Zarah Johnson - "Step 1 Complete"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Captain's Ready Room, Deck 1 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Zarah had gotten a fantastic idea, one that exposed her to a section of the universe that most full blown officers hadn’t the opportunity to see, much less someone trying to get into Starfleet as a cadet. Heck, she’d probably already seen more of the Gamma Quadrant than most officers in the fleet simply by virtue of being a civilian on a ship assigned there. Granted, with the flotilla now taken up residence, she wasn’t in as elite a group, but she still thought it was cool!
And how much cooler would it be to explore that region of space officially as a part of Starfleet? If she waited until she graduated, though, that was at least four years before she could return. For Zarah, she could only think of all the adventures she’d miss out on, and all the opportunities she’d lose. So why not study and get ‘on the job’ training, so to speak? That was what she submitted to Lia, and for the most part, her (hopefully) future CO seemed cool with it, but she wanted to talk to her mother. Her mother! To Zarah, she didn’t see the point, but she wasn’t going to argue, because that might mean a hard ‘no’.
Zarah: All right. Shall I ask her to schedule a meeting with you?
Rouiancet: (with a small smile) Yes, please.
If Zarah thought that settled it, she was wrong. Evidently Lia didn’t like how she had hesitated when told that the commander wanted to speak to Sasha Johnson, the woman who had endured hours of labour to bring her into the world. She was reminded of that fact, though Zarah was pretty sure the woman had pain killers that kept it from being…well…painful.
Rouiancet: But I'd also like to know more about your reluctance. Is there a reason you haven't told your mother yet?
Ah. Okay, she wanted to know why she didn’t want to share with her mom? Honestly, there was nothing untoward going on, so she shrugged.
Zarah: I mean, it wasn’t exactly an automatic ‘yes, you can do this’. I wanted to see if it was possible before bringing it up.
Rouiancet: I see. (beat) And you have no concerns about continuing to serve with your mother? You would, let's say, follow her order immediately if you were on duty?
Was that her concern? If that was it, then Zarah could rest her mind at ease. Immediately, she shook her head.
Zarah: Nope, not concerned at all. And frankly, she already orders me around. What’s the difference if it’s as an officer to an officer?
Straightening up, the teenage girl lifted her chin, once more taking on a more confident manner and tone.
Zarah: And in that type of situation, we can't be mother and daughter, we’re superior and subordinate, and if I can’t obey her order just cause she’s my mom, then I shouldn’t be an officer under anyone.
Rouiancet: (a slight smile) I'm sure. Well, let's speak with Sasha, and if you're still interested in the idea after she learns of the plan, I would welcome your continued presence here.
At that, Zarah’s eyes lit up. She had a feeling Lia would be receptive, and it turned out she was right. That was really the big thing that kept her from letting her mom in on her plan. Nodding, she stood up, hurried around the table and threw her arms around Lia’s neck.
Zarah: Thank you!
Rouiancet: Response
Quickly, the young woman let go and straightened herself, trying to regain her composure, though she couldn’t hide the excitement completely. It danced in her eyes and stretched her mouth out in a wide grin.
Zarah: Right, sorry. Got a little carried away. Thank you, ma’am.
Rouiancet: Response
Zarah: I’ll talk to her as soon as she’s off her shift!
Turning, Zarah practically bounced to the door, her curly hair literally hopping up and down with the motion. Her idea had merit, she had known that, but it felt good to know that someone else thought so too. Now, all she had to do was pass the Academy exam - and that was the biggest hurdle of them all.
Rouiancet: Response
[End scene for Zarah]
-- Zarah Johnson Civilian USS Octavia E. Butler M239008AD0
