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The Academy graduation was flawless. In fact, it was one of the best DeSalle could remember, including his own.
The large crowd of parents, siblings, relatives and friends began making their way out of the immediate area following the ceremonies. DeSalle moved quickly to his prearranged meeting place. In short order, he arrived and was pleased to notice that all of the cadets he had invited were present and very excited.
He knew they all had plans to celebrate, so he would keep his 'speech' short and to the point. Gathering his special flock closely around him, he looked to see if anyone was listening. Most of the people in the immediate vicinity were focused on simply trying to leave the Academy grounds.
'Good,' he said to himself. He then spoke quietly, but clearly, in his best 'classroom' voice. "First, congratulations to each of you. But, right now, I have a request to make. Starfleet is putting together a special mission and they want you to be part of it. I know most of you already have orders for your first regular duty assignments, but this mission will only last about a week or so.
"I am under the strictest of orders not to reveal the nature of the mission, but, honestly, it will be the chance of a lifetime. However, please understand that it will not be easy or without risk. To that end, I am only accepting volunteers."
"Sir, will we be leaving immediately?"
"No, Lucas, you'll still have time to celebrate and party. But if you plan to go, keep it to a minimum."
"Many of us have only short time for leave, before we have to report. What if this mission takes longer than that?"
It was a good question, one that DeSalle was prepared for. "Since it is a volunteer assignment, you will be losing part, or all of your personal leave. If the mission prevents you from arriving at your regular assignments on time, Admiral of the Fleet Walking Bear will endorse a set of amended orders to that effect." He finished with a note of confidence and satisfaction.
The small group huddled together and had a brief discussion amongst themselves, not audible to DeSalle. Then they turned back to face their mentor and, for most of them, their favorite teacher.
Stepping forward, a very young looking Stephanie Yellan got face to face with DeSalle, "When and where do we report, sir?"
DeSalle was smiling broadly, every one of them had volunteered, just as expected. "Orders have been cut for each of you in anticipation of your accepting the mission!"
"Are we that predictable, sir?" Lucas asked dryly.
The comment brought mild laughter from the group of graduates, now full ensigns of Starfleet. DeSalle explained in a very serious tone, "No, not predictable.. never that, Ensign... just dependable and commendable." He studied the eager faces for a moment. They were a trifle embarrassed by his comment, "Check your personal comm units for the specifics. I'm not at liberty to discuss them in open conversation." He looked around the area again, but the graduation crowd had thinned considerably and no one was curious about his group. "If it turns out you don't like the assignment, you can complain to me personally, as I'm going, too!"
There was a mild cheer and DeSalle tried quickly to subdue their enthusiastic reaction. "Shh, not so loud, otherwise everyone will want to join us and this is an exclusive party!"
He had intentionally waited to inform them of his being part of the mission. He wanted to avoid the appearance of endorsing the project or making them feel obligated to go. He knew he had an influence as an instructor and did not want that to be used to encourage them, it would not be appropriate. More importantly, if any of them were injured or, perish the thought, killed, he would never forgive himself.
"Any more questions?" When none were forthcoming, he adopted a tough voice for effect. "No discussions about this with anyone, right? Now get out of here and enjoy yourselves!"
Obediently, the group scrambled off in all directions for their parties, celebrations and gatherings.
Smiling to himself, Vincent Albert DeSalle was proud of the cadets, all of them to be sure, but especially this particular group. He had hand-picked the best of the best and it showed. With so much talent and enthusiasm, the mission would certainly be a success!
He turned around and looked at the structure behind him and read with interest, and a genuine touch of appropriate irony, 'The James T. Kirk Classroom Building.'
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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