Posted by Ensign Karina Niles (Doctor) in 17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Stark Nightstalker (Chief Intelligence Officer) in 17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)

Posted by Civilian Marishka (Lounge Host) in 17/18 Forward- Post-Mission Awards (ALL CREW)
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Stark stood and moved to stand in front of his Captain. This was the last thing he had expected. He had been awaiting a thorough dressing down for his actions in the latest affair, especially his actions in the council chamber. Life was never short of surprises it seemed.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

For several long moments Ghubari just gazed at Stark, and he of course was one of those few people who was probably used to this by now. Whether she was taking her measure of the Caitian or just looking for her words, Ghubari was not going to be rushed here.

Finally though, she felt ready. “Mistakes happen. Sometimes by accident, or through carelessness and negligence, and sometimes we take actions knowing them to be the wrong ones but for reasons we believe to be right. And despite the how or why of it, there are consequences. Sometimes not right away, and not always ones that are obvious, but eventually we are asked to pay up for those mistakes. And we learn. Some people pay for their mistakes more than others, and as they seek to find their way again, to redeem themselves eventually.”

Ghubari opened the box with a solid pip inside and, shifting it in her hand, she reached out and pulled off the hollow one and replaced it. “You’ve long proved your loyalty and dedication. There’s no debt left to be repaid. So, as is my right and joy as captain, I hereby promote you to full Commander, with all the rights, responsibilities and privileges therein, and with all the gratitude and trust you so rightfully deserve. Congratulations.” And with that, Koraia offered her near-brother her hand.

Fl. Captain Koraia, CO

He took her hand and a single drop of blood fell from where he bit his lip to stop himself from misting up.

Only Ghubari knew what he had been through to return to the Athena. The words spoken left no doubt that finally the past had been laid to rest between them and damn anyone else who sought to bring it up. There were still those that deserved death for their part in it but this single act of kindness was enough to make that less than urgent, he would destroy them at his leisure.

“Thank you Dada” he said simply but the weight of the words conveyed his astonishment at being so forgiven and for once his emotions were laid bare for Ghubari to see.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

“You’re very welcome,” she said warmly, unabashedly open for the crew to see. Everyone had their reason to keep going, to keep searching for that thing that was theirs, and she was certain that regardless if he was aware of it yet or not, Stark had found his.

“Now, that’s all I got, and I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time we all took some time to kick back and enjoy ourselves. We’ve all earned it, multiple times over,” Koraia called out to the crew at large.

She promptly stepped away from the podium and slipped her arm through Stark’s. “I have it on good authority that Marishka keeps drinks on hand that are especially appropriate for a celebration like this. How about I round up that husband of mine and we share some of one?”

Fl. Captain Koraia, CO

Izzy cheered with the crew who were lively enough to do so. Stark was a mystery to most on the ship, but they could see the genuine affection between the Captain and the CIO. It would have been hard for anyone to ignore that. Izzy was of a mind to celebrate, with her new pip on her collar. The giddy elation of being presented with her new rank was coursing through her even as she sat at the table with her boss. As soon as Koraia asked as to the whereabouts of her husband, Izzy lifted her hand with a flourish to present him to his wife. “You know,” She told Konral. “There was once a woman who’s sole job it was to present things with her hands. I think she was on a game show. Could you imagine that?” and she flourished again.

Delaney, Sec

Ghubari laughed openly and took a seat next to Konral. “That definitely sounds like a very weird life.” She slipped her hand over his and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. Rarely was she a person to give much public displays of affection (the least of which because in growing up in Tanzania it was just something not done), but she was in a happy mood and really didn’t care if the crew saw her be affectionate with her husband. It wasn’t like she was going to make out with hi in front of everyone, after all.

“Good to see you smiling…” Konral said with a warm tense smile as he felt the warmth of her kiss on his cheek. “We need to have more days like this”

Marishka had watched the procession with interest and well hidden pride. Some of these people she knew by name and by sight. Others she considered a mystery. At least one she considered a friend. Stark understood her in ways that nobody else probably ever would and she would be honored to serve them this evening.

Making her way to Stark and Ghubari, she smiled and bowed graciously.

“Well spoken and well deserved I’m certain. I’m at your service.” she offered.

• Marishka

Koraia smiled warmly at Marishka. “I’m in the mood to celebrate. Got anything festive?”

Fl. Captain Koraia, CO

Marishka could have rattled off an entire menu but knew she should probably keep it short.

“I have what is interpreted as whiskey form many major species. Of course there is blood wine and warnog, Saurian brandy, Orion ale and dark rum, champagne, and many other treats.” she said enjoying the happy mood of her Captain.

• Marishka

Throughout Stark had been led by Ghubari’s arm and he was grateful that she had led him into and out of what was probably the most vulnerable moment he had had in 5 years. As things started to settle into normal banter he finally rallied and looked up at all of them with a genuine smile on his face.

Stark Nightstalker CIO

Karina watched the scene unfold and was happy for Stark. He certainly deserved the promotion and she was happy for him. Seeing him dragged off by the Captain, she decided she would congratulate him at another time. She finished her drink and slipped from the room. Surely there was someone in medical who wanted to come join the festivities. She would go relieve them and let someone else enjoy a moment of time away from work.

Karina
Doctor

Vander, CoS