After the briefing, back in Ael’s quarters he called his sister. “Ael! I wasn’t expecting a call from you tonight.”
“I have some news.”
“What’s happening?” Ael showed his collar with his full Lt pips. “Ael… you made it!”
“That’s not it.” He showed the Red Squad patch on his sleeve. “I got transferred to Red Squad as squad leader.”
“That’s… they said…”
“It’s impossible. But Ric disagrees. It’s nice to have some good news for Rihannsu people.”
“I’ll spread it around. I wish I could go celebrate with you.”
“I think I have some shore leave coming to me between missions. I’ll see if I can visit.”
“Good luck getting clearance from immigration.”
“Three words. Starfleet Lieutenant clearance.” They both laughed.

A conversation carried on for some hours, the Khev siblings talking and celebrating.
“This reminds me of home.” Ael said.
“We knew how to have fun. And get in trouble for it. This is more than my allotted call time, but no one seems to be stopping me.”
“They stop really caring after a couple months. Do what they tell you and you have the rest of your time free.”
“I think I want to join Starfleet when they let me out of here. Go back to nursing.”
“I’m not going to tell you not to. But it’s a dangerous life.”
“I’ve been reading the news. There are a couple of hospital ships that might take me in.” Lena picked up a PaDD. “USS Hope and USS Ogawa.”
“Heard of both, could not be more different. USS Hope is a battle support hospital. Giant ship, huge crew. Ogawa, she’s tiny. But the staff… they’re good. The best. They do small, independent missions.”
“Ogawa sounds more my speed.”
“Let me call some people. I kind of know the Chief Engineer. He used to be a marine, we did some ops together. I can’t guarantee rank. But last I knew he was in good with the Captain.”
“Thanks Ael.”

-Ael Khev