A Big Step

Posted on Mon Oct 14th, 2024 @ 2:57am by Commander Izzy Schröder & T'lari

882 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: A Choir by the Bay

ON:

With all that had happened T'lari stood outside the building that was housed Commander Izzy Schroder. She wasn't sure that the decision had been made about her file but she had to see the Commander and persuade her to take T'lari into the group. I would be a safe space until her application could be sent and approved.

There was a moment of what human's called utter hopelessness, at least that is what she thought it was. It was a moment that she wanted to step back and just sit down in the middle of the path and just stay there and not move. Ever.

She tried to take a breath and push through what felt like a vice pressing on her lungs.

"I can do this. I can. I have done, in the last months, what I thought impossible. I can do this step. It is a step that is all. One foot. One foot." She had to repeat it a few times before her feet started moving. Soon she'd 'one stepped' herself up the steps, into the building, up the lift and in front of the office of Commander Izzy Schroder.

"Push the button." She narrated again a few times before her hand pressed the call button. That was it. Point of no return. She schooled her features and stood tall projecting a Vulcan confidence and arrogance she did not feel.

Professor Izzy Schröder was looking over some last minute reports on the Warbler in her office, nursing a mug of tea when the chime rang. She quickly queued up her itinerary, checking her schedule. She was not due to meet with anyone. So, the sudden chiming caused her to immediately get up from her seat behind her desk, placing the PaDD down and exchanging it for her mug of tea.

She proceeded over to the doorway to investigate and triggered the doors to part, revealing T'lari. "Hello," she said greeting the girl. "May I help you with something?"

"Hello Professor Schröder. I was ... in the planethood...and I thought I would stop by to see if I was accepted in the program. Since I am already here I thought I may as well poof by." She paused. "Did I use the right phrasing?"

There were hundreds of applicants, dozens that had made the initial cut, and a handful that would ultimately be selected. Izzy couldn't place the girl's face. Naturally, a more than a few Vulcans were part of the 'pile'. "Pop on by perhaps would be a better phrasing."

She gestured for the girl to enter. "How about you come in and we can discuss this a bit more."

She gave a nod and headed into the office following the professor. She kept standing until the woman told her to sit and then sat down.

"So," Izzy said picking up the PaDD and taking her seat. "We're at a point in the selection process where most applicants have been cut. From there, I'm left with forty seven. There's only six to eight seats available in the program."

She gave a nod. "I understand. Did I make it into the selection? If I did and there are other Vulcan students I could get the cabins ready making sure they have the proper temperature and meditation items. I could help with any cleaning if that will be of use."

"Right now, I only know one thing. You are here, but to quote the caterpillar my dear, Who are you? Izzy asked with a smile. "Clearly eager" she added.

"Right! I'm T'lari. I took the liberty of preparing a copy of my application, references, and school history. I also have an academy sponsor who wrote a letter recommending me for the program in hopes of starting Academy training next year." She pulled out a data paDD and handed it to Izzy.

Izzy accepted it, but pushed it aside. "T'lari, there is more to this program, more to the Academy even than Stellar grades and sponsorship. References are wonderful, but I'm looking for very unique individuals."

"I see." She paused. "What would make me unique?"

Izzy sighed and smiled. "I think you already placed yourself there by coming here to see me directly" she stated. That was completely unorthodox. "Why do you want to be here, T'lari? What does it mean to you? Surely, someone as dedicated and intelligent as you will get an opportunity if you apply to Starfleet Academy when ready."

"And I will apply. This opportunity will help me learn and will help be become what I need to be to be a good officer." She paused. "Starfleet will be my home from now on, the members, my family. It is what I wish. Perhaps more selfishly," She said honestly. "I wish to prove to myself that I can do this."

Izzy nodded. "Very well. We will see how this goes. I will sign off on everything, but if I don't feel this program is working out for you, we will have to re-evaluate then. For now, you'll have a room on the Warbler and be a part of my first class of students."

She gave a nod. "Thank you Ma'am. I will not let you down."

Izzy knew that she would not.

OFF

 

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