“Congratulations.” John’s words sounded across the room as he replaced the ensign patch on the new recruit’s chest with a lieutenant one. The sight strikes a nerve in you, even though you keep your composure.

Because you have always been ‘the sergeant’ or ‘the recruit’, never ‘an official member’. You’ve fought long and hard by their side, yet you can never seem to upgrade your rank, nor be part of the team.

It’s not like they purposefully exclude you, but it’s obvious who they prefer. Ever since she joined she’s been the spotlight. Everything about her screams ‘I’m here’, whilst you’re left in the shadows.

John seems to have noticed your foul mood, as when the group dispersed, most of them going after your new lieutenant — he came up to you. “What’s up with you, hm? Aren’t you going to congratulate her?” He asks, once again speaking about the fresh lieutenant.