Commander Ava Munro - A Pathway to Starfleet
Ava Munro
(( Hermitage, Northern Plains, Rylor ))
As Ava and Jira got themselves comfortable in the Spartan seating area, her attention was drawn to the former Ranjen turned Starfleet medical officer.
Munro: Tell me, Jira. What drew you to become a Ranjen? From what I know that's not a small feat.
Jaran: You don't waste any time getting to the big questions do you?
She allowed a small laugh. She watched them as they reorganised their cushion before seemingly giving up on a battle for comfort.
Jaran: I was surrounded by clerics my whole life. My parents are very religious. They even took me to be blessed by the Emissary in my earliest years. When you're a child on a farm with no other children nearby to play with, you make friends with whomever is around. Since we were at shrines and temples so much, that tended to be whatever prylar or ranjen was assigned there at the time. And when your world is so small that the choices seem like farmer or cleric, you'll take the one that gets you something new.
The influence of our parents could not be underestimated. Hadn't she just spoken about he down parent's influence on her.
Munro: That's understandable, if you truly thought that was the only choice available to you? Maybe you were drawn to that role?
Jira gave up on the cushion entirely and took it off the chair, tossing it into the corner.
Jaran: Oh, that's certainly true. I regret absolutely nothing. I was meant for that life. And, as much as I bucked against it at first, choosing Starfleet was the right choice, too. I was on track to be a Vedek in my order, in a few years. And that would have made me miserable.
Munro: Why? I thought a Vedek may have provided more influence?
Jira abandoned the chair and took to their feet to look out the window.
Jaran: Being a Vedek comes with trying to find a balance between monasticism and always needing to be around people. The Vedek council. A prylar or ranjen constantly needing something from you. People seeking the wisdom of the Prophets. It never stops. But you're also expected to spend time in private prayer and growing your own faith. I don't know how anyone can manage both of those worlds.
Munro: I'm sure many do. And I'm sure you would have been able to as well. Being a Starfleet doctor isn't exactly without its pressures? You said that you bucked against the idea of joining Starfleet? What changed for you?
Jaran: Response
Munro: When I was a little girl I wanted to be an explorer. Then I wanted to be a space pirate :: shrugs :: I thought it was edgy, but mostly it was ‘cause it annoyed my mother. But once I truly thought about it, it was always going to be Starfleet for me.
Ava stood and joined the doctor at the window.
Jaran: Response
Munro: For what it's worth, doc. I'm glad you found your way to Starfleet. We're lucky to have you.
Jaran: Response
Tags/TBC
