Posted by Major Eleanor “Iron Lady” Carnegie (Pilot, Blue Squadron Leader) in CAG’s Office - First Day on the Job (Tag Carnegie)

Posted by Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm “Astro” Dawkins (Commander Air Group (CAG)) in CAG’s Office - First Day on the Job (Tag Carnegie)

Posted by Major Eleanor “Iron Lady” Carnegie (Pilot, Blue Squadron Leader) in CAG’s Office - First Day on the Job (Tag Carnegie)
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The next morning, Malcolm found himself in a position he was fairly used to since becoming involved with Ellie, waking exhausted in a wrecked bed… with an auburn-haired cutie snuggled to his side. In the dark of his quarters, a soft chirp from his bedside chrono woke the Aviator. Groaning, Mal kissed the top of Ellie’s head. “Hey… Ellie, babe… it’s time to get up. I think we both nearly overslept.”

Eleanor stirred slightly in her sleep. She didn’t wake up but a happy smile made its way to her lips.

Sliding off the bed, Mal stumbled in the dark toward the sonic shower playfully calling over his shoulder. “The damn thing’s big enough for two if ya wanna join me…” He snickered. “… but you gotta promise to behave yourself, or else we’ll both be late to our first day.” With that he slipped into the bathroom.

It was Malcolm’s absence that finally made Carnegie finally wake up. Looking at the chrono on the nightstand she groaned softly, much like Dawkins had done before her. Trudging her feet to the bathroom, she joined her fiancé on his morning routine, hoping for a nice cup of coffee and some nice company before heading to her first day on the job.

---

Malcolm had been in his office about ten minutes, reviewing a few emails before CAW-14’s Daily Briefing when a Personnel Action Notification caught his eye.

TO:
LTC Malcolm Dawkins, SFMC
Commander, Air Group (CAW-14)

FROM:
Force Command HQ
San Francisco, Earth

SUBJECT:
Personnel Action Notification - Promotion & Assignment

This is to inform you that, effective immediately, Captain Eleanor Margaret Carnegie (Serial Number 4951620-3175) is hereby promoted to the rank of Major with all the rights & privileges there and to. Additionally, Major Carnegie’s Reconnaissance Flight will be merged into a new Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, SRS-81, with the new unit retaining all unit commendations and the moniker “The Sentinels”. Major Carnegie will be the 81st SRS’s first Squadron Commander. Please inform Major Carnegie at the soonest possible convenience to the Corps.

Respectfully,
FORCOM Personel Services Command

With a large smile, Malcolm tapped the stud on his desk. =A= CAG to Carnegie… stop by my office when you get a chance. CAG Clear =A=

Dawkins, CAG

Standing to the side of her vessel, watching Badger and Chuck argue over sensor calibration, Eleanor exchanged a surprised glance with Sloan.

“I know that you guys have been apart for a while now, but jeez, no need to do it during working hours too!” Came the Lady of Steel’s Flight Engineer’s playful banter. “No need to rub it in our faces as some of us don’t have that luxury!”

Carnegie squinted at him in mock offense. “I’ll make sure not to share the torrid details with you then.” She winked, unwrapping the sleeves from her flight suit from around her waist and zipping it all the way back up. “Keep me posted on how the argument ends.” Eleanor motioned to her Sensor Ops Officer and her Crew Chief still in a heated discussion. “And I’ll want to know all the details.” Her lips twisted into a smirk as she left.

Pressing her commbadge she replied. =/\= Carnegie here. I’m on my way now. Carnegie out. =/\=

It didn’t take long for her to climb a deck and find herself at the door of Malcolm’s new office space. Pressing the chime, she waited with a smile on her face.

Cpt. Carnegie, Recon Flight CO

Malcolm looked up from the report he was reviewing and spoke flatly. “It’s Open” As the door slid open and Malcolm saw Ellie, he smiled and motioned to the seat across the desk from him. “Grab a seat Captain… I got a present for ya.”

“Aye Sir.” Eleanor said with a smile and quizzical glance, sitting down on the offered chair. What did he even mean by a present?

Dawkins then produced a PaDD and slid it across to Eleanor, the unmistakable look of immense pride on the Marine’s face.

Dawkins, CAG

As she read the document in front of her, Carnegie’s smile was replaced with surprise and confusion. “Wait…” She finally managed to utter, not taking her eyes from the PaDD. “The whole squadron!?” Her eyes were wide in disbelief. “That’s what… eleven… twelve Rangers…?” Eleanor finally looked up from the letter to Malcolm, and then back to the letter again. “I…” She was having trouble finding words. “I… How…” Finally deciding to stop trying to speak, she lifted her eyes in awe trying to process what that meant for her and her job.

Maj. Carnegie, Blue Squadron Commander

“It means… my love…” Dawkins began with a smile. “… that Command believes you’re capable of a higher level of responsibility and command.” His smile was absolutely radiant. “You earned it Ellie… I had nothing to do with this. They sent it over with the Morning Dispatches.” Malcolm pulled a small black velvet box from his desk and stood. “If you would please rise… Captain Carnegie.” Dawkins beamed as he walked around the desk and stood to Ellie’s right before pausing and waiting for her to turn and face him.

“Ah, higher level of responsibility and command.” Eleanor laughed. “I’ve fooled them well then!” She said with a wink, but her playfulness turned into a genuine smile as Malcolm spoke. Finally, she stood when she was told, turning right to face Dawkins.

“Captain Carnegie, please raise your right hand and repeat after me…”

With a nod, she raised her right hand.

“I… state your name…”

“I, Eleanor Margaret Carnegie…”

”… do solemnly swear…”

“… do solemnly swear…”

”… that I will support and defend the Charter of the United Federation of Planets…”

“… that I will support and defend the Charter of the United Federation of Planets…”

”… against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

“… against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

”… that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”

“… that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”

”… that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion…”

“… that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion…”

”… and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties…”

“… and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties…”

”… of the Office of Major in the Starfleet Marine Corps… on which I am about to enter…”

“… of the Office of Major in the Starfleet Marine Corps… on which I am about to enter…”

”… so I do declare.”

“… so I do declare.”

With that, Malcolm extended his hand… first formally shaking it then wrapping the woman in a tight hug and kissed her on the cheek before leaning back and opening the box… exposing the gold Oak Leaf of the rank of Major. “Looks like it’s my turn to get to pin you Baby.”

Taking the extended hand, Eleanor shook his hand and hugged him back when he pulled her in. His kiss bringing a shade of pink to her cheeks.

Malcolm reached for her collar and with smooth, practiced precision… removed Ellie’s Captain’s bars and replaced them with her gold Oak Leaf. “Welcome to Field Grade my love.” He said with a smile as he leaned back.

Dawkins, CAG

“Thank you, Mal.” The wide grin had not yet faded from Eleanor’s lips. “I don’t even know what to say.”

There were not a lot of times when Carnegie was rendered speechless, and so, in the few times she did, she felt incredibly stupid. The heat in her cheeks told her that her face must have been bright pink, which made it even worse. She was happy that, at least, Malcolm would be the only one to see it.

Maj. Carnegie, Blue Squadron Commander

Malcolm smiled warmly at Eleanor, knowing his partner was rarely this at a loss for words. Wanting to do nothing else but to wrap his arms around the pilot, Mal did just that… whispering softly. “Your dad will be so proud of you Ellie. The boys too. I’m just glad it got to be me to give you the news.”

“I know.” Eleanor whispered into his ear, hugging him back. “I can’t wait to tell them.” She smiled and the excitement in her voice was noticeable.

After their hug, Malcolm walked back around his desk and picking up another PaDD… handed it to Ellie. “This one, though… is for you.” He paused and added. “I only think it’s right, after all your time together, that you get to break the news.” His warm smiled lit the room.

The PaDD contained promotion orders similar to hers, for a 1Lt James Sloan.

Dawkins, CAG

Eleanor looked curiously at the PaDD, reading it when she finally managed to hold it. Her face lit up with a smile.

“Oh…! He deserves this so much! Thank you for letting me do it, Mal!” She moved around the desk and planted a kiss on his cheek. She seemed almost happier for Sloan than for her own promotion. “I don’t know how long he’s passed up on this… just to stick around. He thinks I don’t know it but…” She shrugged. A soft proud smile played on her lips.

Lifting her eyes from the PaDD, she gazed at Malcolm for a moment, looking almost starstruck by the man. “You know you’re perfect, right?” She said with a smile. “And I don’t say this just because you’re my boss.” She winked.

“We both know the truth Babe…” Malcolm laughed playfully. “… its because I’m painfully attractive and incredible in bed. It’s OK Love, I know too… nothing to be embarrassed about admitting.” He winked and playfully dodged an imaginary punch.

“Riiiiiiiight.” Eleanor squinted at Malcolm in mock offense before continuing.

“Now, if you’ll allow me to use your replicator for a moment, I have a gathering to attend.” Eleanor said as she replicated a velvet box and placed her old Captain bars inside of it. “You should join us!” She smiled at Malcolm.

Kissing her fiancé one last time before leaving, Eleanor turned around and headed out.

As she walked through the corridors back down to the Hangar Bay, Carnegie’s mind was in overdrive, mobilizing the ten other members of the four Recon Sentinels to gather around the Lady of Steel, making sure her Flight Engineer was out of the loop.

A half smile settled on her lips when she finally made visual contact with her bird, and the small crowd of people moving towards it. Badger and Chuck had stopped arguing, and instead were gathering people around.

Eleanor’s half smile turned into a full one lighting up her face, and she hurried her pace as she walked the last few steps to the group. She couldn’t have asked for a better crew.

Maj. Carnegie, Blue Squadron Commander

“Well would ya look at that…” Sloan chuckled as Eleanor approached. “Ya know, since the dawn of time, mankind has used leaves to cover their pricks!” With a smirk, Sloan didn’t even give the Sentinel’s Commander a chance to respond before he snapped sharply to attention and barked with parade ground precision. “All Hands… OFFICER ON DECK!” In the exact response expected of nearly two dozen gathered Marines, the group of pilots, flight crew, and ground personnel sprang smartly to attention, their heels coming together almost as one.

“Really Sloan?” Eleanor chuckled, yet she let them be for just a second longer before waving a hand and shooting a smile at the group. “At ease.”

The Olinski’s CAG, who had left his office and was about three paces behind Carnegie, frowned playfully and growled. “What the actual hell Sloan!?! What am I… chopped liver?!” Sloan just smiled widely and shot back. “Like you count around these parts Astro! Don’t you have an airshow to fly in or something?” He winked, making a flying motion in a barrel roll with one hand and the sounds of a speeding old earth airplane with his mouth. Dawkins rolled his eyes and laughed. “I swear to God, James… I’ll throw your ass off this damn ship!”

Eleanor laughed heartily as she turned to the Olinski’s CAG. “You know Astro, he’s not wrong!” Her palm rising to Sloan for a high five before telling her Flight Engineer. “Loved the plane noise. Nice touch.”

Sloan looked at Carnegie and smiled. “So, what’s all this about Boss?” He asked lightly. “Some kinda promotion after party?”

Dawkins/Sloan

“Something like that.” Carnegie replied with a smile. “Only you’re the main event!” She slapped the PaDD she was carrying square on his chest before continuing to the center of the group and motioning for everyone to gather around.

Taking the PaDD, a puzzled look on his face, Sloan opened it and a moment later shook his head and almost breathlessly said. “Well I’ll be damned!”

“Everyone! Attention please!” Eleanor addressed the large group of people gathering around the Lady of Steel with a grin. Gently grabbing one of Sloan’s arms, she pulled him with her to the center of the space. “We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the promotion of First Lieutenant James Gilchrist Sloan.” There was a playful smirk on her lips when she looked at him.

Sloan visibly winced at the mention of his middle name God do I hate that name! then rolled his eyes at the look Eleanor gave him.

“This is not the beginning of a new assignment but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in his life. Lieutenant Sloan and his rank have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what their relationship has become.” There was a victorious grin in Eleanor’s face now. “Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly.”

“Ya know…” James chuckled. “… I never thought or felt like I was married to First Lieutenant but hearing this, its kinda hard to miss the connection now Boss!”

Carnegie’s smirk was now a smile beaming with pride as she turned to Sloan, who she considered to be almost like a brother to her, and waited for him to face her.

“Lieutenant Sloan, please raise your right hand and repeat after me…”

James smartly clicked his heels and raised his right hand.

“I… state your full name…” The corner of her lip twitched slightly.

Sloan glared at her before sighing and stating in a painfully formal tone. “I… James Gilchrist Sloan…”

“… do solemnly swear…”

“… do solemnly swear…”

“… that I will support and defend the Charter of the United Federation of Planets…”

“… that I will support and defend the Charter of the United Federation of Planets…”

“… against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

“… against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

“… that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”

“… that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”

“… that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion…”

“… that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion…”

“… and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties…”

“… and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties…”

“… of the Office of Captain in the Starfleet Marine Corps… on which I am about to enter…”

“… of the Office of Captain in the Starfleet Marine Corps… on which I am about to enter…”

“… so I do declare.”

“… so I do declare.”

With a beaming smile, Eleanor held out her hand to shake Sloan’s, before opening the small velvet box that she had stuffed in her pocket and opening it. Looking at the bars for a moment, the same ones she had carried until that morning, she smiled at the Lady of Steel’s Flight Engineer. “You know, I couldn’t think of anyone more fitting for the first officer I get to pin.” Her words were genuine, there was no sarcasm or playfulness behind them. Her eyes gleamed with pride.

Sloan shook her hand with a genuine smile then, as Eleanor opened the box… the Scotsman’s eyes got a bit misty and he stood just a little taller as he recognized the bars he was about to receive were Eleanor’s old Captains bars. It had, since at least the 19th century, been considered one of the highest personal honors a service member could receive… to be pinned with their Commanding Officer’s former service-worn insignia. He’d recognize that set of bars anywhere and their significance was not lost on the Marine.

With slight shaky hands, Carnegie removed the 1st Lieutenant bar from Sloan’s collar and replaced it with the double bars of the rank of Captain. “It’s truly an honor Captain.”

Maj. Carnegie, Blue Squadron Leader

“The honor…” Sloan began, his voice catching as a single tear fell free. “… has been mine, Ma’am.”

Cpt James “Doc” Sloan, SFMC

With an affectionate smile on her lips, Eleanor squeezed Sloan’s shoulder gently. It was the first time she had ever seen the Scotsman been genuinely touched, and it warmed her heart immensely to know that her actions meant that much to one of her closest friends. There were no words exchanged as the pair shared the small emotional moment.

Finally turning around, Carnegie’s eyes met Malcolm’s. Winking at the Olinski’s CAG, she clapped her hands to have the attention of the small crowd that had gathered around her ship. “Alright everyone, the Boss is here! Back to work guys! Pretend like nothing happened! I won’t tell if you won’t!”

Dawkins chuckled at the exaggerated scurry as the pilots all scattered in a dozen directions at once like roaches when the lights came on. “I sincerely hate you guys!” He said loudly enough to get more than a few snickers from the retreating personnel. “Too bad you bastards don’t move this fast for inspections!” This got an actual laugh from some of the last of the crews.

As a few members of the Sentinel’s crew walked to Sloan, Eleanor stepped away to allow her crew to congratulate the Sentinel 1’s Flight Engineer.

When Eleanor left a hole, Sentinel 6’s pilot… the dark-haired 1st Lieutenant Francesca Romano, and her Weapons Officer… the Spanish 1st Lieutenant Julia Hernandez… quickly made their play for the newly promoted Captain. The girls, both easily a decade younger than Sloan, flanked him… each with a hand on his back as they talked. Giggling, Romano went up on tiptoes… whispering something in Sloan’s ear that resulted in a raised eyebrow and a smirk. The man looked down, said something only the Italian woman glued to his side could hear and nodded. With that, the women both wrapped their arms behind Sloan’s lower back and led him off toward the lift to the O-Lounge.

Walking a few steps to Malcolm, she briefly watched as the girls from the Sentinel 6 exchanged a few words with the man of the hour.

“They grow up so fast, don’t they?” Carnegie asked Malcolm with a chuckle. “What do you say of you, me, Sloan, Badger, and a few others take this party to the lounge? Are you busy in the next few hours?”

Maj. Carnegie, Blue Squadron Leader

“I’m fine with Badger and a couple others…” Dawkins began before motioning toward the three retiring aviators. “… but I don’t think the party those three are heading to will involve clothing.” He smirked… a look of feigned jealously on his face. “I say we all go have fun and leave that lucky bastard to his own… trouble.”

Dawkins, CAG

“What? Why?” Eleanor turned around to look for Sloan but by the time she did so the three Marines were already gone. “Where did he go? Sloan would never go without us!”

Moving away from Malcolm, Carnegie looked for her Flight Engineer where she had left him, but to no avail.

Returning, she looked at Malcolm, a hurt look on her face. “I can’t find him…” Her disappointment was evident. It was clear that she had been looking forward to celebrating Sloan’s promotion with him.

“Trust me…” Mal chuckled. “… what that man is going to be doing very shortly would make you blush so brightly I could use you as a Landing Indicator. Let James be… we don’t always have to be doing things as a group.”

“Well… I guess we don’t have to go to the lounge then… What if we do something else? Just the two of us… it’s been a while since we’ve gone on a date…” Eleanor winked. “What do you say? Besides there’s someone else’s promotion that needs celebrating.”

Maj. Carnegie, Blue Squadron Leader

Dawkins smiled at this suggestion, putting his arm behind Ellie and leading her away towards the Lifts. Looking down, he chuckled. “Just promise me that said celebrating also ends in a lack of clothing.”

Dawkins, CAG