75.
A will be in the morning and Group B in the afternoon. So be ready, gentlemen!"
So it was, the following day North stood nervously outside the side doors of the great hall, peering nervously at the Commandant standing on the stage. He knew his mother and wife had been escorted to the front row by the Commandant himself. Finally, The Academy Band started to play and over the loudspeakers the Commandant called,
"Ship's Commander Northern Star, front and center!"
Proudly, North marched onto the stage, stepping before the Commandant. He saluted and the Commandant pinned the Command Symbol on the collar of his jacket and spoke into North's com.
"Cadet Northern Star, officially graduated from Academy and given the rank Ship's Commander and also The Academy Medal of Valor."
Handing back the communicator, the Commandant read to the audience the reason for the awarding of the medal, and as he pinned it on, everyone rose, clapping.
North saluted the Commandant, sharply turned, saluted the cheering officers, and marched down off the stage to join his family. He stood at rest by their seats while the rest were graduated. FInally the Commandant turned to the graduated class.
"Officers of The Fleet," he said, "a long and successful career. Serve your God well!"
"Thank you, sir!" came the response. The Commandant saluted and walked from the stage. The great hall was filled with the joyous sounds of parents congratulating their children. Several cadets came forward and thanked North for the extra help he had given them. In two months they would all get their first orders to report to their commands. Until then, they were on leave.
North's mother looked at him.
"Today," she said, "you are without question, a man! No one will ever call you 'young' again! You are a Haven in Service to Your God!"
** ** **