Posted Dec. 9, 2020, 10:12 a.m. by Lieutenant Commander Vanessa Lofton (Counselor) (Nathan Miller)
<snip>
“Really?” he said, surprised. “Not many still play. My old roommate played the new variant, but I’ve known only one or two who still prefer the original.” It became clear the Cadet was genuinely excited, though he still kept his mannerisms in check.
Setting his water in his lap, Henry looked up at the Counselor. “I’ve heard of the holodecks’ uses. But there’s something… different, when you’re playing on a real, hard court. Makes it more real, I guess. Though I’ve used them for some friendly phaser tag matches before, makes for some nice realism.” He cocked his head slightly, realizing he had seemingly contradicted himself, but decided to move on.
“I tried out every role on those Academy projects. It was part of the curriculum, of course, but I also wanted to figure out where I might end up. I found myself often wanting to take charge, but not really wanting to… be totally responsible for the whole things, I guess is how I’d put it.” He considered for a moment. “I didn’t mind correcting people, though. There were lots of times I’d point out a more efficient use of our group’s time, suggest a different tactic, that kind of thing. And if we made subgroups, I would usually try to take charge. I just didn’t constantly want to be the guy at the very top.”
~ Cadet Henry Rodier - Security
She pursed her lips and nodded. “It’s not an uncommon sentiment,” she replied. “Separating the ‘power’ from the ‘responsibility’. The lesson comes in learning that you can’t truly have one without the other. Being willing to accept that responsibility is one of the things Starfleet watches for in command. Is leadership something you’d like to pursue in the fleet?”
Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS
“Oh, absolutely, sir. I hope to enter into the command training program as soon as I feel I have enough experience. I don’t know if I’ll ever be up to the center chair, but as you said, perhaps it’s just a lesson I have yet to learn.” Henry paused, contemplating. “I do believe I can eventually make it to the XO position, at least. Though it might involve mating the Captain in under six.”
~ Cadet Henry Rodier - Security
Vanessa’s face blanked for a few heartbeats as she struggled to connect mating with the captain. Surely he couldn’t mean… ?
Suddenly she smiled broadly and let out a laugh. “I was quite confused there for a moment,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes. “Oh, forgive me.” She chuckled again, catching her breath. She sipped her chocolate again, using the time to create a pause and gather herself.
“So that was still a little closer to work than I want us to be,” she continued, setting the cup back down. “Tell me more about ‘Henry’. Where did you grow up?”
OOC: Her reaction to that joke was basically my own as I tried to figure out what he was saying lol. Chess jokes on point.
Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS
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