The Academy: Freshman Year

Posted on 20 Aug 2014 @ 7:44am by Commander C. Kos

1,055 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: History
Location: Starfleet Academy Freshmen Dorms
Timeline: February 24 - March 3, 2372

"Mac, did you see get the announcement from Professor Stoval?"

Cadet 4th Class C. Mackenzie Kos shifted her gaze from her theoretical astrophysics textbook to her roommate, Amitra Fahreen. "No."

"He said that he has a couple of seats reserved for a session of the Antwerp Conference for cadets," Fahreen said.

"Ami, I doubt he'll give them to us. We're just first years. Stoval has plenty of senior cadets in his classes."

Fahreen, a stunning young women of Middle Eastern descent shook her head. "True as that is, he is hoping to provide a first hand look into Federation diplomatic dealings to newer students. It doesn't get any newer than us."

"There is still no guarantee he'll pick us Ami."

"Stoval knows your dad, right? They were in the Diplomatic Corps at the same time. I'm sure they worked together at some point."

Mac sighed. "I have no intention of using my dad's name to advance my career. I've told you this before Ami."

"I know," her roommate replied. "But you are the daughter of Ambassador C. William Kos! No one else can say that. You were there when he brokered the Treaty of Rygalin IV, which ended the Kre'al-Walanaii-Cygnan War!"

"I was six Ami. I barely knew what was going on, except that dad and I were on Rygalin and mom was on Vulcan as a visiting lecturer."

Fahreen shook her hands exasperatedly. "Your father's name is known in so many corners of the galaxy. You should take advantage of that."

"I don't want to be seen as William Kos' daughter. My childhood was spent trailing along behind him as he went from assignment to assignment. I've been around diplomats for so much of my life. It's not a life I crave."

"Clearly you don't have a problem with following after your mother though," Fahreen pointed out.

"That's different. I didn't spend nearly as much time with my mom as I did with my dad. When I got older and started understanding more of the work she was doing, it was genuinely interesting to me. That's why I'm studying it here. I like astrophysics."

"I can't fool me Mac," Fahreen said as she grabbed a PADD off of Mac's desk. The screen displayed Mac's course schedule. "You are taking just as many interstellar relations electives as you are astro-science ones. You like both subjects. There's nothing wrong with that."

Mackenzie knew that Amitra was right. She felt as strong a pull towards diplomacy as she did towards astrophysics. She knew that she didn't have to really start focusing on a major until her second year, but she was fighting an internal battle about which direction her academic pursuits would go.

"Just think about it Mac. That's all I'm saying. It would be amazing to see the Romulans up close in person."

"It would," Mac agreed.

"So apply. I am," Fahreen said with a smile.
===========================

After Amitra had gone to sleep, Mackenzie stared at her console, considering sending in her request to Professor Stoval for one of the handful of seats available. After writing several different drafts of her letter, including some that made mention of her father, she finally settled on the fifth draft. That draft made no mention of her famous father, but it was an honest letter about how she was deeply interested in interstellar relations but was unsure of what her plans were for her career, whether she'd be focusing on diplomacy or astrophysics. She was unsure how the letter would be received by the Vulcan diplomat-turned-professor.

===========================

Two days later, at the end of a very interesting class about the historical involvement of Starfleet officers in diplomatic relations with the Klingons, Professor Stoval made an announcement.

"For those of you who expressed interest in attending the Antwerp Conference, I have information. There was so much interest expressed, more than the conference can accommodate. The following cadets, however, were selected to attend: Bradley Travers, Sera Tajima, Iaston Grespal, Mordel, and Amitra Fahreen."

Looking across the room at her roommate, who was clearly overjoyed with opportunity, Mac was unsure of how to feel regarding her own rejection.

"Class stands dismissed. Until next week. Live long and prosper," Stoval said, ending class. "Cadet Kos, a moment," he added, as Kos stood.

"Cadet," the Vulcan diplomat began. "Do not think that not being selected for this opportunity is in anyway a negative reflection of you. Indeed, it is quite the opposite. I know that you have been afforded opportunities to witness first hand numerous diplomatic exchanges throughout your life. I thought it logical to allow others who lack such experiences to gain admittance to the Antwerp Conference."

"Logical," she said, realizing too late that her response could be interpreted as sarcastic, rude, or even mocking the Vulcan professor.

"Of course," Stoval responded. He paused for a moment before continuing. "Miss Kos, I have worked with your father. He is a gifted negotiator and diplomat. You possess some of his traits. Based on the reports from your other instructors, you also possess traits from your mother, herself a gifted scientist."

"Thank you Professor."

"I say this not to bolster your self-esteem, but rather to preface this: chart your own path. It is not necessary to follow a path simply because it is familiar. Given your abilities and personality, you will be successful in whatever you choose. Just be sure of your choice. Do not select the easy path because it is easy. Opt for the path that will provide you with the best journey."

Mackenzie was quiet. She wasn't sure how to respond. "Thank you Professor."

"Peace and long life Cadet."

===========================

Her room was quieter with Amitra Fahreen at the Antwerp Conference. Mac was unsure if she liked it or not. She reached into her desk for a granola bar from her snack stash. Unwrapping it, she glanced at the news feed she had running on the wall display. She had kept it muted so she could focus on her reading, but the video playing right then grabbed her attention. There was a building with smoke pouring out, and people with burns and scotched clothing on the screen. The scrolling marquee across the bottom of the display read 'Antwerp Conference Bombing'.

It took several hours to confirm it, but among those dead was Cadet Amitra Fahreen.

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