Posted by Cadet Rodrick Baker (Security Officer) in COS’s Office Cadet Baker reporting for Duty

Posted by Lieutenant Nijix Tavium (Chief of Security) in COS’s Office Cadet Baker reporting for Duty

Posted by Cadet Rodrick Baker (Security Officer) in COS’s Office Cadet Baker reporting for Duty
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“Deck 7.” While the turbolift were ascending, a smile crossed Rodrick’s face. He was repeating to himself: Cadet Rodrick Baker, USS Challenger. It sounded right. Like most of the Starfleet Academy applicants, Rodrick Baker dreamed about exciting deep space missions aboard the finest ships since he was a little boy. But he didn’t think he would actually succeed to join the Academy, until he received the recorded message: “Congratulation…” He knew he would remember his whole life the feeling he had, how his heart jumped when he heard this first word.

The turbolift stopped, waking up the young Cadet. He started walking on the long corridor, trying to look confident, like an experienced Starfleet officer. Experienced, he was not, no more than confident. In a way, he still thought he was not in the right place. Damn, this ship is huge, he felt. How not to get lost? He already had issues finding his quarters, and locate the Security Station was not easy task either. “That would be a great place to play Hide and Seek.” he though aloud in the deserted corridor, smiling even more at this idea.

Cadet Baker lost his smile when he saw the door of Lieutenant Tavium’s Office. He was not panicked, that would be exaggerated, but he was definitely anxious. He waited few seconds, still, and then pressed the door chime.

• Cdt Rodrick Baker (Security)

“Come in.” Nijix stated. She set her data pad stack aside, and focused her eyes on the cadet when he came through the door. She gestured to a seat in front of her as she pulled one the top pad toward her.

Several things decorated her desk. A small crystal like plant, with a dark trunk and stones for it to perch on. It looked a bit like a strange, exotic bonsai tree. To the left of it was a small holo display. Several images of students’ portraits slide across the projection. They were all now officers in the main fleet, but once they had been Cadets and walked into this very room. Nearest the Trill, a still hot pot of tea and a newly poured cup sat.

“Would you like something to drink? Cup of tea or something from the replicator?” Nijix generously offered as she let the Cadet get settle in for the conversation.

-Lt. Nijix Tavium, CoS

When the lieutenant told him to enter, the stress level of Rodrick Baker increased. The way she focused him didn’t help either. Rodrick tried to control his breathing. He had the feeling that everyone from here to Kronos could hear his respiration. He slowly walked from the door to the chair Lieutenant Tavium was showing him, his hands behind his back.

The fact his superior officer in front of him was a Trill intimidated him even more. So many Trills on board he thought. He tried to convince himself that she was unjoined, some regular person without memories from before his grandparents birth. He never met joined trills in the past, and felt they would be so superior to regular humans that talking to them would be almost like meeting an unknown species in an uncharted part of the galaxy.

She pulled him from his thoughts: “Would you like something to drink? Cup of tea or something from the replicator?”

He hesitated then answered: “A cup of tea would be awesome sir. Thank you.” While he was sitting down, he noticed the holo display. That was comforting: it looked like his superior officer cared about her crewmen. He sat down and waited for the Chief of Security to address him.

-Cdt. Rodrick Baker (Security)

“Tea is always a good for anxiety. I find I can’t do a single interview without a cup nearby. Despite how many times I’ve done this on the ship.” She poured him a cup of tea as hot vapors evaporated, cooling down to the best temperature. At least, in her opinion. She indicated where the sugar, honey, and other condiments where to customize his drink.

Nijix then slid it across the table and settled back into her chair. She waited until he took a sip before she began her questions.

“We will start off with an easy question. I like to get to know my cadets as it helps me to understand the individual behind the uniform. Now, when you’re ready: What motivated you to join the academy? More specifically the security department?” Her hand reached for her cup, taking a sip while she waited for an answer.

-Lt. Nijix Tavium, CoS

Rodrick grabbed the cup and directly took a mouthful. The tea was really hot, a bit lumpy: the way the cadet liked it. He swallowed and immediately felt a bit better. He tried to smile, but he could not say if he succeeded.

When the lieutenant asked her first question, the cadet frowned. Was it really an easy question? On one hand he had no issues explaining for hours his life choices to his childhood friends on the Vega colony. On the other hand, now he had to explain it to his superior officer he was helpless. He started without really thinking about it: “I’m curious by nature sir. Exploring the galaxy was a dream for me since I’m a little boy. I wanted to be part of the noble quest for the final frontier. Also, there is no better way to defend the values I believe in, the values of the Federation.”

Baker immediately regretted what he said. That was really cheesy, he thought. He felt he had to say something else. “Hmmm… And Starfleet is also the perfect spot to try to go beyond our capabilities”, he added, but he was neither convinced nor convincing. Reaching excellence was not the main reason why he joined Starfleet.

The second part of the question was easier, and, more confident, he carried on: “I think the security department is the one where social skills, diplomacy and self-control are the most important, which are, I think three of my attributes.” He hesitated and felt he should add: “I know I do not really look like someone who keeps a cool head right now but usually I do sir.” He went on: “I also love tactical related matters. But most of all, I think being a security officer mainly means protecting your crewmates and your ship, which is, in my opinion, the most thrilling task on a spaceship.”

He continued: “Also, as a security officer, I can’t create a breach in the warp core, which… is probably better for me.” He smiled then immediately regretted his joke. Why do I always have to make jokes in moments like this he regretted. He immediately said: “I’m sorry sir.”

-Cdt. Rodrick Baker (Security)

“You know, some times the most common and well known answers are the best ones. They are reliable so never be afraid to give them.” Nijix pointed out, steering away from using the word cheesy. She found nothing wrong with such an obvious answer.

“Also you should never be sorry. I enjoy getting to know my Cadets and seeing the causal side of them. It’s usually a rarity.”

She took another sip then moved on to the next question. “Your best qualities for the job? Other than not being able to blow a hole in the warp core.”

-Lt. Nijix Tavium, CoS

A slight smile came out on Rodrick face. He almost immediately answered. He joined hands, and placed them on the desk and said: “Well, as I was saying I have a good self-control. I’m also capable of rapidly analysing the situation I’m facing in order to have an overall view and take the most enlightened decision. I’m also cautious and I avoid unnecessary risks, which is, in my opinion, an underestimated attribute for a security officer.”

The cadet broke off. He was uncertain that what he said was enough. After a few seconds, he added: “Concerning my academic skills, I have obvious flaws in shooting accuracy, which almost made me fail the exam. However, I always get great – well, at least really good – grades in tactical class…” Rodrick stopped. “But I guess you know all of this, it’s on my academy file”, he concluded.

Baker stared at his senior officer in front of him. After few minutes on her office, he finally stopped avoiding eyes contact. He tried to understand what she was thinking, from her facial expressions.

-Cdt. Rodrick Baker (Security)

Nijix admitted, she enjoyed the man’s energy when he finally opened up. It was almost addictive and encouraging.

“I’ll let you in on a secret. Raji, one of my symbiote’s hosts, didn’t start off as a great shot. In fact, he shot a training rifle at his partner’s behind during his tests.” She tried not to snicker at the memory, her casual and relax manner showing through.

It pleased her to see him stop avoiding eye contact and actually ease up on his tension. Nervousness in the room seemed to evaporate for her.

“Raji enjoyed solving the more obscure mysterious on the Trill home world. Anything from unsolved cases to clearing the innocent or playing devil’s advocate. He ended up rubbing more than a few of his fellow officers wrong.”

She cleared her thought then moved on. “I think you ended up covering the next question, which was about qualities you could improve on. What schedule is best suited for you? You might not get it, but I do try to arrange things where all Cadets are at their best.”

-Lt. Nijix Tavium, CoS