Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
"Ensign Kes, come with me, please."
She looked up from her work in surprise. Steinburg never addressed her by rank.
"Yes, sir."
She followed him out of the lab, down the hall, and into the turbolift.
"Where are we going?"
The lieutenant only glanced at her, silent.
"I haven't done anything wrong, have I?"
Steinburg raised an eyebrow. "Guilty conscience?"
"No, my conscience is only checking."
They got off on Deck 2. She followed him to Briefing Room A, and he halted in front of it.
"You ready?" he asked, turning to her.
"No. How can I prepare for a mystery?"
Steinburg smiled. "That's my girl." He pressed the button. The room was completely dark.
Suddenly everything came together in her mind. Steinburg was probably trying to freak her out, and any minute people would be popping out from behind tables shouting 'Surprise!' She faced him.
"What's the occasion?"
"Step in and find out."
Kes sighed and stepped into the room with her arms folded.
"Computer, lights!"
The lights came on at Kirk's command and Kes saw a banner that read 'Happy Promotion!' She grinned and turned back to Steinburg, who was chuckling in the doorway.
"Really?"
"Yes, darlin', I told you so." Kes whipped around at McCoy's voice.
"Oh, doctor, I had no idea!" She felt tears well up in her eyes but she quickly wiped them away. Kirk stepped forward with a folded cloth in his hands.
"Ensign."
"Sir," she replied respectfully. McCoy left her side to stand behind the captain.
"Due to your outstanding performance aboard the Enterprise in the last few months, your determination, your enthusiasm, and your dedication to this crew, I hereby grant you the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade."
He handed her the cloth with a smile. "Congratulations, Kes. You deserve this."
The small assembly clapped and cheered. Scotty and McCoy hung back as others came forward to shake her hand. Finally, as the crowd dwindled, it was only the captain, Steinburg, McCoy and Scotty. The captain approached her first.
"Mr. Spock sends his apologies, he's on the bridge."
"I understand. Someone's got to run this ship while the captain attends rank parties."
Kirk laughed and lightly clapped her shoulder. "Good work, Lieutenant."
Steinburg was next. "I've got to get back to the lab, Kes. See you in a few?"
"I'll be back, don't worry."
He left, and Scotty took his place. "You've made us proud, lass. Join me for lunch tomorrow, to celebrate?"
"I'd love to, Scotty, I'll be there."
He nodded and exited. Only her and the doctor. He picked up a PADD from the conference table and handed it to her.
"What's this?"
"A proposal. One I hope you accept."
Kes read the PADD.
Proposal that Lt. Kes will continue duty in medical labs under Lt. Steinburg, but work in sickbay on an as-needed basis.
Kes looked up. "As-needed?"
"That'd only be in emergencies or when we're really bogged down with patients. I'll call you in the lab when you're needed. You'll have to attend medical orientation this week though."
"So I'd be an Emergency Medical Personnel?"
"Yes, in essence. How 'bout it?"
Kes looked up and grinned widely. "I'd love to. I accept."
He returned her smile. "Excellent. Welcome to sickbay, Lieutenant. And congratulations. I'm so proud of you, honey. I can't wait to see what you come up with next."
With a light kiss on the forehead, he left her with her thoughts spinning, her eyes pricked with tears and the ghost of his lips on her skin.