Part of USS Cardinal: New Beginnings

Ceremonial Proceedings

USS Cardinal - 5 hours from Eldor III
July 8, 2402
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Stars streaked past the expansive viewports as the USS Cardinal pushed towards Eldor III. The faint pulse of the engines resonated through the champagne-tinged metal of the fore–starboard lounge. In two perfectly aligned rows stood the senior officers of the Cardinal. Their uniforms were crisp and polished, eyes forward. At the front stood Captain Raku Mobra with Commander Marlon Smythe at his side. A polished duranium tray of rank pips rested in the Executive Officer’s grasp. The weight of anticipation could be felt across the room.

“Attention,” Captain Raku’s voice cut through the engine drone. Officers stiffened to the position. “We gather to recognize those among us whose deeds and dedication pushed beyond expectation.. Who upheld Starfleet values even as we steered into the uncertainty of what has officially become known as the Blackout. We also recognize the accomplishments of each officer’s career that led to this moment.”

Smythe held the tray to offer the first set of pips. Raku picked up Ensign Crismarlyn Ruiz’s new lieutenant JG pip and affixed it to her uniform. The small, dark circle was placed next to the fully metallic pip alongside it. “Ensign Ruiz, you navigated us through Underspace to successfully engage a manufacturing platform. You also guided us out of the aperture after we fell to the other side of the Quadrant. You utilized gravitational slingshots and stellar currents to increase the combat mobility of our former ship, the Brawley. For superior skill in starship flight operations, I hereby promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade.”

Smythe stepped forward. “Your calm under pressure, Lieutenant Ruiz, saved lives. I remember your quiet focus during that time we were stranded out there. You exemplify steady flight leadership.”

Ruiz nodded, flush with pride. She stepped forward, shook their hands, then straightened with a new weight on her shoulders. “Thank you, gentlemen”, she said with a restrained smile.

Raku and Smythe pivoted to face Lt. JG M’Row. Raku placed the pip carefully. “Lieutenant, while serving aboard the USS Brawley, you ran the fabrication bay under pressure. This included constructing the IKS Votaragh’s impulse manifold and patching up the Brawley herself. You executed urgent damage control with precision. For that, and your dedication to minimal downtime, I promote you to Lieutenant.”

M’Row squared his shoulders. “Thank you, Captain. I believed our crew deserved a ship they could rely on.”

Smythe added softly, “You once stayed at that bay for eighteen hours straight. That’s not just work. It’s leadership.”

M’Row acknowledged with a respectful nod. “It’s a living.”

Raku and Smythe stepped down to face Lt. Ikastrul Zaa. With quiet composure, Raku placed the dark pip beside the two metallic pips that formerly marked lieutenant. “Miss Zaa, you have served admirably during your Starfleet career. You have counseled thousands of individuals, but your work especially shined during the Vaadwaur crisis. You helped us maintain crew morale while stranded out there. You recently passed the Bridge Commander’s test, marking you as a future bridge leader. Your counsel has been indispensable. It is my honor to promote you to Lieutenant Commander.”

She inclined her head, expression calm but gratified.

Smythe spoke in a warm tone. “Counselor, your empathy brought peace to our chaos. You checked on everyone from the ops desk to the mess hall. You are now officially third officer.”

Zaa’s small smile reflected both humility and pride. “Thank you both so much!” A rosy blush crept along the Betazoid’s cheeks.

The CO and XO moved to Lt. Moon Ji‑hee. “Miss Moon, your technical innovation kept the Brawley shielded under fire. You diverted EPS flow from the Brawley’s warp core into the independent shield generators. This helped the shields recharge much faster than they were designed to, since they technically weren’t regenerative shields. You also designed the replacement manifold for Votaragh. Its snap together construction reduced downtime during critical operations. For outstanding engineering under extreme conditions, I present your promotion to Lieutenant Commander.”

Moon’s foxlike eyes glimmered with pride. “I appreciate the kind words.. Captain. Commander. I’ll do my best.” Her posture straightened as she accepted the pip.

Smythe added, “Your creative solutions inspire every engineer that I talk to. Your team really looks up to you. The Captain and I are so glad to have you aboard.”

Raku and Smythe approached Lt. Binedra Dowa next. Raku spoke before pinning the pip. “Lieutenant Dowa, your care for over 450 wounded aboard the Brawley and Morro Bay saved life, limb and sight. triage, surgery, follow‑up.You led a small team through crises and restored full medical capacity. You oversaw operations ranging from triage, to surgery and even followed up with your patients. Your devotion and skill are integral to the mission of both this ship and the last. I promote you to Lieutenant Commander.”

Smythe’s voice softened as he used her first name, something rare aboard the Cardinal. “Binedra, they called you the calm in the storm. You didn’t hesitate when things were at their worst. I can’t tell you how much better I sleep at night, knowing you’re here to patch us all up.”

Binedra smiled with a wide grin, “Thank you, sirs. I’m just doing my job.” The Bolian’s blue features were tinted violet with makeup.

A moment of silence fell, punctuated only by the warp core’s gentle pulse. Captain Raku stepped forward again. “These promotions honor skill and sacrifice. They remind us that resilience lies in collective strength, not fame. We turn now to commendation awards for distinguished service.”

Smythe swapped the empty pip tray for a smaller one bearing two medals. The empty pip tray sat on a small wooden stand. “The first goes to Lieutenant Junior Grade Itata sh’Zeles”. Captain Raku’s voice raised excitedly.

Mobra and Marlon approached the Andorian with the little tray. “Lieutant Junior Grade sh’Zeles… Your timely intelligence on Vaadwaur tactics derived from Voyager’s records helped us formulate an effective attack plan. Most of what the XO and I learned about the Vaadwaur and Underspace came from your research. That information saved lives. Your contributions directly shaped tactical planning during the Blackout and are integral to the Cardinal’s mission. You are herby awarded the Starfleet Medal of Commendation.” Smythe clasped the medal to her uniform.

“I simply kept the team informed,” Itata replied quietly. “I wish I could have done more.” Cerulean antennae twitched inquisitively.

Finally the pair moved to stand before the mahoghany Klingon. Raku began. “Lieutenant Commander M’kath, as Chief of Security and Tactical during the Vaadwaur Blackout, you orchestrated targeted volleys using only three Type‑X phaser arrays and a limited amount of torpedoes. You coordinated fire with Orion vessels to disable shields above the enemy’s bridge. Your coordination allowed the IKS Votaragh to incapacitate their command structure with a targeted strike. Your grueling 13‑hour shifts and command of security teams under fire exemplified courage and creativity. For these actions, I award you the Silver Palm.” The crowd snapped to attention as the pin was placed.

M’kath’s stoic gaze softened, his eyes glinted like high‑tension tritanium.

The CO and XO stepped together to the front. “Congratulations to all awardees and promotees.” Smythe looked at the assembled officers. “Let’s close this chapter on the Vaadwaur. Focus now on what lies ahead. Up next is Campor III. It’s a mission of rejuvenation and renewal.”

Hands came together in reverent applause. Ruiz let out a soft whistle. M’Row’s furry cheeks lifted in a broad grin. Zaa’s quiet nod held assurance. Moon’s cheeks flushed gold. Dowa clasped her blue hands in front of her. Itata’s antennae twitched in uncertain delight. M’kath allowed a rare, thin smile.

Captain Raku surveyed the group. “With that, Fall out.” He tapped his knee once. Now for drinks and snacks.”

Smythe echoed, “Crew rotation’s been handled for the next hour. Gamma and Delta have us covered for a bit. Moving to a four shift rotation should avoid extra long shifts. ”

“Unless someone wants to work two six hour shifts, back to back. A few officers did that”, Counselor Zaa replied.

“The Captain and I are always technically kind of on. We just have bridge hours and non-bridge hours”, said Smythe excitedly. “I do want your help in assessing how the crew is adapting to the change.”

“I’ll keep an eye on things”, Counselor Zaa said reassuringly.

The group filed into a line in front of a large table, each officer murmuring excitement and relief. The ship’s Klowawkhan chef prepared a buffet of fresh cooked foods from Bajor, Earth, Andoria and Cait. A purple Tellarite punch was also served, though many would undoubtedly use the replicator in the observation lounge.

Outside, stars streaked past in multihued arcs. The Cardinal forged ahead towards the desert world of Eldor III. They were on the final five hours of approach.