Zarah Johnson - "I'm A Big Girl Now"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Captain's Ready Room, Deck 1 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Zarah had always had a mind of her own. Even as a child, she’d been determined to do her own thing, and had never been the sort to cling to her mother’s apron strings. Perhaps that was her mother in her, for while her father had been an intrepid and intelligent man, his strength had been of a quiet kind, and he’d been far more laid back and accepting of what came his way. To be certain, he worked hard for those things he desired, but when the winds blew, he generally went along with it.
Not so for Zarah. She took the beast by the horns and wrestled it to the ground, very reminiscent of the woman who birthed her. When she fashioned an idea in her mind, she sought out every means at her disposal to make it a reality. It was with that same tenacity that she entered Lia Rouiancet’s Ready Room, armed with information and a plan to forge her own, unique path to Ensignhood.
Zarah: I’ve looked over all the schooling and requirements and I would like to propose a different type of route through the Academy, one that combines the traditional PADD learning with real life experience.
It was then that Zarah finally passed over the PADD which she had clutched tightly up till then. She’d never heard of anyone doing anything of this sort before, but that didn’t mean it couldn’t be done! She imagined all sorts of permission from all sorts of people was required, but if Lia agreed, then that was one hurdle crossed!
Rouiancet: You would want to stay here? Rather than return to Earth, or to one of the other Academy campuses?
She had thought about that, and while Zarah had no problem leaving, the fact was, she also realised she might have a better opportunity staying right where she was. Did she get tired of her mom? Absolutely. But, she also knew there were ways around that too.
Zarah: I mean, this is the Gamma quadrant, and I’m already here. I can’t get this type of experience in the Academy.
Rouiancet: That's true, but (beat) I just don't want you to undervalue the social aspect. The other cadets you meet could end up being your colleagues and friends for much of your career.
Nodding, Zarah had thought about that too. During the course of making out this plan, she had also entertained both the advantages as well as disadvantages of both options, going so far as to even use a comparison chart. In the end, she felt like the pros outweighed the cons in her chosen path.
Zarah: Maybe, but not necessarily. And who’s to say that the people I go to school with are the people I’ll get posted with to a ship or base? I have friends here, a really cool commanding officer, and I’m in an area that most people only dream of getting to explore. I can’t complain!
Rouiancet: (with a small smile) I believe it. (beat) I'd want to talk to you and your mother together before I make a final decision, of course.
Her mother? Zarah hadn’t told Sasha anything about her idea or plan, and frankly, if she did stay on, she’d request separate quarters, though she knew she’d have to share with someone. As long as it wasn’t her mom.
Zarah: Not that I’m trying to deceive my mom, but…is there a reason why?
Rouiancet: Response
Zarah leaned back in the chair and considered what Lia said. She had a point, but she, herself, also had a different perspective to offer.
Zarah: I mean, I’m not a kid anymore, and I’m at the point where I can make my own decisions without my mom.
Rouiancet: Response
Personally, she didn’t necessarily agree, but she also wasn’t going to argue, because Zarah recognised that if Lia wasn’t comfortable with it, then it wouldn’t happen. And she wanted it to happen. The Gamma Quadrant was just way too interesting, and she was eager to explore it with the rest of the OEB crew.
Zarah: All right. Shall I ask her to schedule a meeting with you?
Rouiancet: Response
--
Zarah Johnson Civilian USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0
-- Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri Chief Science Officer USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0
