More Than a Lifetime #3: Graduation

Chapter 1: Leaving Indiana

It should've been one of the happiest days of her life. Instead, it ended up being one of the worst.

"At ease, cadets," Rear Admiral Camden instructed. The multitude of graduating cadets on the large athletic field simultaneously shifted to the 'at-ease' position. It was graduation day at Starfleet Academy. 24-year-old Danielle Janeway, along with three hundred of her classmates were about to become Starfleet ensigns. But Dani was miserable. She was about to leave her closest friends for a science post on Deep Space Nine. That wasn't the cause of her melancholy demeanor, though.

As Adm. Camden spoke, Dani searched the audience for her parents. Chakotay and Kathryn Janeway were seated in the alumni section along with the other Starfleet parents. Dani allowed herself a little smile. Her parents were the picture of pride, both of them beaming.

Dani's eyes wondered over the crowd, and she realized that he was here, as well. She hadn't expected him to be there. Her eyes fell to the grass as she remembered times when they'd been happier, like when she'd moved into her residence hall. He'd been there, then. She remembered that day very well...

xxx

Dani slipped her last data PADD into her suitcase and shut it. "I guess that's everything," she said. "I hope that's everything."

"Dani, the transport will be here any minute, now," her mother called from somewhere in the house. "Are you almost ready?"

"Just about," the 20-year-old called in reply. As she stood going over the imaginary list in her head, she didn't notice her father approach the bedroom doorway.

"Don't worry; you've got everything," Chakotay said.

Dani turned to the doorway to face Chakotay. "I know," she said.

"Besides, if you arrive and you realize that you are missing something, we can always send it to you," Chakotay reminded his only daughter.

"Yeah." Dani brought her suitcase to an upright position.

Chakotay stepped into the room. "Are you nervous?"

"No, not really," Dani replied. "I'm excited, though."

"That's good. There's a lot to be excited about. Academy life is...unique. I suspect it's unlike anything else you'll ever experience."

"I know," Dani said.

"Dani, I just want you to know that your mother and I are very proud of you. We've always been proud of you, but especially now."

"Because I'm going to the Academy?"

"Partially. But that's not the only reason. Dani, we're proud of you for everything you've done in your life. You didn't have an ordinary childhood. You know that. You've had to mature very quickly, more so than your peers. We're just proud of you for handling it so well." He and Dani hugged each other.

"I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without you or Mom," Dani said.

"I know that there's a lot of Starfleet in our family," Chakotay began, "and that you've been around it all your life, but I don't want you to feel as if you're at all obligated to go to the Academy. Your mother and I only want you to go if it's what you want to do."

"It is, Dad," Dani said earnestly. "This is the life that I want."

Chakotay nodded. "Let's go then."

xxx

Move-in day at the Academy-probably one of the busiest days on campus. Besides move out day.