Posted by Colonel Calvin Harris (Marine Commander) in Battery Spencer - San Francisco
The sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge stretched across San Francisco Bay before the two figures standing off from the crowd in the brisk Pacific Coast morning air. The breeze that morning allowed for the two currently silent officers to take in the breathtaking vista, Alcatraz Island to their left with Downtown San Francisco and Starfleet Academy on the shoreline opposite the 19th-century defensive position where they both stood. Around them, sightseers brushed by… a small girl complained about why she needed to be up so early to “look at some stupid old bridge!”. The older gentleman in her group chided the child in what sounded distinctly like Italian and the little girl pouted before stomping away, her mother in hot pursuit.

Looking across at the Academy, Colonel Calvin Harris… sporting a pair of old combat boots, faded blue jeans with a Starfleet Flight School t-shirt tucked in, brown leather bomber jacket, and blue fitted ballcap featuring gold Aerospace Aviator’s wings… shifted for a moment before taking in a slow breath and breaking the silence between them.

“So…” The Marine pilot began, rubbing a lightly whiskered chin… grey just visible in the otherwise jet black scruff. “… the hallowed halls of Academia?” Harris turned to face the young officer by his side. “Just couldn’t take another goodbye, huh?” His tone was soft, warm… without even a flicker of condescension in his words… an equally warm gentle smile on his face. It was if even the man’s striking blue eyes were… happy for her.

Harris, MarDet Commander

Amelia smiled softly at the words as she took in the view. She hadn’t been back in San Francisco in so long she had almost forgotten how breathtaking the view really was. It was a windy morning, and Manning held her light scarf closer to her neck. Replacing her uniform with civilian clothes for the time being, she was wearing dark blue jeans, a black boat neck shirt and a pair of comfortable black flat shoes. And of course, her favorite summer scarf. It was white with a traditional floral print in peach and green colors. Pete had given it to her on their first anniversary.

“Yeah… Exploring the cosmos is a lifetime experience, and I can never be thankful enough for the opportunity.” Manning shot a grateful smile at Cal. “But it feels empty when he’s not with me.” There was a hint of sadness in her voice.

“I never imagined that Command would ask me to teach at the Academy though. Both them and Pomona College, to be honest. It’s going to be a busy schedule that’s for sure, but I’m going to be back at being a full time Engineer.” The joy in her tone was unmistakable.

“Now… I’m sure you won’t need me anymore, Captain. But if you do, I hope you know where to find me. I expect you to keep in touch.” Her words hardened slightly but the grin on her lips told Cal she was being playful.

Capt. Manning, Former XO