Parental Concerns

Posted on Sun Dec 21st, 2025 @ 4:56am by Qual'tez Jones & Commander Izzy Schröder

1,080 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Plight of the Pyrithian Bat
Location: Commander's Office

Qual'tez Jones has received an accepted offer to the Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program. Arriving at the office of Commander Schroder, he stood in the waiting room with his mother Lt. Commander Katrina Jones. His mother had been giving him some last-minute advice throughout the entire ride here. After wishing him well, she left the waiting room. Qual'tez typically didn't get nervous easily, but for some reason this visit was leaving feeling a bit uneasy. Perhaps, because this was one of the most important achievements of his young life.

A young Petty Officer with a petite figure and a tightly pulled back bun of blonde hair exited Izzy Schroder's office on Earth carrying a PaDD. She stopped in the waiting room and her gaze met Lieutenant Commander Katrina Jones. "Commander Jones," the woman said calmly. "Professor Schroder is in her office. She's ready to see you and Qual'tez if you're ready" the Petty Officer added, turning slightly and gesturing towards the doorway.

Katrina was a bit surprised that she was being called into the office as well. Looking over at her son who nervously stood up and straightened up his shirt a bit before they began moving towards the office.

In her office, Izzy Schroder was just seated at her desk, two chairs vacant across from her. She had pulled up the file on Qual'tez Jones, reviewing it briefly again before he and his mother came in. Half Klingon, grew up within the Federation, and apparently was already interested in football. Choosing Qual'tez for her program was a decision Izzy did not take lightly. There were still very few Klingons, quarter, half, or otherwise that made in into Starfleet, even less that completed four years of Starfleet Academy, and Qual'tez would be the youngest student aboard the Warbler at only seven years old. The difference was a seven year old Klingon was not like a seven year old Human by any means.

Entering the office led by his mother Qual'tez quickly scanned the room. Approaching the desk, Commander Jones extended her hand. "Thank you for seeing us, Commander Schroder."

"Yes ma'am," the child spoke. "I appreciate the opportunity you have given to me."

Izzy reached across her desk and shook hands with Commander Jones. She then gestured towards the seats. "I thought it best that we meet to discuss Qual'tez's future, the Warbler, and any concerns or questions the two of you may have."

Mother and son both sat down at the other side of the desk. The boy clearly had somethings on his mind. But wasn't sure how to go about asking. "My future?"

Izzy noddedvand focused on the boy. "Yes, Qual'tez. Your future. As in what you want to become and do when you are older. I've chosen you for Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program, to come aboard the Warbler and learn."

She then looked at his mother. "If that's is still something you would be interested in for him."

"I am definitely interested in the opportunity for him," Katrina announced. "Something like this doesn't come often. With the missions and being around other youth with the same goals in mind."

Izzy nodded. "I agree. I also think Qual'tez would bring something to the program that it needs. I have a Vulcan student and a Caitian student, of course a Human. There's also a Rimeri, but your son's participation in the program would be an impactful statement. Age wise, he's younger than the rest, but I'm confident with his exceleratee development at his age that he will be able to match the accomplishment of the other students."

"I'm not familiar with the Rimeri," Qual'tez spoke up. "Also how long is the program? Will it last for years, while switching out new students as others move on to Starfleet Academy?"

Izzy looked at her reassuringly. "The program is designed to run as long as needed within reason. I do not intend to keep students aboard after the age of eighteen in Earth years, but I also will not keep them aboard for years even if they are younger. By fifteen or sixteen years of age, they will ideally know if they intend on applying for Starfleet Academy, enlisting in Starfleet, or looking at other options."

She gestured towards Qual'tez. "His Klingon heritage makes him a bit different, but a few years with us should help him decide. Though if any student decides at any time that they no longer wish to be part of the program, we will ensure their safe return to home."

"It is my intent to attend Starfleet Academy," the boy announced. "The experience of being in this program would be good for me. And I feel that I could bring something to this program as well."

"I have no doubt that you will bring something to the program, Qual'tez nor do I doubt the program will be good for you. If Starfleet Academy is what you end up deciding, then I will steer your individualized studies in that direction."

"So will the program be consistent or will there be vacation breaks and how often?" Katrina inquired.

Izzy was happy to see a parent that actually asked questions rather than just handing her their child. "We will follow a mostly traditional structure regarding time learning and time off. They will get vacation breaks at certain periods of the year using an Earth calendar. Summer months, they will be returned home unless they receive approval to remain with me."

Qual'tez looked at his mother and gave her a sly smile. "I can stay as long as I want."

"Let's just see how those reports on your progress and behavior look before we decide that" the mother responded. "By summer Commander Schroder may have already decided to drop you off at the nearest port."

"I don't give up on student easily, Mrs. Jones" Izzy stated. That was something she held herself to especially when the galaxy was full of doubt.

Katrina simply smiled. "He's a good kid the majority of the time. The side of him that leap into things on occasion is definitely from his father."

"I'll be careful to make sure he doesn't leap into anything problematic, and teach him to look and examine everything carefully before he does so."

"This all sounds good to me," Commander Jones acknowledged. "Thank you for meeting with us Commander."

=================
Commander Izzy Schroder
Program Director
USS Warbler

Qual'tez Jones
Operations Student
USS Warbler

Lt. Commander Katrina Jones
Starfleet Academy Instructor
Starfleet Academy

 

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