A Well Earned Opportunity

Writers: Devin, Estelle
Date Posted: 23rd February 2021

Characters: M'gan, Z'ku
Description: M'gan offers Z'ku a chance to lead
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 15 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: K'sedel, Cyradis (not by name)

Z'ku

M'gan had been thinking over the request from the Weyrwoman for most of
the sevenday. Like most of the other Wingleaders, his first instinct was
that though it made sense, he didn't want to lose any of his promising
young bronzeriders. He also knew that many riders saw the Queen's Wing
as a less challenging assignment for those who were inexperienced,
slowing down with age or recovering from injury. He didn't entirely
agree with that assessment, but it was there.

On the other hand, it was temporary, and would be a good experience for
the young men - and he knew which one of his wingriders was ready for
the job. After drills, once he'd bathed Isarth and had a quick lunch, he
headed back to his office and asked the bronze if Xemroth's rider could
stop by to see him when he had time.

After their last several meetings had gone so well, Z'ku wasn't
nervous getting a summons from his Wingleader, only curious. He
hurried to M'gan's office and knocked on the door. "Bronzerider Z'ku,
sir, as requested."

"Come in, Z'ku. Have a seat." M'gan put aside the weather charts he'd
been looking over and sat up straighter in his chair. "Thank you for
coming so quickly, and after a long drill, too. How do you think it went
with your nine?"

"We had a few minor mistakes, but I corrected those responsible and we
should be running smoothly tomorrow." Z'ku had been flying long enough
to know what needed a small adjustment in the moment or a quick word
after drills, and what was a concern that needed to be addressed.

"That's good. They've been coming along well." He'd taken care to watch
Z'ku's nine, and had been impressed by what he saw. "You've been doing
an excellent job, Z'ku, which is why I thought of you for an opportunity
that's come up. I don't know if you've heard that Weyrlingmaster K'sedel
is going to be leading the Queen's Wing for a few months? He's taking
over from the Weyrwoman while she's grounded."

"No, I hadn't heard that, sir." That was interesting news.

"Yes. From what I understand he's leaving the weyrlings in the capable
hands of his second and third, and he'll bring in an experienced
greenrider to serve as Wingthird in Volcano Wing. But that still leaves
an open spot for a Wingsecond." M'gan paused. "I've been asked to
nominate one or two young bronzeriders to take a turn at serving in that
Wing, to gain the experience they'll need for a more permanent
promotion. They'd be flying in a lower level wing with a greater margin
for error, and have K'sedel's experience to learn from. The Weyrleaders
mentioned your name, and thought I don't want to lose you, I think
you've more than earned the opportunity."

Z'ku's eyes widened. "A trial as Wingsecond? I'd love to, sir. Thank
you, sir!"

Outside, Xemroth bugled his excitement. }:We will lead well!:{

He'd been waiting so long for this, and yet somehow it also seemed
sudden. Z'ku couldn't help the smile on his face. Yet it was only
temporary, he still had to prove himself. It sounded like they were
going to watch him closely and he was determined to prove himself.

"Don't thank me. You and Xemroth have worked hard, these last few
months, and you both deserve this chance." The older bronzerider
remembered his own pride, one long-ago day when he'd been offered his
first promotion. "I'll let K'sedel know, and I expect he'll speak to you
and let you know when your turn will come."

"Yes, sir. Thank you again, sir." Z'ku cleared his throat. "Um, well,
I can't help thanking you for recognizing our hard work and giving us
this opportunity."

"It's my pleasure. We'll miss you in Cyclone Wing," M'gan said.
"However, until then, I'll expect you to carry on working with your
nine, and make sure you have someone trained up to take over from you
while you're away. No need to decide now, but have a think if there's
any rider who's impressed you."

Z'ku nodded. "I will, sir." As M'gan had suggested, it would be best
to think this through. Whoever he chose would reflect on his judgment.

"Good. I know you'll do us proud." The Wingleader smiled. "And if you
ever have anything you want to discuss, don't hesitate to have Xemroth
contact Isarth. Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

Z'ku tried to think, but his head was buzzing with excitement. "Not
right now, sir."

"All right, then. You and Xemroth enjoy the rest of your day - and make
the most of it while you can. I imagine K'sedel will keep the pair of
you very busy indeed."

That thought gave him pause. He wouldn't have as much time to spend
with his family. But Z'ku quickly pushed that away. This was the
opportunity he'd been waiting for, and he couldn't let anything get in
the way. "Thank you, sir."

Last updated on the February 24th 2021

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A Well Earned Opportunity