all_powerfull:

Applause fills the room, before the man in the suit at the front gestures for quiet again. While clearly pleased, he looks out of place in the suit and tie ensemble, more at home in his lab coat, but dinners like this are part of the requirements of being a STAR Labs director.
"Thank you for the warm reception, ladies and gentlemen. I know you're all as excited by this project as I am. I do want to thank you all for attending... and for your generous donations, of course. Without your generosity none of STAR's fine work would be possible."

There's another round of applause as the rich and powerful congratulate themselves, as usual. But the grants have made his work, and that of everyone else at his table possible. And lately, its been especially promising, leading up to today. He loses track of exactly what's said, briefly lost amidst a swirl of numbers and data, pondering the project, its ramifications, and its risks - but yet again assures himself that he's calculated all the variables - and warp gate travel of a human manned and operated craft, using strictly Earth technology should be possible... and very soon, a reality. He's shocked out of his reverie when he hears his name called.

"...without whom none of this would be possible. Please welcome STAR lab's youngest scientist and resident warp-gate wiz kid. You've all heard his name lately. Tyler, please come on up and say a few words."

The people at his table urge him, despite the blush and hesitance, to rise and head for the stage. On the way he sees his mother's proud smile, and feels Cait's hand brush his, reaching out to give him a supporting squeeze as he passes.