Here You Are

Jake was making his way to the Tactical position relishing the fact of working back on a starship. It had been too long for him. Captain Devore stepped out of his ready room and made his way to the helm checking with Cadet McCaffee. It was rather clear to Jake that the boy was Devore's son. For he was a father too. Grafton's chest rose with the occasion thinking what happened a few day prior to the Zertul invasion.

......"Mister Grafton." Devore's voice turned to Ensign Grafton, almost catching him off guard.

"Yes sir."

"I need to speak with you ASAP in the conference room."

"Aye Aye sir."

The two walked in and Jake didn't have a clue to what was going on, but went along with the Captain. Devore gestured that Jake take a seat and then pulled up a Padd off the table and read it quite for a few minutes. Making the tension rise more so in the room.

"Ensign Grafton, twenty four years service. One year in the Border War ending up a POW. After that you served in the Borg campaigns, earned two letters of commendation. Then came the Dominion. You've served longer then anyone on my ship. Your experience is equal to that of a Captain. I know your not a graduate of the Academy and you've avoid fleet service for eight years, so I am confident that you'll make a fine Chief Tactical Officer."

Jake was trying to get what the Captain was saying.

"Your making me Chief Tactical officer ?" Jake asked.

"Yes. Also your promoted to Lieutenant JG."

"Sir thanks, but I'm not a leader. I follow orders never give them."

"Well it's time you learnt Lieutenant." Devore said as he pulled out a black pip, reached over and pined it on Jake's lapel."

Jake smiled but a mixed amount of emotions came over him. He felt happy but mostly uncertain of his ability to lead men. He was sure though that he could handle the job of Chief Tactical. He left the conference lounge and walked back over to his position on the Bridge. He pressed a few buttons and looked down at the reflection on the control panel. Jake saw an old man now in his early forties wearing a Lieutenant's uniform.

*Boy dad, I bet you're looking down on me and smiling. This is now the time to make the best of my last years*

..........."Hey Congrats. Lieutenant." Shale said walking past him.

Shale caught the new Lieutenant off guard and he stumbled slightly.

"Thanks chief." He said getting back to work.