Posted by Lieutenant Commander Vanessa Lofton (Counselor) in CNS’ Office - Boarding Check-in
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While this was not the Cadet’s first run-in with a Counselor, it was his first in this capacity. It had not really occurred to him until she had just said it outright, but this was no longer a test. He had passed all the tests. This was a service, provided to make sure he was prepared for and aware of what lay ahead.

“Since I joined Starfleet, I haven’t had all that much time for hobbies, as I’m sure you can imagine” he said with a smile. “But I do still read pretty regularly, as well as do some target practice every now and then.” He laughed mildly at that. “I suppose that counts as part of Starfleet activities, but I like to test myself. And…” He glanced around the room before continuing. “…I quite like chess. Helps me relax.”

Cadet Henry Rodier - Security

Vanessa grinned. “What’s the old adage? ‘If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ If you enjoy it and it helps you relax, all the better. And if you like chess, oh boy, you should talk to the captain about a game or two.” Vanessa’s eyes twinkled with an unspoken message as she took another sip of hot chocolate.

“Those are solo pursuits,” she noted. “What about socialization? How do you fit into groups or teams?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

“The captain plays? What type, if you don’t mind my asking?” Henry asked, a hint of interest in his voice. “And to answer your question, sir, I usually lean more towards solo activities. Back in my youth, I played basketball. Even kept on for fun a bit in the Academy. But I eventually dropped it, knew there wasn’t enough space on a starship for a court.” A pause. “Of course, by its very nature, Starfleet is one big team. I hope to get to know everyone on the Challenger during my training.” The Cadet stopped, taking a big gulp of water to cleanse his palette of the acidity from his Raktajino.

~Cadet Henry Rodier - Security

Vanessa laughed, not quite throwing back her head. “She plays original Persian-style chess. I’ve seen her break out her own board in Nine Forward before. She’s quite good, by my understanding. Our captain is a very focused woman.”

She sipped cocoa as he sipped his water. “We do have holodecks, you know,” she teased. “Room enough for every activity you can think of. What sort of roles do you find yourself taking when you’re assigned to a group or team project, like something you may have done at the Academy?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

“Really?” he said, surprised. “Not many still play. My old roommate played the new variant, but I’ve known only one or two who still prefer the original.” It became clear the Cadet was genuinely excited, though he still kept his mannerisms in check.

Setting his water in his lap, Henry looked up at the Counselor. “I’ve heard of the holodecks’ uses. But there’s something… different, when you’re playing on a real, hard court. Makes it more real, I guess. Though I’ve used them for some friendly phaser tag matches before, makes for some nice realism.” He cocked his head slightly, realizing he had seemingly contradicted himself, but decided to move on.

“I tried out every role on those Academy projects. It was part of the curriculum, of course, but I also wanted to figure out where I might end up. I found myself often wanting to take charge, but not really wanting to… be totally responsible for the whole things, I guess is how I’d put it.” He considered for a moment. “I didn’t mind correcting people, though. There were lots of times I’d point out a more efficient use of our group’s time, suggest a different tactic, that kind of thing. And if we made subgroups, I would usually try to take charge. I just didn’t constantly want to be the guy at the very top.”

~ Cadet Henry Rodier - Security