The Commander's Lieutenant

Part 5

Taz ran into her room, closing the door behind her and almost collapsing against it. She looked around her room for something to wear to the ceremony before realising she had nothing. There was a knock behind her, and Taz curiously peeked out the door.

'Sí?' She asked, trying to figure out who was at her door.

'Hiya Taz! It's Feb! Look, I was wondering if you had anything to wear to the ceremony tonight. I have a few things that might suit you if you don't...'

Taz opened the door and there she was, holding a few dresses in her arms. February grinned when she saw Taz's face.

'They're gorgeous.' Taz stuck her head out the door, making sure no one was in the hallway, and pulled February in.

'Can you help me?'

February looked Taz up and down. 'Duh! That's why I'm here!'

Taz couldn't think of anything worse than being smothered in make-up, but tonight was special. She was going to be announced as Up's second in command. February got to work straight away, only applying a light amount of make-up. This surprised Taz, but she didn't say anything. February chattered away, but the worst part for Taz was when February made her try on each dress twice.

'We're going to be late!' She protested as February made her decision.

'Obvs! Ooh! That one is perfect! But hair...' February looked over Taz's hair and started messing around with it. 'Did you cut it yourself?' She asked plainly.

Taz gritted her teeth. 'Sí. It was getting in my way.' She waited for a snide comment from February, but just got a happy grin.

'I love it! It suits you!'

Taz nodded with an awkward smile. Is she loco, or actually trying to be nice? Finally, February muttered "done" under her breath and stepped back. Taz stood up and spun in the bathroom mirror.

'Who is dat?' She asked absent-mindedly, not believing that it was really her.

'That's you, Taz! You goof.' She hugged Taz from behind and snatched up her purse. 'Come on- we might be early if we leave now!'

Taz pulled herself away from the mirror and almost left her room, but quickly looked down. She snatched her knife off the bed and shoved it into a small sheath around her leg, feeling a lot safer. February called her name out down the hall, and Taz took a last look in the mirror. 'For you, mama.'

Taz and February entered the gymnasium from the back, trying to not draw attention to themselves. Taz saw Up waving at her, and the two girls snuck into the seats beside him. His tuxedo had a blue tie, the exact colour of his eyes.

'Taz!' He whispered. 'Is that you?'

She nodded, looking awkwardly at her outfit. She had convinced February to drop the heels, so she wore her combat boots underneath a dark purple dress. It wasn't quite floor length, so the boots showed a little. A dark purple sash with a silver flower surrounded her waist, and the top half of the dress hung loosely around her shoulders. It was a little girly and frilly, and the outer layer of the dress was quite thin, but it made Taz look stunning.

Up looked Taz up and down- she definitely didn't look sixteen. Normally she looked younger, but tonight, she could pass for eighteen or so. Her dress was extremely complementary, thanks to February who had adjusted it just for Taz. Taz blushed under all of her make-up when she noticed Up looking at her. Why do I keep doing dat? It's just Up! I gotta stop blushing or he's gonna think something's up...

The announcer up the front had been droning for ten minutes, February, Taz and Up only barely feigning interest. Finally, he perked up and mentioned the newest Rank promotions.

'There were only two places left for commanders, and we knew that they deserved it more than anyone. One of only two female commanders in twenty years, Lucille, was just seventeen when signing up to the Academy. Five years later, here she is!'

Everyone applauded as a girl in the front row stood up, almost squealing with excitement. February stood up and applauded- Lucille must be the sister February was talking about...  She was wearing a pink jacket and skirt over a plain white top- Taz thought to herself that the only thing missing was a bright pink hat. She stifled a laugh by covering her mouth, gaining the attention of Up.

'You ready, Up?' She smiled, sinking into her seat.

Up winked at her. 'I'm always ready.'

'Our second new commander has been here since he was sixteen- and within only three and a half years- The youngest commander we have ever had, Commander Up!' The gymnasium erupted in applause and shrieking from several girls in the audience- including February.

Taz stared up at the stage in awe- what were they going to do when she got up there? There were basically two people she had talked to in the whole year. Up made his way back down the stage and plonked next to Taz.

'Up, I'm scared- what if dey just stare at me?' Taz looked into her lap.

Up grabbed her chin and twisted it towards him. She looked into his eyes and immediately, every fear washed away. 'Be tough, Taz.'

She smiled anxiously, looking back at the stage. When the announcer got to the newest lieutenants, he scanned the crowd. Taz jumped as Up squeezed her hand- she didn't even notice he was holding it until then. February grabbed her other hand and giggled, waiting for Taz's name.

'You can do it Taz!' February whispered, nudging Taz.

'Our final lieutenant only signed up with the Rangers one year ago at age fifteen- but she showed promise straight away. Under careful tutelage, she deserves this rank far more than anyone in this room. Serving under Commander Up, the youngest Ranger ever, the youngest Lieutenant ever, please welcome Lieutenant Taz!'

Taz heard nothing. She slowly stood up and walked to the front, ignoring the stares she felt. She climbed the stairs, accepted her Lieutenant armband, and turned to the audience- her classmates, peers, teachers and Up. He was standing, as was everyone else. Finally, she could hear their shouts and applause- it was all for her. After being acknowledged as a Lieutenant, Taz was able to make her way back to her seat. She flopped down and hid her face behind her hands.

'Congratulations, Taz!' February whispered, giggling at Taz.

Taz smiled awkwardly and looked at Up. He put his arm around her shoulders and whispered into her ear. 'Happy Birthday, Taz.'

After another half hour of listening to Mr Fitz (the announcer) blab on about responsibility, they could finally leave.

Before Taz could go into her room, Up grabbed her arm. 'Taz wait. I, uh- I know it's your birthday and it's sort of a painful day for ya, but...' He looked around the hall, waiting for a few people to go into their rooms. He looked down and saw a bulge in Taz's dress.

He raised an eyebrow and gestured at her leg. 'Is that your knife?'

Taz grinned. 'Of course it is, Up. Where else am I gonna put it?'

Up shook his head. 'Well go get a good sleep, Taz. You're my lieutenant and I'm gonna need you well rested.'

He smiled at Taz, and she blushed a little. 'Night Up. Thanks for making my birthday not suck.'

She turned to her door and typed in her passcode, pushed it open and went to wave goodbye to Up. Before she could, he quickly leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. As she was about to react, Up took off running to his room with a wave and smile.

Taz brushed her cheek with her fingertips. She closed the door and sighed, leaning against it for the second time that day. 'He was just trying to cheer you up, Taz! Don't be estúpido.'

She cursed herself and got ready for bed, pulling the new shirt Up had given her over her head. It wasn't the same, but it was cleaner than the old one. Taz quickly wiped the make-up off her face and shoved her knife under her pillow. Flopping onto the bed, she was asleep in seconds.