STF

Mess Hall- After the Hangovers

Posted Sept. 14, 2022, 1:02 p.m. by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) (Lindsay B)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Eulailia Dacascos (Chief Operations Officer) in Mess Hall- After the Hangovers

Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in Mess Hall- After the Hangovers

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Eulailia Dacascos (Chief Operations Officer) in Mess Hall- After the Hangovers

(snip)

Laila lowered her head dejectedly. “At least you are honest with me. I also understand why you don’t think I would be a good fit for the away team. Honestly, I am kind of glad you are really putting this into perspective. You are right, I am not ruthless, cold-hearted, or callous even when I need to be.”
She quickly wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “Also every knows that if I join the away team, I would be the one who would get captured or cause someone else to get captured.” She took a deep breath and sniffedf. “I don’t like people thinking I am the weak link. You know, Shara,” she glanced around, “I didn’t do that great on my academy combat training but I had other skills, communication and by being someone who can be sensitive in dealing with others and achieving peaceful resolutions. This allowed me entry into Starfleet, so in spite of what everyone thought, I got my rank by being efficient at what I know how to do best and not because of who my parents are.”
She pressed her lips together before she said, “But no one is ever going to believe that. Not until I show them I can do everything. That includes being able to go into combat and defend the organization from danger.”

Dacascos, COO

Shara folded her arms on the table and leaned in, attempting to catch Dacascos’ gaze. “Laila, I say this with all the understanding and experience of a woman who has existed as a ghost and done things she can’t take back and endured a lot of judgement from other people, but… f* ‘em. You can choose what you care about. If you want to be an asset on an away team in a tricky situation, learn to be one. If you want to be able to look danger in the face and knowingly walk into it, then do that. But think of it like anything else you’ve ever learned. It starts with basic skills that you improve upon. If you want to learn how to be the kind of persona this mission needs, darlin’ you’re looking at the best teacher you could possibly have. Who else on this ship has as much experience being someone they are not in their core and make it look flawless?” she said with a grin. “Just name the time and place. I might not want you with me on this next away team, but after that? We can get you ready. If that’s what you want.”

~Shara Calloway, CIO

She quickly nodded her head, “Yes I do want that. Very much and I am willing to learn the appropriate skills and take the time to perfect them.” She managed a smile. “I am glad we are here together, having this conversation. I don’t think anyone else would have been as honest but also empathic. They would have probably told me to grow up or yeah you are weak and you suck.”

She shrugged her shoulders, “I mean I don’t know that for sure but it’s the feeling I get. And I don’t expect people to always be nice to me, I know I am not home, I am an adult and I can handle criticism. However it’s just nice to have someone encourage and guide you to the right decisions. So thank you, Shara, for being my friend.”

Dacascos, COO

Shara smiled warmly, even if it was outside her chosen persona. “It costs nothing to be kind. Many people forget that. But I also remember what it was like to be young and scared and flailing, hoping I could make it long enough to prove to myself that I would be okay. You will be okay, Laila, I promise. But just remember that we don’t always get a say in exactly what that looks like. Just be prepared to be surprised by yourself.”

Gently slapping her hands down on the table, Calloway gave the COO a grin as she rose to her feet. “1900 hours. You name the place and we’ll see what we can make you into it, yeah?”

~Shara Calloway, CIO


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