"I don't know if I should be taking this to Captain Degataryev," Charles Beckham protested. "He just took over the unit. And it's my problem to solve anyway."
"Boy, on a combat team your problems are everyone's problems, if they get in the way. They nearly did that on Rostella IV. Besides, as your commanding officer he's the one who's going to make contact with your family if you buy it, so he needs to know what's going on," Rob Benson told him as they approached Vladimir's quarters.
"Come in," a soft-spoken Russian accent bade them.
"Sir, Private Beckham has a matter he needs to discuss with you," Benson announced.
"What is it, Private?"
Beckham told Vladimir the whole story. "Most intriguing," Vladimir said in response. "So, you've managed to save money for your family to help them emigrate. Where to?"
"Anywhere but where they are now, sir. I figured Bajor might be a good choice, since it is just on the other side of the wormhole."
"Bajoran immigration standards are tough. Unless they have jobs to go to, or a sponsor, they most likely won't be allowed onto the planet. You may consider one of the Bajoran colony worlds, or even an Earth colony. Do you have life insurance?" Beckham nodded.
"Consider upping your allotment. It'll hurt your deposit account a little, but you're probably not earning more than five percent on that anyway. I'll set an appointment with Lieutenant Janssen in the JAG office for you to set up a trust with your bank. Bajoran bankers are almost as good as Vulcans about carrying out their legal obligations."
"Thank you, sir."
"As for your other difficulty, it is indeed a very bad thing that was done to you. But you should be aware that you have at your disposal extension classes taught by Starfleet that are good for college credit. You can take them at no cost to yourself provided all duty obligations are fulfilled. In the meantime, I would encourage you to apply for Starfleet Academy."
"Don't I need to take an entrance exam?"
"You're already active-duty and your last few fitness reports have been outstanding. You don't even need a recommendation from your Senator. Fill out the application and I'll forward it to General Tarik for approval. The rest is in the hands of the Academy."
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