An 'upstart' is a young fighter that shows potential.
This drabble is 200 words.
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Upstart
The folder would not stay closed, thick as it was. "So it's all finished?" Kaede asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
The captain steepled her fingers. "You realize I should discipline you. Severely. I've lost count of the number of protocols you've broken," she said. "But discipling the lead detective on the biggest case we've had in a decade would be a bad PR move. So I've been told."
Kagome bowed her head. "I'm sorry. I know things got out of hand."
"To say the least. Sit down, Detective." She waited until Kagome had perched herself on the edge of the chair. "Is this what you want? This job?"
"Yes," she answered immediately. When Kaede fixed her one good eye on her, Kagome bit her lip. "I think I do. It got hard."
"That's what this job is. Hard. The law is written in black and white, but this job is not. Some of us remain wed to it, because then, we can justify the sacrifices." She took a breath. "But Kagome, there is no shame in deciding that you want to take another path. Or to have other priorities that might hurt that career."
Kagome looked at her. "Like love?"
"Like family."
