An ear to the communicator

[Sendai Riko 0]

Sendai Riko stood in his dormitory room, looking out of the small window overlooking the campus. Behind him his trunk stood open, its contents neatly packed away. It had not even been a week since his graduation, and already he had dispatched his application to Starfleet's Personnel Director, never one to lay in sloth when there is work to be done. Sendai hoped that he would receive a posting before he had to vacate his room, as he did not relish the thought of seeking a temporary living arrangement on Earth.

 

Stepping away from the window, Sendai grabbed the PADD from the nightstand next to his narrow bed. He again read the short letter from his parents.

 

Congratulations, Riko! We are so very proud of you, and you know that we would have come to the

ceremonies if we could have. We're looking forward to throwing a big party for you when you come

back home.

 

We love you so much,

Mom & Dad

 

Sighing, Sendai flipped the PADD back onto the nightstand. He had yet to send his parents his reply, as he did not want to see the look of disappointment on their faces. Bajor was a long way away: any time he spent in transit would be longer than his stay. Lying back onto the bed, he stared up at the ceiling, thinking of how to break the news to them.

 

Suddenly, his console began to chirp. He launched himself off the bed and ran over, taking a moment to wipe the hair out of his eyes. Noting that the communication was coming from San Fransisco, Sendai muttered a little prayer to the Prophets that it would be the Admiral. Reaching out, he pressed the accept button on the console. A lively young human face popped up onto the screen, smiling broadly.

 

"Heya, Riko! We're heading over to the Rec to play some volleyball, you want to come join us?" Asked fellow graduate Ensign Thaddeus Meier.

 

"No," Sendai said quietly. Though Meier was one of his best friends from the Academy, he had no desire to speak to anyone that wasn't brass. "I'm expecting a communique, Thad, sorry."

 

"Well, all right," Meier replied. "I'll see you later, then, maybe. Meier out."

 

The viewscreen flashed off, returning to standby mode, with the symbol of the Academy popping up on the screen. Sighing, Sendai walked back over to the window, and resumed his unfocused scan of the bright, well-tended campus.

[Chell Reno 0]

Nice log Riko and congrats on your graduation!

[Dielle 0]

Awesome. I look forward to reading more logs from you.