It’s been a couple days, so here’s another piece of the goodies coming in Cassidy 4. ENJOY!
The post-ceremony reception was in full swing in the observation lounge of the Enterprise, nearly fifty people filling the space and chatting. Promotions weren’t uncommon in the rapidly-expanding Starfleet, but multiple promotions were, and hence the reception.
“Commander.”
“Admiral.”
“Congratulations, Shannon.”
“Thank you, Admiral.”
Kendra laughed and shook her head. “No rank in the mess. That’s what Alley taught me, and the way I apply it is once I address you by name you can address me by name. Let’s try that again. Congratulations, Shannon.”
Kendra looked expectantly at her.
“Thank you, Kendra. I’ll do my best to live up to your trust.”
“I know you will, Shannon. You’ve done nothing but exceed my expectations since you were a CM under Mia. Your leadership of the Wolfpack and the Flying Tigers has been exemplary, and I know that your junior officers all look to you not just as a leader and a mentor but as a friend.”
Shannon cocked her head sideways. “Not bad, Kendra. Didn’t bobble a single word. You really were an actress, weren’t you?”
Kendra laughed brightly again, adjusting her collar at the same time. “And here I thought I did so well.”
“Oh, you did, you did, but I’ve been around you just enough to know that you don’t talk like that.”
“You caught me. Fine. You know your shit, your people love you, and the people you teach stay taught.”
“That’s more what I expected.”
“It’s a pity that your protégé couldn’t be here, but I did see Double Dip lurking near the bar.”
“Ashlyn? Yeah, but I’m sure she’s excited to be off in the black, exploring a new star system.”
Kendra tugged at her collar again. “I envy her right now. One of these days I’ll get out to a new system.”
“And that’s something I wanted to talk to you about, Admiral.”
“This sounds official.”
“Sort of. You let me keep Alexander.”
It wasn’t a question, but Kendra answered as if it were. “Yes. I don’t think becoming the CAG means you have to give up the stick. In fact, I think it would be a disservice to the CAG to take that away.”
“And I’m grateful for it. My point, though, is it takes me out of the rotation for exploration missions. I missed out on the Enterprise’s first mission, and the mission to Lemnos. Dammit, Admiral, when is it my turn?”
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