I got a call from Norus, my lt. Xolonel and referant, the other morning informing me of my posting.

Most of the class knew going in where they'd be coming out, and near all the rest had been assigned weeks ago. 

"Hey Caspian. I'm sure you're doing well. We've got a position for you, our sister department has a team for operational qi management, they're not performing up to standards. We're sending you in to shape them up."

"To make sure you understand Caspian, the branch you're headed to is responsible for making sure the army's land forces' power sharing is working." 

"Sir, as important as this sounds that isn't my field. I put off Officer's Training specifically so as to be technically proficient at the work I'll be managing. Put someone else in. "

"I believe you can do a great job there, and we need them to be functional. Due to your record and our relationship I know you can do this. If you find that it's too challenging or you can take on more we'll support you and help tailor the challenge to you."

Realizing that this was a dead end, I moved to the next topic.

"So I won't be returning to your command then?"

"No, but as your referent you have a line to me. We also work closely with the other department." 

"Alright then sir. Thank you."

"I know you'll make us proud."

"Thank you sir."

On reflection it made sense, as I had set up the operating formations on my team, and my work had become the template across the branch, in various portions of the entire division, and in a few spots across the army. 

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

It wasn't that I did anything brilliant- it just worked and was easy to copy and modify slightly if necessary, and I'd taught a junior member of my team all I knew the minute I got the chance. I was not thrilled to be going back to that area of formations, smushing runes around until the formations will hold through the extended physical frameworks. Most of my experience lay in manipulating qi traces locally, and I was damn proud of what my team had done. 

There probably wasn't anyone better suited to the job in the division though, and it wasn't like I had a choice. 

At least I'd have a team.

%%%/%%%%₪#@@@%**(()))*&%₪₪#@@####

We finished our parade; I was third from the front of the dead center of the wedge formation, the position which leads the synchronization across the breadth of the shape, I took a knee in time with both sides and we threw our berets skyward. 

I went up to my father, mother and Eva my girlfriend got a round of warm congratulations and hugs. They seemed very proud and despite the large crowds Eva was visibly excited.

I had my photo taken with the people I'd gone through training with, took a picture with my junior from my old team, was informed by text that no one else from my old department could make it, and was greeted by a slim, beardless young Major who introduced himself as Lorv, from my new branch, congratulated me and gifted me a book from the department head. There was a rush of wishing farewell to fellow newly minted officers and exchanging words with newly minted friends. 

I stopped to buy a drink before we left, a Major who had been making small talk with my father bought me a drink before I'd ordered and introduced himself smoothly.

"Traditionally this would be a good time to propose, do you have a ring?"

Eva smiled widely at that and my father laughed, I only wish it were simple for me. I smiled, friendly, he wasn't being pushy or prying.

"You seem like an upstanding young man, the kind we need in my department, the SC. What have you done so far?"

The SC was a big deal, though no one knows what they do. Those secrets require First Class clearance for security reason and are revealed on a need-to-know basis. My clearance is Third Class and Ia1q qqq haven't needed to know. What I do know is that they take the best people, consistently. 

"I'm Caspian White, nice to meet you. I studied Formation Theory, took a few years to reflect on correct-action correct-desire correct-thought and in the army was a carver for the Retrace formation, from the beginning of my service when we started the project for training simulations and through the beginning of the war when we made the switch to the real power movements. I then went into Officer's Training so as to take on more responsibilities and have more of an effect.

"That was some good work, the Retrace. I have two spots open for lead creation carvers, give me a call. Have a good night, congratulations!" I thanked him and wished him a good night as he passed my his card. 

As I finished my drink Eva gave me a gift for the occasion, a wooden bead clock with our names engraved on it. I have no great love for useless presents, but she put time and care into this gift so I thanked her warmly.

We headed home, leaving Eva at her doorstep before continuing our trip in my father's flying treasure, a blue decahedron crystal.