Prompt: Abby - "I don't know if anybody should, or can, just let me get through one humongous life change at a time." - 'ER'
This was the fourth time they had done this particular exercise - the climb through the jefferies tubes, the humiliating jog through the mess hall, and then the laps on deck 13. Gerron Ral had to admit, it had gotten easier each time but he didn't think he was going to make it in the time Tuvok had allotted tonight. How humiliating to go through all this training, almost die, and still not be able to pass this final test.
Up ahead, he saw Henley disappear around the corner. At least she and Dalby weren't laopping him this time. Footsteps behind him reminded him that he wasn't the last one either.
He may have to console himself with that small consolation.
As he forced himself to continue to put one foot in front of the other, Gerron wondered if he would be forced to repeat this whole process if he didn't meet Tuvok's expectations. He sure hoped not. Spending the journey in the brig would be a more desirable choice. There had been plenty of times during this 'training' that he wished he was still in one of the camps.
Finally reaching the finish point, Gerron dropped to the deck as Tuvok read off a time he didn't hear. Right now he wasn't sure it was going to matter. Gerron was still struggling to breath when Chell collapsed beside him.
"I'd like you all on your feet," Tuvok ordered.
Silently taking the hand Dalby held out for him, Gerron got to his feet. His lungs still felt like they were on fire, but he was fairly sure he was going to live.
"You have all manage to pass this last test and the course. More importantly, I have seen a significant improvement in everyone's attitude since we began this training course as have your immediate supervisors."
"Is that Vulcan for job well done?" Dalby asked.
Tuvok looked at him. "Yes, you could say that," Voyager's tactical officer replied. "Before I dismiss you for the final time though there is one more matter to be dealt with. Crewman Gerron please take a step forward."
Still out of breath, head held high, Gerron did as ordered.
"I believe your uniform is missing something, crewman," Tuvok said holding something out to the younger man.
Not knowing what Tuvok was talking about Gerron held out his hand as the Vulcan dropped something into it. As Tuvok withdrew his hand, Gerron found himself holding his earring, that Tuvok had made him remove at the beginning of this course. He looked up at his superior officer, wondering what it meant, not even really caring how Tuvok had gotten the item in the first place.
"I have talked to the Captain, and she agrees with me that given the cultural significance of that particular piece of jewelry that an exception in the dress code can be made. We've all been forced to make significant changes due to the circumstances we find ourselves in, but there is a limit to how much change any one person can or should be asked to handle. Fitting into a Starfleet Crew is a significant change for all of you. Asking someone to change cultural or spiritual beliefs on top of that may just be too much to ask."
"Thank-you, sir," Gerron replied, putting the earring on, feeling genuine gratitude for the gesture extended him.