Willing to Help

*It was finally over, Beard was out of their lives and they were heading back to their ship, the Leviathan.* Counsellor Devore thought, as she sat next to her husband, with eyes closed. *I wonder who will replace him ?*

They were on board the SSS Sniper in temporary quarters. *Why were they not on the Hellcat ?*

Unbeknownst to her, her questions were about to be answered. The entire crew of the Hellcat were now onboard the Sniper so repairs could be made on the Hellcat in the shuttlebay. However many of the crew remained on board since it was 'their' ship. Just then Sierra and Marc were startled when the doorbell rang.

"Enter." Captain Devore answered.

"Captain and Lieutenant Devore, I am sorry to disturb you at this moment, but I have something to discuss with you."

"No, please." Captain Devore said.

"First let me introduce myself, I am Rear Admiral Kyrie McCaffee. Yes, what you are thinking is correct. I have replaced Thomas Beard."

*Wow, that answered my question. That was quick.* Sierra thought.

"The matter I must discuss with you is a matter business and personal. His name is Brayden. He is the top of his class at school, but his teachers find that he has become bored with "book work". With much discussion, we thought that he would benefit hands on training on a ship. After talking to Admiral Ross, we felt that he would do best being placed on your ship. We would like for you and your wife to guide him." Admiral McCaffee said.

"Admiral, I am honoured. But why my ship ?" Captain Devore asked.

"Captain, as I said this is not just a business matter. This is also personal. Brayden is also my son. Admiral Ross holds you in high esteem. It was he who referred me to you. After reading through your information, I must agree. It would be a great honour for me to have him on your ship." She said.

"Thank you. It would be an honour. You had said that you would like me and my wife to guide him. Is this to be business and personal as well ?"

"Yes, please understand. This is my only son. He was adopted by my husband and I, years ago. I cannot have any children, so he is our life. He is only 16 years old. He knows he is adopted, so you don't have to worry about making sure he isn't told. Business wise, I would like you to show him what a great captain acts, lives and breathes. He is to learn all he can and then yearn to go to the Academy and excel in his work as he has done in school. Personally, I want him to see what it is like to live on a starship. I want you to take him in under your wing and make sure he enjoys himself." She said.

Glancing at her husband, Sierra says to her, "Admiral, it would be a pleasure. It will be wonderful to have a young man on board. I will care for him as I would if he were my own."

"Thank you, Counsellor." Admiral McCaffee said with much relief.

"When will Brayden be transferred to us ?" Captain Devore said.

"Well, Captain, in great expectation I decided to bring him with me. He is on board."

"He is here ?" Lieutenant Devore said surprised.

"Yes, I know that it was a risk, knowing of the possibility of battle, but that is what one will face in space." Admiral McCaffee said. "Would you like to meet him now ?"

Sierra looking again at her husband, "Please." She said with excitement.

Marc just looked at her and smiled. He grabbed her hand and said, "Let's go."