In this chapter, Lily gets a surprise

Lily was reading when the door told her of a visitor "Come in" she said, the doors opened and Data and Ca[tain Picard stood there.

"Oh hello Captain, Commander" she said happily, when the two were together she always addressed Data as Commander and not the term of endearment of 'Uncle' "How can I help, am I needed for anything?" she asked

"No Lily, more, we have something of interest to you" said Picard with a smile

Lily looked at them with interest "Please tell, I am now…intrigued", hearing this, Data laughed, Lily was impressed

"I believe you should see for yourself Ensign" said Picard, "Please follow us to my ready room" he said and she was now really interested and followed.

In the Captain's ready room Picard went to his computer, brought up the message from Starfleet and spun the screen around for her to see, Lily looked at it and read the message carefully, thinking there was a mistake she reread it again "Lieutenant Junior Grade" she said softly.

"Indeed" said Picard

"How long have I got to think about it Sir?" she asked

"A week should suffice wouldn't you say Commander?" said Picard looking at Data

"Indeed Sir, I agree" said Data

Lily quickly sat down and put her head in her hands "I think I need Sick bay" she said before passing out

"Data to Sick bay, bringing a young Ensign in for a check up" he said with a slight smile.

On Sick bay, Doctor Crusher scanned her with a medical Tricorder "She's fine Data, just a little shocked" she said looking at him "what caused this?" she asked

"Lily has been offered the position of Lieutenant Junior Grade" said Data

"Really, I would be mad not to accept if I was her" she said, Data had to agree.

Wesley came into Sick bay after being told of Lily's fainting by the Captain, found his mother smiling and Lily sitting up on the table "I believe Lily has some news for you Wes" said Crusher

"Wes, I have been offered a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade" said Lily

"Wow, are you going to take it?" he asked

"Should I?" she asked

"If you don't then you would be mad" said Wesley

"That's is what you mother said" replied Lily

"Seems your out numbered" said Wesley

"I concur" answered Lily, "Am I discharged?" she asked Doctor Crusher who nodded, once off the table, she headed for Ro Laren's quarters.

Standing outside the door until told to enter, once in the door, Ro Laren smiled "Lily" she said

"I need some advice" she said

"Let me guess, has it something to do with the promotion?" asked Ro Laren

"Uncle Data has already told you?" asked Lily

"Since I know your like a human lie detector, yes" said Ro Laren

Lily sighed "Yes it has to do with that" she admitted "I am not sure what to do"

"In the long run, Lily, it is up to you but let me tell you, Data is impressed and proud as punch, he even thinks had your parents been here, they would have been proud to" said Ro Laren

"It is an honour" said Lily

"Indeed it is my friend, think, Lieutenant Commander La Forge would not have recommended you to the Captain and the Captain authorising it if they did not think you were ready" Ro Laren said

"Thank you" she said as she went to leave

"Your welcome" said Ro Laren "And Lily?"

"Yes?"

"I do believe Data would agree with me when I say, if you don't accept, I will organise for you to scrub the shuttles and shuttle bays by hand!" aid her best friend

Lily grinned and left to find the Captain

"Computer, please locate Captain Picard" she said

"Captain Picard is in his ready room" answered the computer

"Come in" said Picard as the door alerted him to his visitor

The doors opened and Lily stood in the door way "Captain, I have been thinking and talking to my closest confidants, I have had my hand forced into accepting" she said

Picard raised an eyebrow "Do tell" he said

"Ro Laren said she would organise for me to scrub the shuttles and shuttle bays by hand if I didn't" she said

Picard chuckled "I am sure that can be arranged" he said

"In honour of my parents, I will accept" she said

Picard looked at her "You have a whole week yet" he said "are you sure?"

Lily nodded "Yes Sir, I believe if my father had been here, he would be proud"

"I will send a message to Starfleet of your acceptance" he said "Congratulations Lily", he stood up to shake her hand

"Thank you Sir" she said and left.