Space Endeavor

This is a science fiction novel set several hundred years in the future. The Royal Griffin Star System's Navy has a high command filled with members from their noble families who are biding their time until they can inherit their titles and holdings. More promotions are made by who you know rather than skills and abilities. King Calvin Griffin is working on changing this but changes are slow. Lt. Commander Alex O'Shea is an officer without any ties or connections to the noble families. She has worked hard to get to her rank and is looking forward to her new assignment as second officer on HMS Endeavor, an older heavy cruiser- that is until she gets on board. She finds other officers who are resentful of her position. The ship has just completed a major refit and has an rating inspection due. The previous commander has left her crew brow beaten and nervous. There are six middies coming on board that she will have to supervise and she has a major secret that she must keep hidden. Alex O'Shea must overcome the resentment and prove herself worthy of her duty assignment while building up her crew and ensuring that the middies in her charge are molded into officers good enough to serve in the King's Navy.