A Small Ceremony Part #3
Posted on 31 May 2025 @ 1:08pm by Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt & Lieutenant Colonel Alexandria Somers & Master Chief Petty Officer Lucy Armitage & Sergeant Major Christopher "Chris" Kildare & Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley & Lieutenant Thex sh'Zoarhi & Lieutenant Lamia ‘Mia’ Kildare & Lieutenant Vivian Corsair & Lieutenant Serina "Reaper" Donovan & Lieutenant Margeurite "Maggie" LeFebvre & Lieutenant JG Faith Benson & 1st Lieutenant Cassandra Matthews & 1st Lieutenant Gavin Ross Dr. & Ensign Alexi Michelle Brevet & Master Sergeant Thomas Zang & Staff Sergeant Lilliana Hawksley
3,523 words; about a 18 minute read
Mission:
General Sim Postings
Location: Starbase 51 - Auditorium
Timeline: Current Time
[ON]
When all were back in their places and all had gone quiet, she cleared her throat "Okay now onto the Scotty Award and the Blue Diamond both are Departmental Awards the Scotty Award is aimed at Enginieering specifically and the Blue Diamond all of them, with the mention of these two Awards you should guess at who they are going to *pause* earning the Scotty Award for her actions and the Blue Diamond would Lieutenant Thex sh'Zorhi come forward" Captain Somers said.
Having just sat back down, Thex had suddenly become the centre of the room's attention again. Smiling and waving to all her shipmates, she stood up and headed back to the platform. " Thank you, Captain, I'm honoured." She said as she approached Somers.
Mags returned quietly to her seat next to Todd and showed him her fancy new ribbon. She knew she was a good pilot. She was finally starting to feel like she was settling in with the crew.
Todd’s eyes sparkled with boyish pride as he leaned close, whispering, “Mags, you’re amazing—that ribbon’s practically glowing!” His grin widened, barely containing his giddy excitement for her.
She giggled lightly and kissed his cheek before turning around to pay attention. "Thank you," she said. "Let's celebrate later," she said, giving him a wink.
Grinning, Dodd was happy for sh'Zorhi. She deserved this honour as he was glad to have her as the engineer on the ship while the mission was underway. He was also proud, as he always is for any engineer, because that was his background.
Fleet Captain Somers, standing in front of sh'Zorhi twisted to her left where Armitage was holding a small tray. She picked up the Scotty Award and pinned it onto Thex's left breast. Then, twisting again, she picked up the Blue Diamond and also pinned that one on, stepped back and held out her hand "Congratulations, Lieutenant sh'Zorhi," she said with a smile.
" Thank you, Captain." The blue Andorian said with a beaming smile as she gave a salute.
Maggie applauded loudly and let out a wolf whistle at Thex. She was happy for her friend! It was always nice when people were recognised for the good things they did and their hard work.
With a nod, the Captain watched Thex return to her position with her friends. She waited till the applause died down and then cleared her throat "Okay, earning the same to Awards will Lieutenant Hawksley come front and Center?" she announced.
Leland looked at Lilli. “Is this for real?” He spoke quietly to himself. Hawksley certainly was surprised. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, Leland quickly arrived at the Captain.
Lilli watched proudly as Leland headed up to get his award. He deserved recognition for all his hard work.
Dodd was overjoyed for Hawksley. Dodd was close to Leland and felt like a big brother whose little bro just got a state championship in a sporting event. Dodd felt the shock and awe that Hawksley was feeling, and it was all good.
As Hawksley came to attention, she smiled and twisted to pick up the first award. She pinned the award above his left breast, "Congratulations, Lieutenant, for your engineering ability. I hereby award you the Scotty Engineering Award, this is also for the work you have done on the upgrade and retrofit of the Tomcat", she said, paused as she picked up the other one "and this is the Blue Diamond in your case given for running an efficient department, congratulations Lieutenant Hawksley" Somers said stepped back and held out her hand.
Leland stood proud, yet stunned, as Captain Somers pinned the Scotty Engineering Award and Blue Diamond to his uniform. Her praise for his Tomcat retrofit and efficient department left him nearly speechless. Shaking her hand, he smiled humbly. “Captain, I’m deeply honoured. I just do my best for the crew. Thank you.” His voice held quiet joy, still processing the recognition.
As Hawksley left to return to his wife, he seemed very happy, and so he should be. She stepped back up to the podium. When the applause died down, she said, "A prime example of if you put the work and effort in, rewards will come your way. Now the next officer has earned this, but also with this Promotion comes a departmental change, Lieutenant Febvre will be moved to 100th Squadron of the 30th Combat Air Wing on the USS Tomcat, and in light of that and mostly her presence and activity during our shortened mission I am proud to announce that Lieutenant JG Margurite Febvre will henceforth this day be promoted to Full Lieutenant, Lieutenant Lefebvre front and center please" the Captain said.
Maggie hurried back up to the front. What was happening?! She smiled again.
As Lefebvre stood to attention, Jasmine picked up a full pip and removed the half pip on her uniform and replaced it with the full pip, she held out her hand as she stepped back "Congratulations, Lieutenant, your new immediate boss's are Lieutenants Seriona Donovan and Paul Winchester" she said, smiling.
"Thank you, ma'am," she said. "I wasn't expecting this!" That was true.
Maggie was mostly happy with where she was in her life. She took her Pip, shook the Captain's hand, and returned to Todd's side. She smiled up at her boyfriend. "Hey, look," she said, giggling a little.
Todd gushed, stifling his need to burst into unbridled joy for Mags!
Jasmine watched the new pilot return to her friends, She let the applause die down, which was a lengthy one.
Alexi had returned to her place in the back of the room. She applauded for those who were receiving the awards. They all deserved them and then some. She was happy for them all, and they were the reason their mission had been successful.
When the noise had stopped, she stepped up to the podium again and cleared her throat and smiling, she began, "Awards and such are almost over, but this officer has earned the coming awards and especially the Purple Heart, he saved the lift of a Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe during a Detached duty retrofitting and upgrading the Tomcat, the saboteurs were caught and they turned out to me Terran Empire agents, now putting the Tomcat out of commission or trying to was logical as it is one of the most heavily armed ships in the Mira Sector, but the attempt failed. And this officer got himself some serious life-threatening injuries that could have cripled him for life, but he did not, and he returned to full duty" She paused.
"Also, in light of getting the Purple Heart, this Officer is also awarded the Captain's Merit for services rendered and a job well done by living up to what a Starfleet Officer should aim for, Lieutenant Leland Hawksley, front and center" she said into the Mic as Lucy stood next to her with said awards as Hawksley in disbelief advanced.
Lilli was so proud of her husband that she applauded loudly as he went up to get his next award.
Cassandra couldn't help herself as she applauded for her good friend Leland. He certainly deserved this honour if anyone ever had. She was so proud of them all. Proud to be a part of such a magnificent team. Part of such an honourable family as the Tomcat crew.
As Hawksley came to attention, the Captain picked up the Purple Heart and pinned it onto Leland's breast, then came the Captain's Merit Award, "Congratulations, Lieutenant Hawksley," she said with a smile.
Leland stood tall, his heart pounding as Captain Somers pinned the awards to his uniform. He nodded slowly, pausing to glance down at the gleaming Scotty Award, Blue Diamond, Purple Heart, and Captain’s Merit. Letting the weight of the moment sink in. Clearing his throat, Leland spoke softly but sincerely.
“Thank you, Captain Somers. I’m truly honoured, but I do my part for the ship and crew. Your trust means everything.”
Jasmine stepped back and shook Leland's After that, she watched him rejoin his wife.
With a humble smile, Leland stepped down from the platform, his movements careful as he returned to his seat beside Lilli, whose pregnant glow mirrored his quiet pride. He squeezed her hand gently, settling in with a grateful glance at her before returning to the ceremony.
Lilli held onto Leland's hand, she wished she could put into words just how proud of him she was. She let her feelings flow through their bond as she looked at him with a big smile on her face.
Once again, she waited till the applause had died down, then stepped back up to the podium. This next one is a promotion. This officer proved herself during the last mission, despite it being a short one, but she did her department proud and thus attained the promotion to full Lieutenant. Lieutenant Junior Grade Thex sh'Zorhi front and Center" Somers said.
Thex had just sat down again when she was back on her feet, heading to the stage. A promotion. " Thank you, Captain, I won't let you down. " The sapphire girl replied as she stood to attention.
The Captain picked up a full pip and removed the Andorian's half Pip and put the new Pip on "Congratulations, Lieutenant sh'Zorahi, I confer upon you the rank of full Lieutenant, with the rights and privileges of that rank", she said, finishing her task, she stepped back shook the newly promoted Officers hand.
As Thex left to return to her friends, Jasmine looked up to see someone enter. She was in full traditional Rifle dress uniform, and Jasmine sighed, oO show off Oo, the Captain thought. The Rifle Officer stopped at the back, she held something in her one arm, then Jasmine realised what was next. When the noise had died down, she spoke again.
"And for the Final part, this will be for a Promotion to Lieutenant Commander, and an elevation. For this last bit, I will hand the stage over to Lieutenant Colonel Alexandria Somers of the 95th Rifles," Jasmine said.
Alex took that intro as her cue, with a peak cap on, her hair was put up into a tight bun her long scar visible, her make-up minimal, this time she was wearing regulation shoes, while one hand steadied her ceremonial sabre, she smartly and purposely walked forward, she stepped up onto the stage, came to a halt and saluted Jasmine. As Jasmine was a former Marine herself, she saluted back, then took a step back and let Alex loose, who placed the crossbelt on the table.
"Greetings Tomcatians, most of you know me, for those who do not, I am Lieutenant Colonel Alexandria Lynne Somers of the 95th Rifles. I have been asked to do this last part as, by way of my husband, Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe, I am involved with what has happened, so I am proud to announce the Officer who has earned the Promotion to Lieutenant Commander and who has earned the Medal of Valour, this officer will be the first one on the Tomcat who has earned this award, what I am going to say next will reveal who it is going to be" Alex paused.
"This officer's actions were reported and noted, and by permission of Fleet Captain Somers, I have the utmost privilege to award the Officer who saved Lieutenant Commander Sharpe's life at the risk of his own, thus proving to be every bit of a Starfleet Officer all should aspire to. So the Medal of Valour Award for saving a fellow officer's life and obtaining severe injuries I am proud to award Lieutenant Leland Hawksley the Medal of Valour for his actions and sacrifice also put upon him the rank of Lieutenant Commander, come on forward Mr Hawksley" she said.
Hawksley felt overwhelmed. If Lilli had encouraged him to stand up, maybe he would have snapped out of his daze? Everything was happening so quickly for him. He struggled with changes that Leland often took in stride.
Nervously, he cleared his throat again as he moved forward, mentally apologising to everyone for how slow he seemed.
The ringing in his ears echoed alongside the voices of his parents in the back of his mind, and he forced a smile, breathing in deeply with a slight, painful grin. He wasn’t fond of this attention. While he truly felt the love and camaraderie surrounding the event, it was almost too much for him to handle. He swallowed hard and coughed softly. "Shit,” he caught himself.
“I mean," he corrected himself, “Colonel Somers. I am beyond humbled that you have chosen me for this award.” It was the Valour award… Valour Award!!! OH MAN.
Alex smiled and picked up the MOV award and pinned it to Leland's chest, then picked up a half-pip.
“I thank you for this Valour Award.” He almost dropped it next. Oh goodness… L… LT… CCOMMANDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
“I accept the rank of Lieutenant Commander and will therefore endeavour to further my efforts to serve and uphold the standards of her Colonel, Colonel Somers, ER Alex… Alex Somers.” He wiped some sweat from his forehead. WOW, IT'S REALLY WARM IN HERE!
"Do not go anywhere yet, Commander," Colonel Somers said to Hawksley as he was about to leave. She pinned the half pip to his uniform.
Cassandra was on her feet, applauding vigorously. She was so proud of her friend! So proud. He was the only one on the Tomcat to be bestowed with this honour. So appropriately so. He was, after all, her own hero, too. Was it not Leland who came to her aid two years ago when Tevren Antako had tried to kill her in the Jeffries tubes? It was about time he was recognised for the incredible person he was. An exemplary officer of the highest regard, and now everyone will see it.
Alexi applauded with everyone else. Hawksley deserved every award he'd been given, as well as the promotion. She was honoured to be able to call him a comrade and a friend.
Serina sat with Paul, listening and applauding with the rest of the crew in this beautiful ceremony. When Maggie received her Lieutenant bar and her reassignment to her group, Serina walked over to her and Dodd, "Congratulations to you both. Dodd is doing spectacular job and Maggie, welcome to the Ravens Lair. You and I have an appointment when this is finished", Serina said hugging both of them. Serina went back to Paul, "Now, who's gonna get first dibs on training Maggie? "Serina, I'm going to be the first one to win that bet!!" Paul laughed, that was till Serina stomped on his foot," Owww Serina, that was my sore foot!!". Now it was Paul's turn to get Serina back. Paul had to think of a good one.
When the notice of applause had died down, Leleand looked a little relieved to have his back facing the assembled. Alex thought the poor guy was going to faint.
"Okay, this is the last of the Awards for this session, if you have not been observant you will notice that currently only two Fleet Officers wear a White band at the base of their uniform shoulders and on the arm of their dress uniforms, they also where the sash of the Rifle Regiment, this does not mean they are riflemen, but they have earned a place among its numbers, in the history of the Tomcat there has been three Fleet Officers, there is the Fleet Captain, Commander Dodd and Captain Maia Sterling who now has her own command" she paused.
"Today, we add a new member to the Rifle Regiments roster, I am proud to announce that Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley is to be elevated to Chosen Man and has earned the White Cord of Courage for previously mentioned actions and sacrifices, with the Officers sash being part of that" she said then picked up the sash and walked over to Hawksley she put the Rifle Regimental Officers sash on Hawksley and then handed him the White Cord, he could adjust the shoulder base of his uniform later, this was just symbolism.
"So, congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Hawksley, you have now been elevated to Chosen Man and join the honoured few who have the cord", she said and quickly shook his hand and then stepped back and saluted.
"Congratulations, Commander Hawksley", she said loudly.
Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley stood tall, his expression resolute as he received the Rifle Regimental Officer’s sash and the White Cord of Courage. His gaze remained fixed ahead, exhibiting no emotion, as the significance of the honour settled upon him. He accepted the handshake with a firm grip and returned the salute with precise, measured movements. At this moment, he wished to fully absorb the gravity of the occasion, recognising it as a significant advance for the Hawksley family lineage.
Leland responded with a steady, crisp salute and a solemn voice, stating, “I am honoured to accept the rank of Chosen Man and the White Cord of Courage.” He found it hard to believe he was articulating these words; his heart raced. “…I vow to uphold the traditions and duties of the Rifle Regiment with unwavering dedication and express my gratitude to the Regiment and its officers for this distinction.
I assure you that I will not let you down, Captain Somers,” he said, glancing over to the Fleet Captain.
He lowered his salute, maintaining a posture of attention. As he exhibited unwavering ceremonial discipline, he turned and noticed Lilli in the crowd, with whom he locked eyes.
Jasmine saw Hawksley glance at her as he affirmed his position, and she nodded in response with a smile.
"Commander Hawksley, while you are in engineering, you do not need to wear the sash; you wear it if you have bridge duty, Away Team or Ceremonial, understood?" Colonel Somers asked, getting his attention.
“Understood, Colonel Somers. I'll make sure the sash is worn only for bridge duty, Away Team missions, or ceremonial events, and not in engineering,” Leland replied, clear and calm now.
With that, Alex looked over at Jasmine, who nodded and came forward and took over again. She looked at Hawksley. "Okay, Commander, you can return to your wife," she said loud enough for only Leland to hear.
Commander Hawksley gave a subtle nod, acknowledging Jasmine’s words with a faint smile. “Thank you, Colonel,” he replied softly, keeping his voice low. He stepped back, ready to return to his duties—or perhaps to his wife, as Jasmine permitted with a sharp, crisp salute to both Alex and Jasmine. They were his mentors, his friends, and leaders.
There was loud applause as Leland returned to the assembled and when it died down Jasmine spoke "Okay, that ends the Ceremony, you are free to do what you need to do, get drunk and celebrate with friends, but there will be a new mission soon, so bear that in mind and so you are all dismissed" she said signalling the ceremony was over, she and the others left the room.
[OFF]
RSS Feed