Chapter Text
Today was the day, graduation from Starfleet Academy and starship placement. Y/n had planned to wake up early and take their time getting ready. But, just like Starfleet had taught them, plans don’t always go accordingly. They had unintentionally hit snooze a few too many times after an early graduation party with some of her classmates the night before.
Now Y/n was running to the Academy’s auditorium, boots unzipped, and makeup half done from last night. Running in through the front doors, Y/n eyes the crowd of soon to be ensigns for their close friend Sara.
“Y/n!” Sara calls from the crowd, pushing her way through. “Yikes. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Sara and Y/n had met in their first year at the academy and became fast friends. Both started as prospective Captains, smart and cunning. Soon, Y/n realized their fascination with exploration and how the universe works lead them towards becoming a science officer. Everyone had their desired starship placements. The two close friends hoped they’d both be assigned the Enterprise after its recent adventure to Altamid.
Sara led Y/n to the nearest restroom. She brushed through Y/n’s hair with her fingers, attempting not to mess with their natural texture. Y/n got to work salvaging what makeup was left. Glitter eyeshadow is definitely not Starfleet regulation, but it’s what they had to work with. How Sara talked Y/n into going out last night was beyond them, but they’d be lying if they said they didn’t have fun.
“Here,” Sara pulls a box of mints out of her dress pocket and hands them to Y/n.
“Thank you,” Y/n says while popping a mint into their mouth. “Now let’s get out there or they’ll start without us.”
The two leave the bathroom and fall into line with their separate classes. Y/n smooths out their grey jacket and pants one last time. Because they both took the specialized command track, they’ll both be graduating as Lieutenant Junior Grade. The graduation music starts and groups start to move to the auditorium and into their seats. Y/n looks at the audience who sits above the graduates, full of families, and Alumni alike. The most notable of Amluni are Captians and Second in Commands of the many Starships controlled by Starfleet. The hall is filled with chatter as students take their seats. The President of the United Federation, Kenneth Wescott stands at a podium on the stage, tapping the microphone to get everyone to hush.
“Welcome all to celebrate the Starfleet Academy graduating class of 2264…” Wescott droned on, leaving Y/n to look about the crowd to see who exactly was in attendance.
Scanning through the grey and brown formal Starfleet uniforms, Y/n finds Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise, who seems to be scanning the graduates and whispering to Commander Spock rather than listening to Wescott. Y/n and Captain Kirk make eye contact, and Y/n quickly looks back to President Wescott. Names start being called and starship placements are announced. The corresponding crew standing to acknowledge its new members.
“Sara Connors,” President Wescott calls. Sara practically bounds down the stairs to the stage and next to Wescott. He clips her rank pins to her collar and hands her a bright gold dress with a Starfleet command insignia attached as he announces, “Lieutenant Junior Grade assigned to the USS Enterprise, effective immediately.”
Claps echo through the hall, Y/n’s most of all. Sara looks like she’s about to cry as she retakes her seat after giving Y/n a high five as she passes. She did it! She made it onto her first pick, and y/n couldn’t be happier for her. Hopefully, they’re as lucky. Slowly they get through different groups, finally landing on science.
“Y/n Y/l/n,” President Wescott calls their name.
Walking down these stairs meant Y/n’s life would be changed forever. Focused on not falling down the steps, Y/n makes their way onto the stage.
President Wescott clips their rank pins to their collar and hands them a deep blue shirt with a Starfleet science insignia attached as he announces, “Lieutenant Junior Grade assigned to the USS Enterprise, effective immediately.”
Shock. That was what Y/n felt. They truly didn’t expect to get assigned to the Enterprise and didn’t quite believe it. But as they turned, Y/n saw Captain Kirk and Commander Spock standing and clapping and their mother crying from joy. There was no denying it. They made their way back to their seat, eyeing Sara with wide eyes that said ‘we did it!’
The final names are called. The music starts playing again as the graduates file out of the auditorium.
Sara practically body slams Y/n with a hug once they exit the auditorium.
“We did it! We both made it onto the Enterprise!” Sara squeals into Y/n’s ear.
“Yes, we did!” Y/n responds with just as much excitement.
They two link arms, heading to their families outside of the building. The Enterprise accepted a total of 25 recruits out of the 1000 graduates. The odds of both friends being accepted was low and both felt incredibly lucky. Their two families stood together chatting with two people in Starfleet uniforms.
“Mom!” Y/n calls running up to her mother and hugging her. Sara does the same with her family. Both turn to whoever the officers are and salute.
Captain Kirk and Commander Spock salute the two.
“Welcome to the Enterprise crew you two. I’d like to personally invite you to a welcoming party planet side tonight with the rest of the crew. Formal attire but not regulation. I’d liked you to meet the crew in a less… intimidating manner.” Captain Kirk smiles at the recruits.
Sara smiles from ear to ear, obviously excited. Y/n, still recovering from last night, is hesitant but smiles nonetheless.
“We’d be honored to attend. Thank you for the invite Captain.” Sara responds for both of them.
“Very well, see you two tonight.” Captain Kirk and Commander Spock take their leave.