his command com and spoke into it. "Cadet
Northern Star, officially graduated from Academy and given rank of
Ship's Commander, and also The Academy Medal Of Valor."
32 Handing back the command com, the Commandant took a medal from the
podium, and carefully hung it about North's neck. Then, he read the
reason for the award. As he finished, everyone rose, clapping. The
Commandant saluted North. North returned the salute, turned sharply, saluted the audience and
marched off the stage to join his family. He stood by them while the
rest were graduated. Finally, the Commandant turned to the class.
"Officers of The Fleet," he cried, "a long and successful career! Serve
your God well!"
33 "Thank you, sir!" came the response.
34 The Commandant saluted and walked from the stage. The Great Hall was
filled with the sound of happy parents congratulating their sons.
35 As Morn joined North and his family outside, they all chatted
happily. "Well, it's over," sighed Morn. "We've got two months before
our orders come, then we'll be off to our first command. 'Til then,
we're on leave."
36 "I'm going to do absolutely nothing," insisted North, "but rest! No
more excitement for awhile! There's only one thing that bothers me,
though."
37 Everyone looked surprised. "What's that?" they asked.
38 "What question did I miss?" North told them. "It's driving me bats
trying to figure it out!"
39 North's family and the others who had stopped to listen to his
comment began to laugh. "Hey!" cried Morn, "We've got those restaurant
reservations, remember? I'm buying!"
40 As they sat down to a celebration dinner, the topic of conversation
was only one thing …the possibility of what kind of ship they'd be
assigned to.
41 "At least a system cruiser," speculated North, "or,