Posted by Cadet Aili McMorran (Scientist) in Side Sim - Cadet McMorran’s Presentation in Stellar Cartography

Posted by Lieutenant Garth (Chief Science Officer) in Side Sim - Cadet McMorran’s Presentation in Stellar Cartography

Posted by Cadet Aili McMorran (Scientist) in Side Sim - Cadet McMorran’s Presentation in Stellar Cartography
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Lieutenant Garth meandered about the middle of the lab, looking up at the display of the stars even as Cadet McMorran began powering down the viewscreen. He nodded in acknowledgement to NEnsign Selik, who picked up the stool and moved to follow the other members of the crew out of the lab. The elderly tellarite rested two hands on the head of his cane and took a deep breath in before slowly releasing it through his porcine nose. His continued presence suggested that he had something left to say, now that they weren’t surrounded by a crowd of other people, but Garth seemed content to allow McMorran to make the first move, if she wished to speak with him more.

(Lt. Garth, CSO)

Only when the lab was almost empty and she turned to access a side console did McMorran catch sight of Garth in the corner of her eye. A smile flashed across her features as she glanced up at him. Clearly, she thought with doubt as to his keenness to socialise, he had something more to say or to ask of her. Swiping a final control, she caused the display to fade to black as it finally shut down. A quick wipe of her face and flick of her red hair later, the cadet approached Garth with her hands folded tightly against the small of her back, her thoughts and anticipation of celebration put on hold. Feeling she had already over-communicated her thoughts to him, she simply greeted him with a “Sir”.

Cadet Aili McMorran - Science

Lieutenant Garth’s small eyes flickered to Cadet McMorran as she addressed him. “Congratulations,” he stated gruffly.

“Thank you, sir”, Aili interjected emphatically.

Then he continued. “You’ll make a fine Starfleet officer, McMorran. I’ve been told by cadets that I’ve trained in the past that I’m not explicit enough in my confidence in them. But the truth is, I always have confidence in my cadets, from the beginning. That’s why there’s no hand-holding. Although being under my command might not have been the most sentimental experience of your life, I hope you’ll at least enter the next phase of your career knowing that you’ve already stood on your own two feet as part of a real science team on a real Starfleet vessel. Unfortunately, there are, of course, instances where ensigns are underestimated and must advocate for themselves to have their ideas acknowledged. Don’t shy away from making your voice heard. If you do, you’ll be doing a disservice to yourself and your crewmates.” The tellarite paused to peer at McMorran. “Do I make myself clear?”

(Lt. Garth, CSO)

The concept of words spoken by Garth bringing her to tears would have seemed incomprehensible to McMorran only minutes prior yet there the man stood, speaking such words for a second time. Fortunately for her composure, she was existing in a state of drained emotion so her trigger to weep was met only with numbness. His locution was greeted with wide-eyed, avid attention, each word of advice carrying immense value in Aili’s mind. “You do sir. Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable to me. I will be ever grateful. You can trust I will take your advice, not only because of the value I place in it, but because I intend to do all I can to make you proud, sir. I know you’ll say there’s no need… but that is one way I feel I can make good on the debt of gratitude I owe you.”

Cadet Aili McMorran - Science

Lieutenant Garth was silent for a couple long seconds, eyeing Cadet McMorran while thinking of something new to say now that she had correctly predicted his reaction to her kind words. Eventually he grunted, though maybe a little less harshly than usual. “I’m not in the habit of collecting debts, Cadet. Contribute meaningfully to Starfleet and the field of science, and you will have met every expectation I have for you. I fully expect to be reviewing your studies for publication someday soon.” The old tellarite motioned toward the door to the lab with his cane. “Go celebrate, Cadet. I have your graduation paperwork to fill out.” There was a twinkle of something in his small dark eyes as he said that. Pride, maybe.

(Lt. Garth, CSO)