Out for a stroll...

Posted on Tue Sep 26th, 2023 @ 2:29am by Cadet Senior Grade Riaothren(Ren) ch'Shaorhs & Cadet Senior Grade Felix

1,531 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: **ARCHIVED** 0 - Assignment Day
Location: Academy Grounds
Timeline: MD -5 days to Report

Felix was stretched out in the grass on the academy lawn. He'd worn a short-sleeved t-shirt and lightweight pants knowing he wanted to lay in the grass and feel the sun's rays today. Once he'd found the perfect spot he laid down, and put his hands behind his head. He brushed his tail over the grass, enjoying the sensations of the natural landscape against his soft fur. He purred softly to himself at the loveliness of the day.

Ren was wearing a pair of shorts and an A shirt, both were gray, and both bore the Academy logo. As an Andorian, his physiology was superior in many ways to humans and other Federation races. But his weakness was endurance. So, he'd taken to jogging. He'd been doing it all Senior year. He was up to five miles a day.

He was about halfway through his trek and was running through the quad.

Felix's superior hearing picked up on Ren's footsteps as he was approaching, not that Ren was making much noise. Felix looked up lazily and saw that it was a face he had recognized from the cadet's crew manifest. Excited, Felix popped up from his spot and began running alongside his fellow cadet. "Are you enjoying your run?" Felix asked. "I'm Felix, acting Chief Science Officer on the Stardancer. I believe we're going to be serving together," Felix was smiling happily as he made the introduction and ran alongside the Andorian with ease.

Ren had been focusing on his running and hadn't seen Felix lying on the grass. He didn't start when the Caitian bounced up, or at least if he did, he hid it well "I am enjoying my run. I'm up to five miles a day now. I know that's probably child's play for you, but I'm kind of proud of it myself."

"We have had a few classes together over the years. I'm going to be the Chief Flight Control Officer. Are you looking forward to it?"

"Five miles is a considerable distance for most humanoids. That is quite an accomplishment, you should be proud of yourself and the work you've put in," Felix affirmed. "I run much better on four legs than two," he admitted. "As for the Stardancer, I am extremely excited about it, aren't you?" Unintentionally Felix added a hop to his running step when he mentioned the Stardancer. "I feel like I've waited my entire life for something like this."

"Well, it's a bit dated, but I don't really mind. I'm looking forward to the challenge, Have you been in space before?"

"In space? Of course, I am from Cait, and we vacationed to other worlds," Felix responded. "And there are the field training exercises that we do here before. If I may... what made you think to ask that question? I thought it was obvious that I was not from Earth."

"Well yes, I guess you're right. It is rather obvious. I guess I asked the question in the wrong way. What I should have asked is how much time you've spent in space."

"As an example, I was born on Andor, but have been in space, more or less from the time I was sixteen. Does that make more sense?"

"Ah!" Felix said putting a finger in the air as an exclamation that he understood the point. "I see what you were asking. No, I've never lived in space. The longest I've spent on a ship is a couple of weeks at a time," he responded.

"It's a little different living in space for six months, or a year, or longer, than being there for a few weeks or months. But I'm sure you'll adjust."

"So, why science? I mean that was always a subject I struggled with."

Felix's chest puffed at being asked about one of his passions. "The world runs on science. What makes your ships fly - it's science. Though I decided to specialize more in the life sciences, xenobiology, virology, and the like. I haven't decided yet, but it does leave the door open to medical school if I wanted to do something a little different with my career."

"And you're a pilot, one the most dangerous positions in Starfleet. Perhaps even more dangerous than our line security officers and marines," Felix commented. "How did you come to choose that career?" he asked sincerely.

"I think you might get some pushback from engineers as to how the world works. But science does play a big part in how the Universe fits together. So I think you made a good choice for yourself. And if you decide to pursue a career in medicine, you have a good background as you said."

"Well, I'm more intuitive than analytic, which is one reason that I didn't go into the sciences. It's not that I don't have a basic understanding of physics or that I disregard the rules. But it's easier to fly by the seat of my pants, as humans would say as a pilot than as a scientist."

Despite my being more intuitive, or maybe because of it I can see and think four-dimensionally.

And I've always been a risk taker. And piloting a ship is a lot better than serving in the Imperial Guard. At least for me."

"Your service will be most definitely appreciated," Felix commented as they continued their jog. "The Caitians have a militaristic past as well. Is the Imperial Guard still what the rumors say? I was hoping that perhaps it was also more in the past with Andoria's long history with the Federation," Felix asked.

"Oh, it's still there alright. We Andorians are a stubborn race I doubt we'll ever change. I'll admit the Imperial Guard is not quite the same as it once was, but the changes have been pretty superficial."

"Were either of your parents scientists?"

"They are both professors at Caitian universities. My father teaches Physics - a broad spectrum and my mother teaches Art History. My siblings and I were all encouraged to seek Federation employment - not necessarily Starfleet, but to get out and work among the other worlds and people. Starfleet was my choice," Felix responded.

"Your mother teaches art history? That's interesting. I'm something of an artist myself, though I doubt any of my works would even remotely be deemed historical."

"So why Starfleet for you?"

Felix did another unintentional hop as they ran, "Because it's Starfleet!" he said giddily, "You can do everything here, explore, research, protect, and defend the defenseless," Felix put a paw-like hand to his chest and slightly bowed his head humbly. "I was so honored when I was accepted into the Academy. And I am so honored to have been chosen for this mission we are about to embark on. Don't you feel the same way?" he asked, his voice and expressions exuding the type of hope and optimism that Starfleet hopes its cadets will maintain throughout their careers, though many lose it when hardened by battle or morally difficult missions.

Ren hadn't noticed the first time the Caitian had hopped but he did now. The other's enthusiasm brought a smile to his face. "I'm honored to have been chosen too. I expect this cadet cruise to be fun, but I'm really looking forward to our first real assignment. I'm sure where we'll wind up serving will be decided, at least in part, on how we perform here."

"Very good point," The Caitian said solemnly. "Something else to be mindful of when we perform our tasks." Felix became self-aware that he had invited himself on this Andorian's run, and that he might have preferred to enjoy the solitude. "I am sorry to have interrupted your run, Ren. I am afraid I was just excited to see a fellow soon-to-be shipmate. I can leave you to finish your run in peace," the Caitian offered with a warm smile.

"No bother at all. Don't think anything of it. I'm actually pretty close to my limit now, but we could stop and get something to drink or eat if you want."

"Oh, sure if you like. Running does always make me hungry," Felix admitted.

"Sounds like a plan. With my metabolism, I'm always hungry too What are you in the mood for?" Ren asked as he slowed from a jog to a brisk walk then to a more casual pace.

"Earth food is so varied and decadent, it is often difficult to choose. I do like sushi or pizza, but would be open to something else. What have you found that you enjoy the most?" Felix asked.

"I wouldn't mind pizza, but if you like spicy, there's a little kiosk across from the Academy. They have really good street tacos. Have you ever had those?"

"I have had tacos, but not from that kiosk you mention," Felix responded. "Let's try that if you're in the mood for it," Felix said a large smile on his face.

"I think you'll like them" the Andorian replied," they are extra spicy there. Just the way I like them."

"Caitians are known to enjoy quite a bit of spice. It sounds delightful!" Felix replied.

 

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