Akabayshi Mark Two

Author's Note:

This is a continuation of the Trees in the Forrest Series. Like the prior, it was written as part of the Good in Red Challenge on .creative in December 2007

Akahana Akabayshi looked at the poster on the wall in her uncle's restaurant. Her mother always thought it was strange that her uncle Kenji had Star Fleet provide him with the newest and best recruitment poster. Akahana's father only smiled and shook his head.

Akahana had been just three when her Uncle Kanma had died. Her Uncle Kenji and her father were both proud of him. He'd been the only Akabayshi in the family to join Starfleet, and had made a post on the Enterprise. Admiral Kirk had made it a point to thank the family when he'd first come into the restaurant after he'd been assigned to the Admiralty. Kanma had given his life for his.

Kirk, Sulu, McCoy, Chekov, Uhura, they'd all frequented the Red Forrest, especially Sulu. Akabayshi had overheard their stories, since she'd started waiting on tables when she was twelve. So had all of her cousins. They'd imagined how it would be if they'd been on board, serving on the Enterprise.

Akahana looked at the poster again. The Star Fleet Officer stood in the center, wearing the new uniform, looking into the stars. "Star Fleet" it said in big bold red letters across the top over the star background. She turned to her brother, Akemi, dressed in his brand new uniform, and then quoted to him the last line. "You look good in red, Ensign."

"You, too, sis, or should I say, Lieutenant?"