Fresh New Face

Posted on Wed Apr 29th, 2020 @ 5:56am by Cadet Freshman Grade Tavrus Saral & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: XO's Office
Timeline: MD1
694 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Tavrus had beamed aboard the Elysium only a few minutes previously and had only made one stop, putting his duffel down in the rooms he'd been assigned to share. Now, he found himself approaching the door to the office of the ship's XO. Reaching out he pressed the button to activate the door chime and then stood at attention to wait.

Inside Gary was preparing for the week-long trip inside the Void when his chime sounded. "Enter!" He called out wondering who it could be. He stood up and awaited his visitor.

Tavrus passed through the now open doors and came to a halt a couple of meters from the desk. Back straight, hands clasped loosely behind them. With a shy half-smile, he nodded to the man behind the desk, "Cadet Tavrus Saral, reporting as ordered, Sir," he said, his rich voice filling the small room.

"Please Mr. Saral, have seat and welcome to the Elysium. Do you have your PaDD showing both your records as well as your assignment to the Elysium?" Asked the cadet.

"I do, Sir," Tavrus said, holding up the padd he'd placed in his lap when he'd sat. It contained everything about him known to Starfleet, which, admittedly wasn't much.

"Excellent. May I have it please." Gary requested.

Tavrus reached further out so that the man could grab the padd more easily, leaning back only after he'd done so. He felt a little foolish that he hadn't just handed it to him, but what was done was done.

"Thank you," Gary replied as he took the PaDD and began to read. "Assimilated by the Borg as an infant. Found and rescued in 2280. Six years under Starfleet Medical care." Gary looked across his desk at Tavrus. "You certainly haven't had an easy life, Mr. Saral. What made you want to join Starfleet?"

Tavrus blushed slightly. It was an involuntary reaction to the embarrassment and shame he still felt from his assimilation and work inside the Collective. Pushing it aside he replied, "It is the best way for me to take steps to ensure the Federation can end the threat of the Borg. To make it so that no other beings can be enslaved by them."

"A noble and worthwhile goal Mr. Saral and with your dedication and hard work, one I think that can be accomplished," Gary replied with conviction. The Borg were a blight on the universe. The sooner they were dealt with and taken care of the better.

Tavrus nodded, "I agree, sir. Very worthwhile. And I plan to do my very best to do all the hard work it might take."

Gary chuckled at Tavrus, comment. "Now Mr. Saral. Please leave some for the rest of us. Don't hog all the action."

The other man's chuckle and his joking tone helped Tavrus feel a little more at ease. His nerves had been at alert status all morning as he prepared to come aboard and join the other cadets on the Elysium. Taking the chance to make an uncharacteristic joke he smiled, "I make no promises, Sir."

"Fair enough Mr. Saral." Gary stopped and extended his right hand, "Welcome to the USS Elysium and shipboard Academy. Show the same hard work ad dedication in it as you did in overcoming your separation from the Borg and you will go far."

Tavrus had to look at the man's hand for a few moments before he realized what was going on. He'd still not gotten used to that particular tradition. Finally reaching out he shook with a firm grip, and nodded, "I assure you I will do my best, Sir!"

"That's all I ask for Mr. Saral. Give it your best shot, don't cheat yourself." Gary stated honestly.

Considering himself dismissed as the other man finished his sentence Tavrus turned and exited the room. As he walked through the doors and the slid shut behind him he let out a deep sigh and felt his anxiety level drop considerably. He'd never been so nervous in his life, and he was glad it was all over. Now, to do something only slightly less intimidating, report to his direct supervisor, Lieutenant Thornhill.