Posted March 9, 2021, 7:25 p.m. by Cadet M'rahja Ko (Security Officer) (Abigail G)
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Vanessa nodded and turned back to the console on the wall. “One hot chocolate and one tea, decaffeinated,” she ordered, then lifted the two cup-and-saucer combos when the whine of materialization wound down.
“It’s been my favorite for some time,” she responded to the cadet’s second statement, looking at the painting. “It’s called The Singing Butler, by a 20th century Scottish painter named Jack Vettriano.” She paused, looking at it before handing over the tea and seating herself on the couch. “It captures a feeling of whimsy, a carefree attitude that I wish I could express sometimes,” she laughed.
She rotated to look up at it again, one arm on the back of the sofa. “What does it make you feel, M’rahja?”
Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS
M’rahja accepted her cup and smelled the tea before taking that first sip. Though the tea was nothing like the tea favored by her human mothers, that first sip never failed to remind her of those fond memories.
“Jack Vettriano. . . A 20th century contemporary artist .” This was her time to shine. Art and it’s players was her favorite hobby. “I can see why he was popular, bold use of color, intriguing subject matter . . . His work reminds me of a bolder, simplified Art Deco style. But you asked for what it makes me feel.” M’rahja smiled around her sip of tea.
“It makes me feel excited. The potential of movement, a dance caught mid step and waiting to be released. I wonder what the wind smells of and what special moment those two are celebrating.”
Cadet Ko (Security)
Vanessa nodded, impressed. “Indeed, that’s him. I’d never thought of the Art Deco connection, but I can certainly see it.”
She looked back at the painting as the Caitian described the emotions it caused, nodding. “I wonder that last myself often,” she grinned.
“So, this is a very informal session,” she continued, turning back and sipping her chocolate. “It’s for me to learn about you, and how we can help you be the best officer you can in Starfleet. I’ve read your file, of course,” she acknowledged, “but that’s all words and data. We want to get to know you. So let’s start simple: what do you like to do when you’re off duty?”
Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS
It was always pleasing to find others who appreciated art, and not just as something you hang on the wall to make the room look pretty. M’rahja sipped her tea, her body lose and relaxed. “All sorts of things. I like to keep busy, socializing or with hobbies. I’m an art buff, if you couldn’t tell, and I can play the guitar. I love board games, and know my way around a few card games as well. I like conversing with my fellow cadets or crew members, and I’ll try anything once. So long as it won’t kill me.”
Cadet Ko (Security)
“That’s quite eclectic,” Vanessa responded. “And very creative. Do you paint, yourself?” She gestured toward a bucket of brushes with a few paints beside it, beneath one of the end tables. “I’ve done some paint therapy with a few patients over the years. Some find it relaxing, for others, not so much. I’m of the latter persuasion,” she laughed.
“I’m glad you seem to get along easily,” she continued after M’rahja responded. “Working with people is essential out here. How well do you work on teams? What role do you usually find yourself taking?”
Lt. Cmdr. Lofton
“Oh no,” M’rahja chuckled, “I have no artistic talent myself. Can’t paint or draw anything. I could tell you the differences between impressionism and post-impressionism but I couldn’t paint either myself.” As for the next question. “I don’t find it difficult working with others, we’re all working towards the same goal after all. Though, I do tend to play the role of the ‘devil’s advocate’ in groups.” She smirked, remembering the simulations run at the academy. “Sometimes my fellow cadets weren’t too pleased with my suggestions.” She was a pragmatic at heart, and not one to let emotions sway her decisions.
Cadet Ko (security)
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