Ed stepped up to the podium. This was the first time he had addressed the entire crew since he took command of the Orville. Kelly squeezed his hand and smiled at him, and he smiled back weakly. Then he cleared his throat and began.
"First of all, I just want to say how proud I am of all of you. This is probably the biggest challenge that any of you have ever faced, or ever will face. It's certainly the biggest challenge I've ever faced. But moving forward, the Union will face it together. I know I couldn't have done it without all of you, and without the many acts of heroism, both known and unknown, that led to our ultimate victory.
"I want to give a special mention to a few people. Commander Kelly Grayson and Lieutenant Gordon Malloy, for pulling off the riskiest damn shuttle maneuver I've ever seen and flying straight into enemy territory for a chance at strengthening our numbers. Yaphit, for sending a message to warn the Union fleet and for protecting Ty Finn and saving Isaac. Ty Finn, for his unwavering faith in Isaac and for being braver than any child should ever have to be. And last but certainly not least, Isaac. For turning against his own people and sacrificing himself to disable the Kaylon. You may never be able to return to your own planet, but as long as I am in command, you will always have a home here on the Orville. I will be recommending all of you for the Union's highest honors.
"We also mourn the deaths of five of our security personnel, who lost their lives in the line of duty defending the ship from the Kaylon invasion; as well as the senseless death of Ensign Mamone*, the crew of the USS Roosevelt, and all the Union ships that were destroyed in the battle. They will be missed, and we will continue to ensure that their deaths were not in vain. Let us observe a moment of silence." The crew fell silent until he spoke again. "Thank you.
"I know that some of you may blame me for the decision to go to Kaylon to have Isaac repaired. I want you to know that I take full responsibility for that decision. But I also want you to know that this conflict would have happened one way or another, and I stand by what I did. On this ship, we take care of each other. No one gets left behind.
"We have a lot of rebuilding ahead of us, both figuratively and literally. The ship took a lot of damage, and our engineering team has been hard at work making her space-worthy again. And not to get your hopes up, but the silver lining to this whole ordeal may be an unprecedented opportunity for an alliance - or at least a peace - with the Krill. The Kaylon may very well strike again, and we need to be prepared when and if that happens. Once again, and from the bottom of my heart, I am so proud of all of you. You guys are truly the best crew in the fleet, and I'd like to personally thank each and every one of you. Especially whoever cleaned up the pee corner." That got a laugh. "Dismissed."
When the crew had left, Ed turned to Kelly. "What did you think?" he asked.
"I thought it was a great speech," Kelly said. "There was just one person I thought deserved a little more credit."
"Yeah? Who?"
"You."
"Well, I couldn't very well recommend myself for anything," Ed said.
"No," said Kelly. "But I could."
Ed's eyes widened. "You didn't."
Kelly smiled. "It wouldn't be the first time."
"Kel…"
"What? I knew you could be a great captain, and you've just proven me right."
Ed smiled back. "You usually are."
"Come on," said Kelly. "Let's go get lunch."
*I couldn't for the life of me find the ensign's name, but this is the actor's name. Sorry.