small victory. “Maybe you’d give me a tour sometime, it’s different to see you so interested in something that doesn’t have an electronic signature.” He sipped his drink and chuckled, “A relief almost.” He had a few questions, damn he always had a few questions for her and yet she provided very few answers and when she did… more questions. He gave her a smile before turning to the other Lieutenant but she seemed to be reading the groups conversation different.

“I’ll get us all drinks. Wyatt, can you help me?” She wasn’t sure why, but she had a gut feeling that leaving the other two alone a moment was the right thing to do. She winked at Faye and headed for the refreshments set up.

Pretha
CRIT Ldr

“Sure” Luke looked to the Captain and then to Faye feeling as if he had interupted something, he’d have to ask Faye about that another time. “So Lieutenant, we haven’t had the opportunity to sit down and meet formally, your CRIT reports show promising results.” He asked following her.

Lt Luke Wyatt

As she stepped away with Wyatt, she realized the departure of the Captain left Faye by herself. Just then she caught sight of Faye’s mom. She paused half step, wondering about going back. But she had faith in her friend to seek her out if she needed.

Looking at Wyatt, she nodded and smiled. “Yes, we really do need to catch up. And I’m glad you approve of the reports. It hasn’t been long, but I think we’ve got a good team started. I’ll be started simulations very soon. We’ll be running different simulations with different departments. I’m hopeful when a crisis comes, the whole ship will be ready. Not just the CRIT teams.”

“That sounds like a good forecast of events, please send me any training I will happily have security attend, I think working together will only benefit us all in the long run” He continued to follow smiling at some officer he knew. There was a good turn out. Well, who was really going to turn down the Captains invite. Only he wouldn’t turn up in the correct dress and have to get changed, he was glad he did.

She reached the refreshment table and got a fruit juice. She certainly wanted something stronger, but now didn’t seem the time.

Pretha
CRIT Ldr

“You arrived with Lieutenant Calloway, do you know her well?” Luke asked picking up a fruity cocktail looking drink. He hadn’t planned on getting any information on Faye but having a friend who could let him know of her likes and dislikes was always handy, besides she apparently liked the hairpiece he had given.

  • Lt Luke Wyatt

OOC: Pasting D back into the main thread.
IC:
Zef had vacillated back and forth about what to wear—a uniform or a gown? Since she was a counselor, there was always the option for either and although it would have been fun to get ‘dressed up’ in chiffon and sequins, she decided to go with the dress whites.

She entered the arboretum curiously. She hadn’t seen the work Faye had done but knew how much time and effort the woman had put into it. As she passed other officers, Zef smiled or nodded while making her way to the bar.

—Rollo, CNS

(snip)

As the Officers and a few guests came in and looked around at the space, many were stunned and excited. A low murmur of conversation floated through the space until a whistle came over the ship-wide comms. “Attention, USS Manhattan. This is the Captain speaking.” People turned and looked to see Cochrane on the stage behind the podium, above him floating two cameras relaying a live feed to the rest of the ship.

“This evening we are coming together to celebrate… and to put to rest some bitter feelings to one of our own.” He paused and looked out over the crowd. “I am deeply honored to serve on such a fine vessel. But I am even more deeply honored to serve with such a fine and dedicated crew such as you. You are the most impressive group of individuals I have ever known… and you are an even more impressive as a singular crew. Together we have explored and visited previously unknown worlds, documented new life, and established relationships with new civilizations and species. We have spent a long time from home… and will spend longer still in order to continue our mission of exploration, discovery, and diplomacy.” His hands grasped the side of the podium and his his eyes scanned back and forth across the crowd as he continued.

“But our mission is not without its difficulties. Some of those are a result of our newness within this quadrant, our inexperience with these new cultures and environments. Some are due to circumstances and situations wholly unknown to us before. And some…” and his voice took on a slight edge, “… some are because of who we are and what we represent. Throughout our history, our United Federation of Planets has seen it’s share of hostility. Some want our resources. Some our territory. And some, perhaps the most dangerous, want our extinction. Our ideals of freedom, self-determination, and community are an anathema to some. And they seek ways to undermine us, to usurp our member species and civilizations to suit their own desires… to rip us apart.” Alex took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“Someone tried to do that to us here on the Manhattan. A covert plan was put in place by unknown forces to try and compromise us and drive us apart. To isolate us from the rest of Star Fleet, and ensure that we would not have the ability to defend ourselves. This plan was discovered… and I am very proud to say it was foiled. But that would not be the case except for one member of this crew. One person, acting to put themselves in harm’s way to protect all of us from an unknown enemy. Now… many of you know this person. You have seen their work and their dedication first hand. But many of you do not know them, but you are indebted to them every time you call home, or get a message from a loved one so far from here. And we are all in their debt for their selfless actions to protect this ship and her crew. That being said, all of us will now know this person, and appreciate their sacrifice on our behalf.” He released the sides of the podium and took a step back.

“Lieutenant Faye Calloway. Front and center, if you please.” and he looked down and gave Faye a small smile.

Cochrane, CO

Faye wasn’t exactly sure what would happen here, but she had assumed that there would be at least some sort of explanation for what happened, if not any of the details. Enough to make it possible to exist on this ship without as much awkwardness. She knew that her orders had forced her to lie to those around her and that it might take some time to make amends and make some thing right, but she could only do that if people were willing to meet her halfway.

And of course he would force her to be up front, despite her anxiety about large groups. Though mostly it was the mingling that was problematic, in a situation like this she just hated being the focus of attention. Any attention. So, rather reluctantly, the data specialist made her way forward giving Alex a ‘really?’ sort of look.

~Faye Calloway, Data Specialist

Kiama had slipped silently into the arboretum a few minutes before the Captain had started to address all of them and then called Faye to the podium. She hoped that that meant the Captain would clear up some of the rumours and all that had been spreading around the ship. For while she didn’t know what had actually happen, she knew, well felt very certain, that the rumours couldn’t be true. Faye wasn’t a traitor and there had to be a good reason why she had ended up in the brig. And while she wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about the whole situation - after all how could she without actually knowing at least part of what had really happened - she knew one thing for certain: She trusted Faye completely and this situation didn’t change that at all.

Moving quietly closer to the podium, she smiled warmly and encouragingly towards Faye, even if she couldn’t see her. Being a telepath, Kiama could sense the reluctance in her friend. Her instinct was to rush towards her and give her a hug, but that was out of the question. Not to mention that it would probably only result in making her even more uncomfortable. So while gravitating closer towards her, she kept her distance and smiled at her instead.

~Lt. Naim, CSO

As Faye stepped onto the stage, Cochrane turned from watching her come up and back towards the crowd. “I have something I want to read to you all.” and he tilted a PaDD that had been set on the podium.

“From: Star Fleet Command Admiralty Board. To: Commanding Officer, USS Manhattan.” and he looked up and smiled at the crowd. “That’s me.” and he winked at the assembly. He looked back down then and continued.

“Be it known to all who look upon this that the United Federation of Planets and Star Fleet hereby recognize Lieutenant Faye Calloway for valorous action and dedication to her duty as a Star Fleet Officer. Undertaking singular and highly dangerous operations in order to prevent harm to her vessel and it’s crew, Lieutenant Calloway’s swift action and stalwart resolve resulted in the exposure of enemy clandestine operations and the subsequent prevention of harm to her vessel and the Federation. It is with gracious hearts and minds that Lieutenant Faye Calloway is hereby awarded the Star Fleet Decoration for Valor and Gallantry for her actions aboard the USS Manhattan.”

Few things could stun Faye so fully into silence- not just verbal silence but mentalsilence. Wait, what? Incomprehension swept across her face. It must be… no. Breathe, Calloway, before you pass out in front of everyone. A slow inhale helped steady her body, but her mind was just not recovering so far.

Cochrane sat the PaDD down and then picked up a small black case. Opening it, he turned to fully face Calloway and said “Lieutenant Faye Calloway. Attention.”

Huh? Oh yeah, that was her. Letting her hands drop to her sides, Faye pulled her spine more upright, her chin every so slightly tilted up at Cochrane.

As she stood at attention, Cochrane stepped forward and put the medal on the left side of her uniform. As he attached it, he leaned close and whispered “This is for the phaser stun.” with a smile, and he leaned back and stood up straight. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.” he said, his voice carried over the ship. “I know that I speak for the entire crew when I say… thank you for what you did. And thank you for being a part of this ship.” and he held out his hand to her.

Cochrane, CO

An exhale of astonished air was followed by Faye grasping his hand and giving it a shake, but not without leaning in slightly herself and whispering, “Your orders, dha’rudh.” It’s what he got for handing a weapon to someone who had spent much of life being dependant on their necessity. But she couldn’t help a tiny smirk, despite her eyes saying ‘get me the hell of this stage now’.

~Faye Calloway , (Nearly) Speechless Data Specialist

Cochrane shook her hand firmly and then released it as a clapping sound rolled out from the crowd. As Faye turned to leave, the clapping swelled, and it could be heard coming from elsewhere on the ship. Cochrane made a gesture, and a holo-display appeared behind him showing different sections of the ship-. In each, the crew clapped and smiled, and a few whistles and waves from individuals that Faye had worked with punctuated the cacophany.

Cochrane, CO

Shara was one of the first to break into applause. She was just so damn proud of her daughter and, as she watched, her eyes welled with tears. It was about damn time Faye received something, some recognition. She thought it was long overdue and should have happened ages ago, when Faye was recovering after her escape. But she supposed that here and now it would mean so much more.

For her part, Faye felt her cheeks become hot and while it was all a little too much, when she cast her gaze outwards into the crowd into a particular direction, it all went to hell. Faye quite obviously had to fight back tears as she realized her mother was crying. “Okay, get me out of here before I pass out, will ya?” she whispered to Alex.

~Faye Calloway, Data Specialist

A wide smile spread across Kiama’s face and she clapped very hard. She didn’t want to intrude, yet if she got the chance she wanted to at least congratulate Faye. And if she’d let her also give her friend a tight hug. Yet after all that had happened, she also understood, if Faye needed some space. She just wanted to let her know that she was there for her and trusted her. Recent events didn’t change anything about that.

~Lt. Naim, CSO

Cochrane clapped himself and, spying the diminutive CSO in the crowd, motioned for her to come and help Faye make her way off the stage and out of the center of attention.

Giving the Captain a nod and a smile, Kiama crossed the last few steps towards where he and Faye were standing. For a moment, she looked her straight into the eyes, her dark face lit up by a wide smile. “Congratulations Faye,” she said softly and before she could think better off it, wrapped her arms around her and gave her a tight hug. With her face so close to Faye’s she whispered, “How are you? Shall we get off the stage?”

~Lt. Naim, CSO

Whether it was because she was too overwhelmed, or just warming up to people more, Faye didn’t flinch at te hug and even returned it. Her friend deserved an explanation later for sure. “Good Gods, yes please,” she said as she let Naim walk her off the stage.

After Faye left the stage, Cochrane stepped back behind the podium and spoke. “Well done and well deserved, Lieutenant. Now…” and he waited for the clapping to subside, “… please. Go and enjoy yourselves, everyone. Don’t forget those standing watch. I’m sure a plate of something form the various buffets wouldn’t be turned down by any of them on duty. Finally… I want to commend everyone for their professionalism and dedication over the past few weeks. Thank you, Manhattan, fo all you do every day. Keep up the good work.” and he stepped away from the podium and made his way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging a word or two with those that pressed him for such.

After twenty or so minutes, and without letting anyone know, Alex disappeared from the arboretum. Ten minutes later he arrived on the bridge in his normal uniform. “I have the conn, Lieutenant. Go and enjoy the party.” and he patted the young Deltan on the shoulder and assumed the watch.

Cochrane, CO

Stepping through to the crowd, Faye found her mother first. For a moment the two woman just gazed at each other before Shara enveloped her daughter in a firm embrace. “Proud of you, Kid,” she whispered into Faye’s ear and that just set Faye off entirely, though she laughed through her tears.

When they pulled back, Faye wiped at her cheeks and shook her head. “I believe someone said something about a party?” She looked around, thinking she should talk to Alex shortly but already he was lost n the crowd.

~Faye Calloway, Data Specialist


Posts on USS Manhattan

In topic

Posted since


© 1991-2024 STF. Terms of Service

Version 1.15.9