Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]

Posted by Lieutenant Eulailia Dacascos (Chief Operations Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]
Eulailia walked down the dimly lit corridors, each step echoing faintly as she approached Shara’s quarters. Standing outside, she hesitated for a moment, her visit spur of the moment and contemplating the possible upcoming conversation. Instead of opting for the usual chime, she decided to announce her presence with a firm knock.

Memories of her recent training session with Shara floated around in her mind; it hadn’t gone as smoothly as she had hoped, yet she had acquired notable skills. These new combat abilities allowed her to confidently spar with Commander Mwezi during that one session she had with him in the holodeck. Now, driven by the need to gauge her combat readiness, Laila sought Shara’s assessment.

Reflecting on the progress since Shara had programmed that scary holodeck program, Laila acknowledged a heightened strength. However, uncertainty lingered in her mind. Was she truly prepared for combat challenges in the field, would she be ready to move into a security role on the Asimov? With a determined heart and mind, she wanted to discuss this transition, seek guidance from Shara on the path ahead.

Dacascos, COO

On Deck 5 of their new ship, Shara and Micah has a slightly different set up than others might. True, she did have Officer quarters, and he did have Guest quarters, but because they were married and the nature of both their work, theirs was a combined set. The wall that the two quarters shared had had a door installed. A door that they could lock and secure, because the room that was one of the bedrooms was a secured office meant for them to both be able to do what they needed to do.

She wasn’t expecting anyone, so Shara had been sitting cross legged on the bed picking away at her guitar. She set it down with reverence and moved to the door. Surprise touched her eyes. “Laila, come on in,” she said, stepping to the side.

The couple weren’t overly into decorating, but there were a few touches here and there. It was important for Shara that she remind herself that she was alive and living a life that mattered to others, that her presence had an impact. So, there was the stand for her guitar, and two framed images on the wall: one of her and Micah dressed in formal wear in a green space of some kind, plus another at the same event with a bunch of other people, including a brunette woman in a delicate looking pale green gown who was standing next to an Orion man in a dress uniform. They all looked elated.

On a different wall was a Marine flag folded into a triangle and showcased in a shadow box .

The rest of the visible quarters were neat and tidy, with no extraneous items other than an empty coffee cup from an hour ago that she hadn’t yet recycled. All in all, Micah and Shara lived pared down lives. Now, had Laila seen their place in Tennessee she’d realize they had more belongings than the surface revealed, but despite Shara’s own sentimentality, she still didn’t feel the need to have stuff. The only thing she missed deeply was her piano and she could’t wait to be reunited.

Cmdr. Shara Calloway, Chief Intelligence Officer

“Thank you, Commander.” Laila said as she stepped into the combined quarters, taking in the minimalistic yet meaningful decor that reflected Shara’s life.
Laila couldn’t help but notice the subtle reminders of life beyond duty, the framed images, the guitar and the Marine flag. It humanized the Commander and even Micah, whom she had always felt had a mysterious and cold demeanor about him. However standing in the room reminded her that even a seasoned high ranking officers like Shara had a life beyond the uniform. It made the prospect of her own journey more relatable, knowing that she too could find balance between duty and personal fulfillment. It all spoke volumes about Shara’s journey, sentimentality and her family.

“I am sorry to drop by unexpected. I’ve been thinking about our last training session, in the holodeck,” Laila said, her eyes briefly meeting Shara’s. “I’ve learned a lot, but I need to know if I’m truly ready for field challenges. I’m considering transitioning into a security role on the Asimov.”

Laila sought not just guidance but validation in the path she was contemplating. The transition was significant, and she trusted Shara’s insights, whether good or constructive criticism help her get through it successfully.

Lieutenant Eulailia Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)