Personal Log
So, this is a little intense. When I applied to Starfleet Academy, I honestly was unsure what to expect. I had initially thought to become a chaplain, but that seemed to run counter to what the Prophet's had told me in my vision. Even still, the studies of various alien races and cultures did interest me and I had applied toward the Sciences program. However, during my aptitude tests it seemed I tested much higher for Flight Controller. I trusted my superiors' judgement and applied to the path their metrics suggested; even though they did say I could choose to apply outside the aptitudes. My second aptitude was JAG since I had far too much understanding of Starfleet's Rules and Regulations for any cadet walking in the room.
Computer, pause, retract last sentence, resume.
Anyway, I had thought my path would lead to being a shuttle pilot for a starbase or some distant colony. I had not grown up in a traditional education structure, I knew that. Yet I passed the Academy entrance competition exam on my first try, with barely a stop along the way I suddenly found myself commissioned. That is not to say it was easy. I studied as hard as anyone, some of my professors said way too much.
So, that's fine and great. I mean, I am not the first Academy graduate to work hard and study hard for his commission. I even applied for more ambitious postings in the fleet, as my guidance counselor suggested I do during my final year. I thought maybe I would get a posting on Deep Space 9 or 10 as a shuttle pilot, or any number of postings. My first choice was the USS Athena. I had heard good things about the ship and its crew, the amazing things they had accomplished and the legacy of their senior staff. I even heard the Captain is an Admiral who commanded Task Force Ten Bravo. My guidance counselor was rather pleased with my choice, told me I was worrying too much about being over-ambitious or arrogant. If I made my posting, I made it; if not, then I would get posted somewhere else. Starfleet did not punish the ambitious.
Now, I'm sitting in a shuttle on my way to the Athena.
I was always taught that an Orb experience, when followed and meditated upon, was to listen to the wisdom of the Prophets. That heeding their advice was the path to contentment and prosperity. But, it is one thing to be taught a thing, yet another to teach others of a thing, and a galaxy apart from actually knowing a thing. I am honestly a little frightened how well my life is going right now. Is this what the Emissary went through? The Vedics? The Kai?
<<Distant>> ...hey are you okay back there?
I am fine, thank you. I did not mean to alarm you.
<<Distant>>...we'll be there in about 30 minutes, so relax would ya?
I need to calm down. <<deep and slow breathing>>
Yes, right, resume. So, what was I saying?
That's right, so now I'm on on my way to the Athena. Thankfully they are not on any sort of dire mission that needs me to scramble to my post or anything like that. From the briefing notes I was sent, it looks to be a diplomatic function with a newly encountered alien race. I am to stop by the ship to drop off my things, be in dress uniform, and beam down as soon as I can to deliever my assignment notification to Rear Admiral Lafayette in person...<<muttering>>...even though regulations only require me to report in....<<muttering>>...But yes, I am to show up to the function and address my first Captain, who is an Admiral in command of part of a Task Force. The only way I could be any MORE nervous is if I had to report in to the Emissary...<<muttering>>...or perhaps the Kai, hmm maybe the Federation President...First Minister...<<muttering>>
Oh, right, I left this running...<<muttering>>...gotta stop doing that.
Computer, End Log.