Joyce stood along a stage with ten others. She wore her formal uniform for the aspiring colonists' Security Forces. It was a black jacket with red accents along the cuffs, buttons, and coller. The buttons were a gold color as well as her epaulettes. Underneath her jacket was a white dress shirt buttoned up complete with a red tie. Red slacks and beret completed the look. Where the human cadets had dress shoes, Joyce and the other drones didn’t as their feet were closer to that of a hoofed animal than human. They didn’t have hooves but shoes designed for humans would just fall off. So most drones didn’t wear footwear and the Security Forces didn’t require it as a part of their uniforms. 

The assembled group stood in front of a crowd of family and friends. Joyce didn’t have family or friends. Although one person did show up for her after Joyce mentioned it to them. Cassandra stood in the crowd beaming with a wide smile. Joyce was surprised that her boss wanted to show up for such a standard occasion, but she insisted and Joyce couldn’t refuse her new boss. So there in the crowd Cassandra stood. 

“Today we welcome our newest members to the Security Forces.” Commander Korry said. “No longer Cadets in training. Today they become Security Officers sworn to keep the peace in our slice of the apocalypse; and when necessary, defend our perimeter from raiders.”

The speech and ceremony were some kind of tradition from the former United States military. Apparently they would do this when a flight or whatever equivalent successfully made it through boot camp. It was bound to happen considering ex-military personnel were the original founders of the Security Forces. Joyce didn’t understand the fanfair. The training they went through wasn’t that difficult. Although she did have the advantage of prior work experience and an employer who downloaded most of the skills she would need directly into her solid state drive. The most challenging part was learning how to maintain laser weapons as opposed to a taser, and firing rifles. The skill with them did come quicker than most. Even other drones. They had to learn the hard way if they’d had no previous firearm experience. The worst part of the whole ordeal was that they didn’t let her sleep on a charging pad. They gave her a cot and had her eat to recharge! She truly hated the strange textures in her mouth when eating. 

“Now to acknowledge the efforts of our top two cadets!” Commander Korry said, “Joyce, our top graduate, and Jake LeMieux, our second best graduate! Please step forward!”

The crowd clapped as the pair stepped forward. Joyce couldn’t help but notice the look of pride on her boss's face. Pride swelled up within her, perhaps there was a purpose to these ceremonies after all. 

The man to her left was Jake LeMieux. Like her, Jake was a recent addition to the crew of The Star’s Embrace. He was a scavenger out in the ruins of the city before being convinced to join. He kept his head shaven and beard cleanly trimmed. He had light skin and dark brown eyes filled with determination. His now muscular frame was a stark contrast to the scrawny fellow who joined a few months back. Joyce respected his hard work, he would be someone she could rely on in a fight. Despite his competitive nature. 

The commander continued his speech and pinned the stars on her and Jake’s epaulettes. They both saluted before turning around and returning to the line up. Followed by an applause from the crowd. Commander Kory continued to list off the names of graduated cadets and pin their officer stars. Before Joyce knew it the ceremony was over. 

“Officers,” Kory said. “You have the rest of the day and tomorrow off for celebration with your loved ones! I expect you all to arrive at 0500 hours the following day! You are dismissed!”

“Yes Sir, thank you Sir,” They all said and saluted in unison.

___

Joyce met up with her boss Cassandra as soon as she could. If the commander’s orders were to celebrate then Cassandra would probably have an idea how to do that. As soon as they locked eyes Cassandra ran towards her, wrapped Joyce in a hug and attempted to pick her up.

“Or maybe not…” Cassandra grunted out before realising Joyce. 

Joyce awkwardly patted her on the shoulder.

“There, there?” Joyce said, unsure what she was supposed to do.

“The big captain man said you have to celebrate,” Cassandra started, “so we’re celebrating! I won’t take no for an answer!”

“It’s a good thing I came to find you then. Any ideas on what we should do? Also he’s a commander.”

“Oh ho ho! You think I would come unprepared?” Cassandra said completely ignoring the bit about rank.

“Not at all boss, what’s the plan?”

“Movies! Games! Popcorn! More sweets and soda you can eat and drink! I’ve been saving up to eat all this junk food with you!”

Great, strange textures in my mouth, Joyce thought. Well, if it's what the boss wants then that's what we’ll do.

“Yo, first place,” A voice called out. 

Cassandra and Joyce both turned to face the newcomer. Jake strolled up to them, hands in his pockets and a scowl on his face.

“You may have beat me in training but I'll be sure to make captain before you,” Jake said.

“I doubt that, I’m clearly more qualified.” Joyce replied matter of factly.

“Oh, yeah? You ever seen real real combat walking around these walls all those years ago? It’s a totally different game than training.” 

“And being able to secure a location is far harder than fighting over scraps. Are you really cut out to lead that?”

“Of course I am!”

“Yet you pick fights with those on your side.”

Jake let out a growl and shot her a nasty look to match. Joyce returned it with a scowl of her own. She wanted to wipe that look off his face. Fortunately she was disciplined enough to not start throwing fists. 

“Enough you two,” Cassandra said, throwing an arm around Joyce’s shoulders. “You're both very pretty. Now if you’ll excuse me and my bestie, we’re off to go celebrate. You should do the same, random guy.”

Jake’s face flushed and he opened his mouth to retort but Cassandra was already leading Joyce away. Joyce complied, content to leave with Cassandra having the last word.

Joyce’s thoughts wandered to the arm around her shoulders. What an odd thing to do to a drone. She could feel the weight and warmth of her arm. It wasn’t much but it felt… nice? Yes, that was the word. Nice. And did she mean what she said about them being besties? Besties, as in best friends? Did she really see her subordinate as a friend? Could a boss and subordinate be friends? 

Her thoughts were interrupted by Cassandra’s arm falling away. Cassandra started twiddling her thumbs and Joyce noticed she didn’t look as confident as she sounded a moment ago.

“Thanks for going with me on that. I’d have died from embarrassment if you both ignored me.” Cassandra said.

“Not a problem boss. Thanks for defusing the situation.” Joyce said.

“Hey ummm,” Cassandra said awkwardly. “Why do you call me boss? I’m your friend aren’t I?”

Joyce blinked in surprise. Her core sped up. She’d never had a friend before, just co workers.

“I wasn’t aware you thought of me that way,” Joyce said, “But I’d like to be. If that's what you want.”

Cassandra laughed.

“Why’d you say it like I’d just confessed my love for you!?”

Joyce’s face turned bright green.

“Shut up!” She shouted, “Errr, I mean, sorry boss.”

Cassandra laughed again. This time so hard she doubled over. 

“You can’t start a rebellious phase and immediately give up!” Cassandra said, “and stop calling me boss! If Cassandra is too difficult, call me Cas.”

“Difficulty has nothing to do with it! But if you want me to call you Cas, then Cas it is.” Joyce said, attempting to save face.

“Alright, miss simple mind,” Cas said as she stood up and bumped her shoulder into Joyce’s. “Let's get this party to my place!”