After shaking hands with MCpt Lopez, Rex looked at his PADD and called up the next Marine from Infiniti to get their commendation and promotion. He could see the excitement in the eyes of 2Lt. Parra as he called him out.

MGen Alderez: 2nd Lieutenant Anthony Parra, front and center.

The Deputy Detachment Commander made his way over to stand before MGen Alderez while he reached into the case being held by SSgt Curtis and removed the items he needed.

MGen Alderez: Mr. Parra, for your exceptional service to the SFMC by performing this particular task to a high standard of excellence. Such accomplishment was of Federation significance and reflected favorably on the Corps as a whole. You are hereby awarded the SFMC Achievement Award and promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant with all the commencery responsibilities and privileges of that rank.

The Major General removed the brass bar off the collar of 1Lt. Parra and replaced it with the rank of 1st Lieutenant, before placing the SFMC Achievement Award on his chest, right below his Combadge. The General motioned for Anthony to stand before the podium and say a few words to the applauding crowd of Starfleet Marines. He did not expect the newly promoted officer to make a long speech of any kind, but something out there to his fellow Marines aboard SB34 that have stood behind him.
_________________
Major General Rex Alderez
Fleet Marine Force Commandant, Gamma Fleet
SFMC, United Federation of Planets

Tony was very proud of himself and could not wait to thank MGen Alderez for the promotion. He immediately shook the General's hand as he verbally expressed his gratitude.

1Lt. Parra: Thank you, Sir! I'll live up to my potential and faith you have in me, so help me God!

The 1st Lieutenant walked over to the podium and thanked the Marines in his Detachment personally.

1Lt. Parra: I'd like to thank all the Marines in my Squad for making this possible. It was your hard work and dedication that made this possible for me. Together we can take on whatever task we are assigned, because of your bravery and all of our skills. Thank you all so much!

The Deputy Detachment Commander waved to the cheering Marines in the Banquet Hall and gave a nod of acknowledgement to the Marines on stage with him as he walked back and took his place between MCpt Lopez and GSgt Arbor.
_________________
1st Lieutenant Anthony Parra
Deputy Detachment Commander, USS Infiniti

Rex continued with GSgt Arbor by calling him to the center of the stage, beside the podium. This was the Gunnery Sergeant's first promotion since he was stationed in the Gamma Quadrant aboard Infiniti as their Detachment Sergeant. The General thought is was about time to honor this Marine with a promotion to Master Sergeant.

MGen Alderez: Gunnery Sergeant Cody Arbor, front and center!

GSgt Arbor quickly moved in military fashion and stood before the Major General in a matter of moments.

MGen Alderez: Gunnery Sergeant Arbor, for your exceptional service to the SFMC by performing this particular task to a high standard of excellence. Such accomplishment was of Federation significance and reflected favorably on the Corps as a whole. You are hereby awarded the SFMC Achievement Award and promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant with all the commencery responsibilities and privileges of that rank.

The Major General removed the enlisted rank insignia off the collar of MSgt Arbor and replaced it with the rank of Master Sergeant, before placing the SFMC Achievement Award on his chest, right below his Combadge. The General motioned for Cody to stand before the podium and say a few words to the applauding crowd of Starfleet Marines in the Banquet Hall.
_________________
Major General Rex Alderez
Fleet Marine Force Commandant, Gamma Fleet
SFMC, United Federation of Planets

The Master Sergeant walked up to the podium with both arms raised and took in the applause before speaking into the open microphone. Cody was thrilled with the promotion and really took it to heart by thanking MGen Alderez and the Marines in his Detachment.

MSgt Arbor: Thank you, General Alderez for recognizing me for a job well done. It has been and always will be an honor to serve alongside my fellow Marines. This promotion and commendation just would not be possible without them. Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart. Oorah!

The Detachment Sergeant turned and shook the hand of the General before walking back to where he was standing between 1Lt. Parra and Sgt Hicks. Cody was extremely proud of himself, but ever more proud of his Detachment for all the hard work and dedication they showed in their last 3 missions together aboard Infiniti.
_________________
Master Sergeant Cody Arbor
Marine Detachment Sergeant, USS Infiniti

Rex smiled at the way MSgt Arbor called out Oorah! and got the Marines in the crowd all fired up with cheers. Now it was time to award the rest of the Detachment with their commendations. Instead of calling up each one individually, he and SSgt Curtis walked over to where they were standing and pinned the SFMC Achievement Award to each of their chests below their Combadges and shook their hands. Afterwards the General returned to the podium and addressed Infiniti’s Marine Detachment as a whole.

MGen Alderez: Marine Detachment of USS Infiniti, you are dismissed!

All the Marines in unison yelled their battle cry that has been a tradition since the mid 20th Century on Earth.

Marine Detachment: OORAH!

The rank and file moved off stage in a typical military fashion and returned to their seats on the main floor of the Banquet Hall. Now it was time to call up the Marines of the Sovereign Class Starship, USS Oriskany.

MGen Alderez: Will the Marines from Oriskany please come up on stage, in order of rank, please.

As 1Lt. Andrus, 2Lt. Tucker, Sgt Bustamanté, Pvt1 Hagen, Pvt Diego and Pvt Saucedo came on stage and stood at attention, the Hall roared with applause. The General removed what he needed from the case SSgt Curtis was holding nearby.

MGen Alderez: 1st Lieutenant Andrus Elbrun, front and center. For your exceptional service to the SFMC by performing this particular task to a high standard of excellence. Such accomplishment was of Federation significance and reflected favorably on the Corps as a whole. You are hereby awarded the SFMC Achievement Award and promoted to the rank of Marine Captain with all the commencery responsibilities and privileges of that rank.

Rex removed the silver rank bar off the collar of MCpt Elbrun and replaced it with the rank of Marine Captain, before placing the SFMC Achievement Award on his chest, right below his Combadge. The General motioned for Andrus to stand before the podium and say a few words to the applauding crowd of Starfleet Marines. He did not expect the newly promoted officer to make a long speech of any kind, but something to his sister who was the Counselor aboard Infiniti that stood behind him in support of his career in the SFMC.
_________________
Major General Rex Alderez
Fleet Marine Force Commandant, Gamma Fleet
SFMC, United Federation of Planets

Being a Betazoid, like his sister Kestra, Andrus could fully feel all the love and support in the Banquet Hall from the Marines and Starfleet personnel. He shook hands with MGen Alderez and thanked him before going to the podium to thank his sister and fellow Marines for their support.

MCpt Elbrun: Thank you, Sir.

The Marine Captain cleared his throat and enunciated his speed so he could be clearly understood.

MCpt Elbrun: I would really like to thank my sister, Kestra. She supported the idea of me joining the Starfleet Marine Corps, even though our parents were not too fond of the idea. Without her support I most likely would've taken the route of being a Counselor either on a Starship or a Starbase. I also want to thank my Squad of Marines, Mark, Justin, Charlie, Jimmy and Anthony. You guys are the best! Oorah!

Oriskany's Detachment Commander returned to his place in line with his Marines and waited for the General to continue with the commendations for the rest of his Detachment. Andrus was so proud of them, even though they didn't really see too much combat on the last mission, their presence kept the ship secure during the evacuation when the Deltauran intruders infested the ship.
_________________
MCaptain Andrus L. Elbrun
Marine Detachment Commander, USS Oriskany

Again, Rex smiled when MCpt Elbrun called out Oorah! and got the Marines in the Banquet Hall fired up with applause. Now it was time to award the rest of Oriskany’s Marine Detachment with their commendations. The General and SSgt Curtis walked over to where they were standing and pinned the SFMC Achievement Award to each of their chests below their Combadges and shook their hands. Afterwards Rex returned to the podium and addressed Oriskany’s Marine Detachment as a whole.

MGen Alderez: Marine Detachment of USS Oriskany, you are dismissed!

Marine Detachment: OORAH!

The Marines moved off stage in a typical military fashion and returned to their seats on the main floor of the Hall. Now it was time to call up the Marine Pilots of the Akira Class Starship, USS Whitestar.

MGen Alderez: Will the 58th Squadron of Marines from Whitestar please come up on stage, in order of rank, please.

As LCol Carrera, MCpt Vansen, 1Lt. Damphousse, 1Lt. Hawkes, 1Lt. Wang and 1Lt. West came on stage and stood at attention, the Hall roared with applause. The General removed what he needed from the case SSgt Curtis was holding nearby and walked over to where they were standing and pinned the SFMC Achievement Award to each of their chests below their Combadges and shook their hands. Afterwards the General returned to the podium and addressed Whitestar’s Marine Pilots as a whole.

MGen Alderez: Wildcards of USS Whitestar, you are dismissed!

Wildcards: OORAH!

The 58th Squadron moved off the stage in a typical military fashion and returned to their seats on the main floor of the Banquet Hall.

MGen Alderez: This concludes the promotions and commendations for the Starfleet Marine Corps assigned to Gamma Fleet’s Division 1. Thank you for your support and applause. OORAH!

Rex shook hands with Adm Arayuss before taking his seat at the Administration table at the front of the Hall. His task of the evening was now complete. MGen Alderez was very proud of all of his Marines as he sat beside Prof Brewer and poured himself some champagne. Now it was time for Major General Rex Alderez to relax with his friends at the ceremony.
_________________
Major General Rex Alderez
Fleet Marine Force Commandant, Gamma Fleet
SFMC, United Federation of Planets

Aeryck watched MGen Alderez take his seat and help himself to some champagne. He knew his friend would finally have the opportunity to relax now that the promotions and commendation of the SFMC was finished for the evening. Now it was time to give a special promotion to an officer that was long overdue for the open position available on USS Oriskany.

Adm Arayuss: Commander Calzada, please come up here.

The look on the face of Cmdr Calzada was priceless. He hesitated to stand for a moment, before quickly coming on stage and standing before the Admiral. David literally had no clue why he was singled out from Infiniti’s officers seated at their Senior Staff table.

Adm Arayuss: Commander Danny David Calzada, after careful consideration by Commodore Carpathia and myself, it has been decided to promote you to the rank of Captain and relieve me as Temporary Commanding Officer of USS Oriskany.

The Admiral could hear all the whispers and cheers for David from Infiniti’s crew. Capt Calzada was completely overwhelmed with emotion, which Aeryck picked up on with his psionic abilities. The CinC could sense the pride and humility the newly promoted Captain was feeling. The Admiral added the additional ‘pip’ to David’s collar that he had in his pocket since Aeryck left his office. Aeryck shook Capt Calzada's hand and patted him on the arm as he motioned for David to say a few words to his friends in the Banquet Hall.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

David touched his newly acquired ‘pip’ to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Sure enough, it was there on his collar with his other 3 that he’s had for years. He had such a close bond with Como Carpathia and the crew of Infiniti that it was going to be a difficult change to be on his own as Commanding Officer of Oriskany. But he knew they had a good crew over there and looked forward to getting to know them, they way he did with the crew of Infiniti. Capt Calzada walked over to the podium and addressed the people in the Banquet Hall, anxious to hear what he had to say.

Capt Calzada: Thank you Admiral Arayuss and my dear friend, Commodore Carpathia. This means so much to me that I’ve been offered a command of my own. I will miss the friends I’ve made aboard Infiniti, but this isn’t goodbye. We’ll still see each other when our ships are together here at Starbase 34 and share stories of our adventures. To the Oriskany crew, I will say this… I look forward to getting to know you all and having great adventures together out here in the Gamma Quadrant. Thank you all so much!

The Captain shook the Admiral’s hand once again to relieve him of his temporary command of USS Oriskany.

Capt Calzada: Sir, I relieve you of command of USS Oriskany NCC-98034.

David stood there with the Admiral and waited for him to respond before dismissing him from the stage. Afterwards, he would be taking a seat at the Oriskany’s Senior Staff table. It’s a good thing Adm Arayuss brought in crates of Château Picard 2387 for everyone to celebrate with. David definitely had something to celebrate tonight, along with their victory over the Deltaurans in Sector Epsilon. He looked down at the Infiniti’s Senior Staff table and could see all the faces of his friends, smiling and beaming with pride. It was then that his eyes began to well up with tears…
_________________
Captain D. David Calzada
Commanding Officer, USS Oriskany

Aeryck could feel the emotions of pride, happiness and well wishing from Infiniti’s crew for their former XO. As the Admiral shook hands with Capt Calzada and accepted his relief of Oriskany’s temporary command, he spoke to the ship’s new Commanding Officer.

Adm Arayuss: Captain, I stand relieved.

The CinC smiled and gave a wink to Como Carpathia, who he could see was wiping a tear from his eye. Those two had been together for a long time, but now it was time for David to command his own vessel. Once Oriskany was fully repaired, it would be launching again on new missions in the Gamma Quadrant, with a new Captain this time out. Aeryck motioned for David to take a seat with the Senior Staff at the Oriskany table and continued with the next task at hand.

Adm Arayuss: Lieutenant Commander Delgado, please come on up here.

As LtCmdr Delgado rose from his chair, he placed a hand on Como Carpathia’s shoulder to console him after Capt Calzada’s new assignment as CO of USS Oriskany. Infiniti’s Chief Flight Control Officer and Second Officer came up on stage and stood before the Admiral with a proud stance.

Adm Arayuss: Lieutenant Commander Aléjandro Miguel Delgado, given your exemplary record as Second Officer aboard Infiniti, it is only fitting that you succeed Captain Calzada as Executive Officer. You are hereby promoted to the rank of Commander with all the commencery responsibilities and privileges of that rank. Congratulations, Commander.

The Admiral took a gold 'pip' from his pocket and removed the single black 'pip' from Aléjandro's collar and replaced it with the gold one, so there was now 3 gold 'pips' on the Commander's collar. Aeryck motioned for Cmdr Delgado to go to the microphone on the podium and say a few words to the crew of Infiniti as their new XO. He could sense the pride and excitement in Aléjandro as he approached the podium to address his fellow shipmates. The Admiral looked over at Como Carpathia and nodded as this was what they discussed in private regarding the promotions of both David and Aléjandro. Aeryck knew E.J. was proud of his friends and knew Cmdr Delgado would do well as Infiniti’s new XO.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets