snip]

Faith was stood outside the XO’s Office and sounded the chime.

She had some important news which had been coming for a year or so, so it was not a surprise, but maybe the Captain hadn’t fully realised the implications. She didn’t know because she hadn’t yet told him.

She waited for an answer; a call to enter, hoping that Commander Roger Sanks was actually in his office.

As the seconds ticked by, Faith found herself rehearsing the opening words in her mind, anxious not to stumble over the delivery. The corridor was unusually quiet, amplifying each heartbeat in her chest. She took a steadying breath, determined to remain composed regardless of how the conversation unfolded.
Faith knocked a second time.

(classical music playing in background) “Wait, that sounds like the door chime, Computer, pause music.” Lt. Cmdr. Sanks said. “Come in.” He stated to the door, and it opened showing Yeoman Faith standing there talking to herself rehearsing what she was about to tell him.
Lt. Cmdr. Sanks, Number One

“Sorry to interrupt your concert,” Faith apologised. “If you have a moment…”

”…I’ve just received a letter from Starfleet Medical and I’ve been accepted,” Faith said. “I begin in one month. Which means I’ll not be joining the next mission and will have to leave on the next Transport back to Earth from DS-K5. This won’t be a shock to most of the crew… any of the crew. I flunked out of Starfleet Medical once before, but I’ve grown up since then, and i have always wanted to return. Doctor Cross has helped with my application. The problem is the Captain. He really has no idea of everything that I do for him. I handle all the little things he takes for granted – his schedule, the reports, even the way his tea is made just so. For many years i thought I owed him a debt for his rescue of myself and my mother, but whatever that was that I owed, I’ve more than paid it back many times. I have no future here as a cat sitter and dogs body. I just don’t know how to tell him that this day has finally come. Still, it’s time for me to move forward, and I hope he’ll understand that this is something I need to do for myself. He’ll also need a replacement.”

“So, could you sign my transfer, let the Captain know, and help him through the difficult transition, please,” Faith asked.

“I’ll leave that in your hands then,” Faith added. “I can see you’re busy.”

• Faith, yeoman