Two Steps Forward... One Step Back

Posted on 31 Jul 2017 @ 8:32pm by Lieutenant JG Cameron

376 words; about a 2 minute read

After his shower, Cameron dressed in a fusion of Vulcan and Xenexian garbs before taking his seat across from a terminal. The computer's retinal scanner identified him, and obediently released control to him without a moment of hesitation or petition. For a moment, Cameron wondered where he'd begin; from beyond the panel of glass leading out to a glorious view of San Francisco Bay, he'd hoped would have been a sea of stars, nebula, and black holes.

Starfleet Command was not where he wanted to be.

"Computer, begin personal log."

The computer chirped in acknowledgement, and the display blinked to reveal a recording screen.

"On the day I came to Vulcan seeking my father, he sent me away. I attended a school for individuals like myself -- Rish-tor veh. I learned the Vulcan way of control and restraint. And in the end, one could suggest that I was made into a better man because of that experience. But it was not what I wanted... at least, not at the beginning.

And now, I am here on Earth. My duties are now dedicated to an Admiral whom may or may not have a career in Starfleet over the coming weeks, tending to her needs and whims. Admiral Lihra Saalm. I do not know what to make of her. I do not know what to make of my being assigned to her as her aide-de-corp; her assistant and liaison.

Perhaps this is for the best. Another step backward from where I want to be in order that I might make two steps forward in the coming days, weeks, or months. Or perhaps, my career began and will end on this planet. Of the thousands of Starfleet officers currently in service there can be only so many ships."

Cameron paused.

"Aren always thought..."

His next sentence had caught him by surprise, and for a second, Cameron's entire demeanor had changed. While the ghost of the woman he'd once befriended now followed him in his day-to-day activities, the real Aren... her ambitions, interests, and insecurities had been lost. The Aren with him now was not the same as the one that had departed this existence.

Cameron lost interest in his log with thoughts of her. "Computer, end log."

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