[USS Charon] SD240908.30 - Duty Log - "Vindicated At Last" - Lieutenant Acel'a(ASec)

[USS Charon, Cargo Bay 1]   Acel'a was both surprised and pleased, by the appearance of the cargo bay.  She admired the decor, which resembled a ceremonial hall, with wooden floor tiles and two large banners decorating the far wall where two tables were set up.  Acel'a marveled at the four marble pillars in the center of it all. A number of other crew were gathered there, having been summoned for what was to be an awards ceremony. Much later, Commodore Rehu walked in to begin the ceremony.  An officer then announced "Attention on Deck!" and Acel'a stopped talking. The Commodore stood between the pillars, grinning, then unsheathed a sword from its scabbard, letting it fall to the floor.   Then Acel'a listened attentively as Shiarrael began to speak of celebratong honor and valor, while explaining the blade's purpose and representation. As she lifted the sword up and turned toward one of the pillars, a burst of flame erupted and the sword was passed through it. then uttered the three other elements, passing her sword through each one, finally slicing through the last pillar, collapsing it.   As it collapsed she looked at her crew, grinning widely, Shiarrael called the first crewmember, Sakarra Tyrax, to step forward. Acel'a continued to watch as the officer came forward and she gestured to another officer, who went to a table and picked up some items, returned and handed them to Rehu. Then the Commodore uttered a phrase and pulled the single pip from the Vulcan's collar, replacing it with two solid pips, as well as pinning the Rising Star Ribbon. The Acel'a heard Shiarrael call her name.   The pantographed woman stepped forward, Shiarrael, again, motioned to one of the accompanying officers who walked over to one of the tables and grabbed a few more things.  The man returned and handed the items to Rehu who studied them, briefly and then smirked at Acel'a, uttered the same phrase, "honor to those who work hard.", pulled out a velvet box, opening it.  She then ripped the two pips from Acel'a's uniform and let them fall to the floor. Shiarrael uttered another phrase,  "Rewards come to those who serve well." and replaced them with two solid ones and then a Kragite Order of Heroism, ribbon. Commodore Rehu then told Acel'a to continue to do well and return to the line. Acel'a quickly returned to the line, feeling just a little prouder and stood a tidge taller.   Acel'a smiled as three more officers were similarly awarded and finally Shiarrael spoke once more, holding her blade up high. Then she presented every officer with sheathed replicas of the sword she held. Acel'a took hers, with reverence, understanding what it represented. She repeated her personal vow, silently, to maintain the highest standards of conduct and to continue to serve with honor. The Commodore then told everyone they were given permission, by Ohoni, to take leave on the planet, they are orbiting. Then she dismissed the officers, slamming her foot upon the wood flooring and saluting. She quickly exited the room and Acel'a relaxed her stance, as did the rest.   Acel'a looked forward to this as she had just finished her part of the investigation into the murder of two Romulan Science Officers, coming up somewhat empty and disappointed with the lack of full co-operation by those she questioned. Several minutes later, Acel'a returned to the office and quietly let Commander Marcus know of the ceremony and her promotion, to full Lieutenant. This made her feel vindicated, after recent events.   [End]   Lieutenant Acel'a Assistant Security Officer USS Charon