BACKPOST: Graduation

Posted on 09 Sep 2022 @ 9:00pm by Captain Bane Plase & Lieutenant JG Christina Hartley & Lieutenant JG Kin'Fuji Hartley MD

1,088 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Outbreak
Location: Earth, Starfleet Academy
Timeline: 2396 - 5 years earlier

Christina smiled as she stepped out onto the stage in front of everyone, seeing the gathered crowd, including her now wife, Kin'Fuji, her parents, Kin's parents... and yes, even her uncle, Bane Plase, who was sitting in the front row.

She had been named class Valedictorian, with Kin a year behind her, ready to enter her final year at the Academy. She would be living off campus, having gotten special permission to do so, since the two of them were married. The two of them had supported one another throughout their time at the academy, and Christina had already been approved to work at Utopia Planetia. The plan was, however, that when Kin finished her medical training, the two of them would transfer to a ship posting - most likely her Uncle Plase's ship.

"And now we're here, ready to go out into the galaxy to explore, just as every other cadet has done before us. Whilst I've been at the Academy, I heard everyone saying how they wanted to be the next Picard, Sisko, or even Archer or Kirk. But we don't have to measure ourselves to them, because we're already like them; we've graduated from Starfleet Academy, and now we can wear the uniform with pride, knowing we earned it, knowing that whilst we're out there, we will make a difference, together," Christina finished her speech.

As the speeches were wrapped up, and everyone got their diploma's, Christina smiled as the people began to mingle. Christina was being hugged by her parents when she saw Bane reach them through the crowd.

"Hey Uncle Plase, I saw you in the front row," Christina smiled at him. "How was my speech?" she asked. She knew her parents, and Bane, were proud that she had graduated at only 21, and whilst it was only a year before most did, she had attended the academy at 17, a very rare feat.

Plase smiled at William and Amanda, then turned his attention on Ensign Hartley. "It was a wonderful ceremony, and, as was to be expected, a wonderful speech. And Ensign, its Captain Bane or sir." He then leaned in to where only she could hear him. "Unless there is nobody else around, then its Uncle Plase," he said, a twinkle in his eye. He stood back up straight to his full 6'04" stature. "Starfleet has gained an exceptional officer. I hear you have been assigned to Utopia Planetia as an Engineer. That is a coveted assignment, Ensign."

"Thank you, Sir," Christina said, unable to keep the smirk off her face. "I feel lucky to be able to be there. It's only until Kin completes her medical training, then we'll both be looking for ship assignments, so please, try to keep the Sentinel in one piece until we get there," Christina teased, before hugging him again. "Thanks for making the journey back here," she said, as Kin approached her. "Hey love," she greeted her wife. "You remember my wife, Kin'Fuji?"

"Hello, sir." Kin'Fuji said. "Pardon me as I am about to be a very happy wife." She stated before she grabbed Christina and gave her a passionate kiss.

Plase smiled. "Permission granted, Cadet," though by the time he said something, the two were already embraced.

As the kiss ended, Christina smiled at Kin, holding her hand, and then at Bane. "Are you joining us all for dinner tonight, Uncle Plase?" she asked, noting that they were alone in their circle. "Kin can tell us about her work in medical, and how well her studies are going, and I've got some questions about the Sentinel, just a side project I'm working on," Christina explained.

Bane nodded. "Yes, that is the plan, to spend the day with you and your parents," he said, looking to William and Amanda. "We all have a lot of catching up to do." He was a happy man today, Bane. He was with his chosen family on the Paradise that was Earth, and arguably in the greatest city in the world.

Christina smiled. "Definitely," Christina agreed.

"Before anything, let's get a photo with everyone, shall we?" Amanda asked, before asking someone to take the picture of the whole family, including Kin'Fuji, and of course, Bane.

With the photo taken, Christina grinned, looking at her diploma. It was a little strange that Starfleet still gave diploma's on paper, but she would get it framed and protected, it was a proud moment for her.

"You know, this whole day feels so amazing, and I'm glad you're here Uncle Plase," Christina said.

"Even if the Sentinel weren't in orbit, I still would not have missed this, even for a visit to The Celestial Temple. Plus, I got to meet Cadet Kin'Fuji," he said, smiling at her.

Christina returned the smile. "She's been doing amazing with her work," Christina said proudly. "I can't wait to be Mrs and Doctor Hartley," she added, grinning.

"Same here love." Kin'Fuji said as her tails wrapped out Christina's waist.

Bane couldn't help but laugh. "I suppose once I start requesting Ensign Hartley here, I'll also have to request you too, won't I?" Bane continued to grin, showing he was sending friendly phaser fire across their proverbial bow. "I guess I should start the paperwork yesterday, huh William?"

Kin'Fuji only grinned like a fool and nodded.

William grinned. "Yeah, looks like you'll have a doctor and an engineer on that beautiful ship of yours, Plase," William said, as the group headed for the exit of the Academy grounds.

"Once Kin'Fuji's completed her medical school training, I know the two of them are going to love being out there. I know it's a few years away, but I know they'll both be proud to serve under you, Plase," Amanda added.

"That settles it then. I'll be using all of my political capital to get you to onto the Sentinel then!" He then looked to everyone. "Everyone ready to beam to Rio de Janeiro for that celebratory dinner?"

"Yes sir." Kin'Fuji said with a smile, before she nuzzled Christina.

"Oooh, Rio? That's worth the four years of being at the Academy," Christina said, grinning.

"Excellent!" Bane tapped his commbadge. "Bane to Sentinel, five to beam from my location to Lasai Restaurante in Rio de Janeiro." It was one of the most famous restaurants in Brazil. A moment later, the five shimmered out of view.


OFF

A JP by

Cadet Kin'fuji
Starfleet Medical Academy

&

Ensign Christina Hartley
Engineer
Utopia Planetia

&
Bane Plase, Captain
USS Sentinel, Commanding

 

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