Sometimes a train is just a train.
Other times, of course, it's not.
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Interregnum Four
The handsome, fair-skinned young man is standing at the podium, his
black hair perfectly groomed, his deep grey eyes glistening. His uniform is
flawlessly pressed, the insignia on the collar twinkling in the bright stage
lights, and it fits him as though he was born to wear it. He is addressing the
assembled crowd, in a clear, confident voice.
“...and may we all find our dreams in the Stars. I
know I shall. Congratulations and best wishes to all. Good Night.”
The crowd cheers as the young man steps back. Their
admiration for him comes through in the thunderous applause that continues for
minutes, even as the next speaker approaches. The domed chamber, large enough
to accommodate several thousand people, is full to standing room for this
event.
The beautiful blond woman in the front row is
watching with great interest. She smiles as the young man moves away from the
podium and glances her way. He nods to her, briefly, then shakes his head in
confusion as she blows him a kiss.
As he makes his way off stage, the new graduate of
the Fleet Officer Training Class is hailed by a familiar voice. He stops and
waits in the wings, bright stage lights on one side, the darkness of backstage
on the other. The symbolism is not lost on the speaker as he approaches.
“Excuse me, Lieutenant Bianchi. May I have a moment
of your time?”
“Of course, Captain, Sir. What can I do for you?”
The approaching speaker is quite tall, with blond
hair, perfectly groomed. His pristine uniform boasts gleaming performance
awards and medals on the chest, in addition to the Captain’s Rank insignia on
the collar. His intelligent blue eyes look appreciatively at his protege.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant. You are now officially
the youngest graduated Officer in the history of the Federation, with the rank
of Lieutenant. Quite an accomplishment. Have you been notified of your coming
assignment?”
The young Officer shakes his head, smiling at his
mentor. His eyes are shining with happiness, and pride. He has done well and he
knows it. He has been working toward nothing but this day for many years, as
many as he can remember.
“No, Sir. Not yet.”
The older, more experienced Officer looks at the
younger with pride of his own. He knows more about this young man’s life than
he has ever let on. No-one but the two of them know how very difficult it was
for this Lieutenant to get to this point.
No-one but the two of them know how anxious he is to
begin his assignment, nor why he feels so strongly about leaving this planet.
No-one except, perhaps, the young blond woman, still in her seat in the
auditorium, waiting.
“I believe you will be assigned to the Scorpius at
this time, Lieutenant. I am not on the
committee but that was my recommendation.
You will get your orders by tomorrow, as that is when the Scorpius is
due to depart.”
The younger man looks at the older, trying to
determine whether he is hiding anything. There is no deception. There is only
the pride, and anticipation. He salutes the Captain, standing straight as can
be, the perfect example of a Fleet Officer.
“Aye, Sir. I look forward to getting under way.”
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