A Run In with the Devil

[Akirapryde]

He watched her walk forward as he thought of what she had just said about the upcoming event. This conversation had nothing to do with the social event. "let's cut to the chase Ensign" he said with that voice of authority that was common among leaders. "The event is only your excuse to be here right now." He called her out.

He knew Noonia was a go getting kind of officer. The Junior Lieutenant was already making waves down in Engineering, which was just what Bonham had Hoped for. If the Thunderchild was to survive the peace after the Dominion War, it would need the kind of officers which Noonia was. It was time for this proud warship to learn how to be a starship again.

He dismissed her claim of failing to answer her question with a wave of his hand. A motion that he noticed got to her. "I didn't answer the question of why because I choose not to answer it" he said. Even if his word didn't prevent him from telling her, it was clear she wasn't ready for the truth. He found another path that he knew wouldn't answer her burning question of why but might help her understand the direction her life is taking.

"Tell me Ensign, you had to have heard of the Pathfinder Project. Your name was part of a long list of requested personnel to join the project" he explained while turning to finish his shower. Time was running out and he was going to be damned this runt of an Ensign would cost him his shower allowance.

 "Sure it is a major project. Yes, names will be made out of this project. But not for those like you. The spotlight will be consumed by those with more experience, more standing. Yes you might if you are lucky get your name on a paper or even mentioned in a speech." Bonham explained as he continued to wash his body.

He rinsed the soap off his face quickly and leaned in towards her, "look around you Ensign. There has never been a ship like this one. Never had a mission like this kind before. Here you won't have to share the spotlight with anyone. No Rec Officer is not you finally posting on this ship. But it is a vessel to get you aboard. At one point fate will offer you an opportunity to move beyond this place you are at. And when that time comes, either sooner or later, you will show everyone what you are really capable of."

He finished washing the last bit of soap off his body and reached up and took hold of his towel as he stepped forward towards her. "Tell me something Ensign" he said coldly as he looked right in to her eyes. "Would you rather live the shadows of others all of your life. Or stand on your own and take center stage." He motioned for her to follow him as he added, "or if would rather serve in someone else's shadow I can send you right back to the Pathfinder Project."