<snip>

“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.

Vanessa chuckled. “Captain Davis is a very intense woman. She is a big picture person; she leaves the details - like who is at the conn - to her staff, whom she trusts.”

“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 ]

Vanessa laughed. “I know, which means it is probably something you focus on too much, leaving other items that could be worked on. And that’s a very insightful answer. Being able to say you need to work on your ego is actually a good sign - awareness and willingness to change are key.”

She finished off her hot chocolate and set it and the saucer on the end table. “And the last question - what questions do you have for me?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

“Isn’t there a danger of potentially increasing the size of my ego by praising my self awareness of it?” he asked, rubbing his chin with mock thoughtfulness. She had told him to act comfortably. What she said made sense, though, he just wasn’t sure how to express it. Making a joke seemed easier. “If it gets too big, I won’t be able to fit in shuttles anymore.”

Ben shook his head. “Nothing that I can think of… oh, except one thing! I, ah, I forgot to ask my Department Head where my quarters would be located…” He gave her a sheepish grin.

-Cadet d’Qorvos [ Security ]

Vanessa laughed brightly and stood, walking to her desk and picking up her PADD. “Junior officer’s quarters,” she cut her eyes to him, “including cadets, are on deck 5. You are in…” She swiped around the PADD. “Room 22.”

She tilted her head toward the ceiling. =^= Computer, please light a path to Deck 5, Room 22. =^= There was a chime and the doors opened, revealing a flashing path along the wall panel. She smiled again and crossed back to him, hand extended.

“Well, it’s been a pleasure, flyboy. I look forward to seeing what you can accomplish here and in the future. Just… try to keep the head to door width.”

OOC: It’s been fun writing with you and learning all about Ben! I can’t wait to see what what you do during the rest of your stay on board!

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS