<snip>

Ben didn’t answer at first, mulling over the question for a moment as he drained his mug of it’s liquid contents. “I’m not sure,” he answered, trying to be truthful as he could. “I’ve never really thought that it was a possibility, I suppose, since my father was rejected. He, ah, sort of hates the Symbiosis Commission. That’s why we moved to Earth, to get away from oppression,” he made air quotes with his fingers, implying that it was something his father said often. “I’ve never met a joined trill. I’m told my mother is joined, or was. I’ve never met her either…”

The young man began to feel uncomfortable, notably shifting in his seat. Time to change the subject, “So, do you think that if I ask Captain Davis very nicely she’ll let me take the conn? I’ll even do graveyard if I have to!”

-Cadet d’Qorvos [ Security ]

Vanessa noted the subject change and mentally tucked that away. “I would ask Commander Holmann, but I’m sure he would allow it. He enjoys helping cadets expand and test their capabilities. Captain Davis is much more… high level oriented.”

She reached and lifted her chocolate again, humming as she sipped. “Our time here is almost done,” she commented, glancing at a chrono on the wall. “So I have two last questions. Let’s start with: what is one area you hope to improve during your time on the Challenger? And don’t say ‘piloting’, Ben,” she added with a smile.

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

“What do you mean by ‘high-level oriented?’” the young man asked, feeling his competitive nature begun to stir. He liked challenges–the harder, more impossible it seemed the better. Taking a mental note about speaking with the Commander (the ship’s XO, if Ben remembered correctly), he leaned forward, setting down the mug on an empty table.

“You’re handicappin’ me, Counsellor, being a pilot is ninety percent of my personality,” joked the Cadet. Where did he need to improve? It was hard to look at oneself and be critical. Everyone always had an excuse for everything, and Ben wasn’t so different. It was hard to just pick out something that he could improve upon without feeling like it was his own fault that he should be better at it. He’d honed his skills and in his own opinion he was pretty good at what he wanted to do.

“I… ah, I think I probably could.. uhm… work on my ego?” Again, he felt that uncomfortable feeling, but this time he brushed it aside. “I think some people might think I’m intense. Maybe a little too much?”

-Cadet d’Qorvos [ Security ]