Panting, Cadet Aili McMorran arrived at the holodeck doors. Garbed in black activewear (a crop-top and leggings, with her hair tied back as it only ever was when she was exercising), she had taken her daily run around the decks of the ship. Ever a swine for efficiency, Aili had booked the holodeck such that she could arrive there directly from her run. She had no need to change her outfit. If anything it bolstered her self-confidence. Entering her authorisation code, Aili entered the blank simulator room.

The previous day, Aili had sent around a communique to the ship’s entire complement of Cadets, that anyone who was free would be welcome to join her, there, for introductions and some down time. However the night before she had done so, Aili hadn’t been able to get her mind off of the Doctor, Mika, that had carried out her physical. The way she had smiled and asked to be invited to socialise… was she just being friendly? Was it more? Aili tossed and turned. Having grown up largely in the company only of a grandparent or two in the middle of nothingness, Aili had… underdeveloped experience when it came to forming relationships with people her own age. Her time at the Academy had been somewhat turbulent in that regard. Aili was far too shy and inexperienced to approach the Doctor directly so she concocted a plan of sorts. Examining the crew rotation, she invited most of the crew to the holodeck two days from the time the invite was sent, the day after she was now standing there. The rest of the Cadets, including Mika, were invited for the day Aili was now there. It just so happened, Aili made sure, that the Cadets invited other than the Doctor all had duty shift commitments at the time. The result: Aili would be able to meet with Mika alone whilst writing the whole thing off as a mishap, blaming the rest of the crew being invited for the following day as a slip-up, and she’d be able to meet the rest of the Cadets that following day.

It had seemed like a grand idea two days previously but now Aili continued to perspire out of sheer nervousness. She was rather glad she had the exercise to blame for it, in fact. “Computer, run program McMorran 2”, Aili announced to the chamber. The relays and holo-emitters powered-up with a whirring, swelling groan as the dark confines of the holodeck were replaced with a grassy, slightly rocky hilltop, overlooking a long lake stretching off in both directions, surrounded by patchy pine-forest, the sun sitting low in the sky. Sitting down next to a stone triangulation marker jutting from the ground, Aili took in both the view and deep breaths, as she waited for company.

(Cadet McMorran - Science)

OOC: This is a continuation of something that started in Aili’s physical pre-sim. I’ll likely start up the ‘next day’ sim once we’ve finished this one, where all would be welcome to join! :)