Posted by Cadet Olive Elijah Whitfield (Engineer) in Office: CE - Cadet Whitfield reporting for duty
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Dael breathed in and thought back for a moment, leaning back in his chair and looking of to the side. Remembering. It hadn’t been all that long ago that he’d first put on a cadet uniform and did his best to do his job. He tapped the PADD in his hands as he formulated his thoughts before looking back at Cadet Whitfield with a small grin.

“I would like to say that I’ve always been responsible, Cadet, but that would be a lie. Shortly before joining the Academy I wasn’t sure what I wanted out of my life, I certainly didn’t expect this.” He gestured to the room around them. “My father is an artist, my mother a bureaucrat and I didn’t know what I wanted to spend my time doing, where my place fit. I just knew it wasn’t theirs. I tried on many hats till I settled into Engineering, but when I did, I went for it. Once I finally had a goal, I pushed through and made sure I was responsible. However, that said…” Dael leaned forward and rested his elbows on his desk, hands clasped at his chin. “…Once I was onboard the Challenger, the responsibilities seemed too much. I just wanted to solve problems and fix things. I thought maybe I had made a mistake and should request to serve on Jupiter Station, or the Shipyards, a place where decisions weren’t needed so quickly and the wrong one can cost real people. But soon, you settle into roles. Not easily, maybe not well at first. I was terrified the first time I was called to the Bridge during a situation where my expertise were needed. Some might jump at the chance, I wanted nothing more than to shrink away from the eyes of the senior staff. But I had a problem to solve, and focusing on that let me do my job, and after that first time the Bridge seemed less scary. And less, and less. Until next thing you know I’m sitting behind this desk talking to the other senior staff daily.”

Dael took in a deep breath before continuing, as the memories faded to the here and now. “I won’t say you won’t be scared, or feel like you’ve made a wrong choice. I won’t say that the responsibilities might seem enormous, even now I’ll admit this newer role is one I’m still working on. I can’t promise you’ll ever feel comfortable, or that you won’t feel like you don’t belong after making a mistake. But I do know that over time, that voice saying all of that starts to sound a little quieter, a little smaller each day and the voice of your crewmates and team becomes louder. Letting you know that you might not feel at your best, but they couldn’t ask for anymore than what you’ve given. Does that help answer your question?”

-Lt. jg Dael Stadi, CE

She glanced down at the PADD as she listened, nodding slowly and remaining sitting in her straight, upright position, unflinching. She was curious as to what other jobs the Chief might’ve tried, but she definitely wouldn’t have expected someone from that background to end up in engineering. She couldn’t exactly say much to that effect though - she was almost a scientist in the middle of nowhere, until she realised that was probably really not for her.

“Yes, sir.” The cadet nodded again, finally, a satisfied smile on her face. It was good to hear that there was some chance of her growing out of her fears yet. “I think I understand.”

“Thank you, sir.” It couldn’t be said how much that conversation helped her and she was afraid to attempt in case of understatement. Still, she smiled cheerfully once more, a weight lifted off her soul. It was impossible not to worry about making mistakes, about trying something that would prove ineffective or potentially worse, but she felt ready - readier than she’d ever been before. She only hoped that her first mistakes wouldn’t be so serious. She stood up, waiting for another moment just in case there was anything left to be said. If she wanted to try and get some work done today, she’d have to hurry to her other engagements.

It would only be so long until she could start helping others, now. Hopefully.

-Cadet Olive Whitfield, Engineer

OOC: Great post! Make sure to start up your medical and counselor check ins as well,. And while you’ve pretty much focused on just this thread, don’t worry about starting/having multiple threads open. Doing that with check ins is a great way to get used to dealing with multiple timelines on this site without too much pressure.

IC:
“It’s my pleasure to help, Cadet. It’s what I’m here for, especially on our Academy ship.” Dael said with a warm smile back, both for the Cadet and also because it felt good to help her out. Maybe I am getting better at dealing with people, I guess the job’s starting to rub off on me. He leaned back from his position on the chair and stood, coming around the desk to face Cadet Whitfield as she began to stand. When he reached her, Dael put out his hand. He’d met varying cultures with their own versions of what was called the handshake. Some even preferred to make no contact such as Vulcans and their salute. But Dael always had liked the human’s approach, even coming from a telepathic species. To be honest, not a year ago he would’ve preffered to avoid even the finger gymnastics of the Vulcans if it meant he could be left alone and focus on what he wanted. Time on a starship and now as a leader had made it clear he had to make some changes, and this was one. He wasn’t much for showy signs of respect, even saluting felt off which did him wonders at the Academy, but he felt it was good practice to start a new crewmember on the right foot and this was his best attempt.

“I’m glad to have you on our team, Cadet Whitfield. If you don’t have any more questions for me, make sure to finish up your check ins with medical and our Counselor. After that, I’ll be sure to add you to the duty roster. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

-Lt. jg Dael Stadi, Chief Engineer