Echo

Chapter 16: The Favor

Author's Notes: Hello all, thanks to everyone who has reviewed thus far. Your kind words have been very motivating and encouraging, and I am so grateful to all of you who have taken the time to write one.

As always, reviews are appreciated, but not required. Enjoy the chapter :)

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Echo

"Well," she said, looking down at the PADD in front of her for a moment and using her thumb to scroll downwards on a document you couldn't see.

You tried not to look too anxious as you gazed at her from across the desk, placing your hands in your lap and clasping them together instead of wringing them or biting your nails. Governing your emotions was something you had always been capable of doing, but you'd been a bit out of practice as of late, making it more difficult to come across as stoic or uncaring.

Manipulation got you far in life before Starfleet, but the academy was a whole different animal from the world you had come from, and learning to adapt had been the first step.

You swallowed thickly, wondering if the hiring director was just pausing for dramatic effect or to play with you. You wanted to know what she was reading, even though it was probably your resume, but you would just have to wait for her response to find out. This was your second interview with her, already a good sign since those that were not being considered for the position seldom got called back after the first.

That was what motivated you to keep calm. There was a chance that this meeting was about to end in your favor.

She met your gaze, smiled at you and said, "Congratulations, you are going to be setting off on the Enterprise in two weeks, cadet."

You grinned at her, not masking your excitement and replied, "Really? Oh my gosh, thank you, thank you so much!"

She laughed, clearly amused by your enthusiasm and stood up. You mimicked the action and reached your hand across the desk, shaking her outstretched limb, your heart racing. You couldn't believe how lucky you had gotten; it was rare for a third-year cadet to get an internship on such a high ranking vessel, and you had applied more on a whim than anything. Now, it was actually happening. In two weeks, you were going back.

Or, going for the first time as far as any of the higher-ups knew, excluding Captain Kirk.

"I have to say, I'm impressed," She informed you, circling around her desk and gesturing to the door, where she led you out.

"By what?" You inquired as you fell into step beside her, the two of you heading down the hall outside of her office, passing others as they went about their business.

She smirked at you from the side and said, "Well, there were a lot of cadets being considered for the job, and we only had five openings to work with. At first I wasn't sure about you since you are only a third year, but ignoring your aptitude for animal care and generally high marks, that recommendation letter really pushed you over the ledge."

"Oh, so you got Professor Franklin's letter?" You replied, thinking back on how your sweet, older reptile science teacher had agreed wholeheartedly to write to the director of hiring.

"I did, but that's not the one I'm referring to," she replied, "I mean, a letter from a professor is one thing, but it isn't every day that a third year cadet gets a recommendation from the CMO of the U.S.S. Enterprise."

You paused in step, and she stopped with you as you gazed at her in open surprise, too shocked to veil your astonishment.

"Doctor...Dr. McCoy wrote me a rec letter?" You replied, utterly floored by the revelation.