Chapter Text
"Lieutenant Commander Terei."
"That's me."
"I noticed you applied for the position of science officer."
"So? My credentials are all there. I've got more than what it takes for the job."
"That's not what I meant. Almost all posts you've held have been tactical ones. Started out as a fighter pilot, received several commendations during your time as tactical officer on a Galaxy class ship–"
"Yeah, I did. And now I want something else."
"..."
"Look, fine. Maybe I just got tired of it, okay? I've shot down more Cardassians and Dominion ships than I can count. You give me a weapon and I'll blow something up with it. It's what I know best. It's easy." She pauses. "Maybe I don't want it to be easy."
"So you think you'll be able to adjust from that to being a science officer?"
"Guess we'll find out."
"Lieutenant Diaval, is it?"
"Yeah."
"I take it you already know that Commander Moors recommended you for the position of chief of security."
He nods. "She told me she would."
"You don't have a lot of background in security, though. Do you know why she asked for you?"
"I was her first officer for a long time. I know how to deal with the crew."
"And potentially violent or dangerous situations?"
"Including those, yes."
"Have you actually had any experience with those? Fights, brawls?"
He crosses his arms. "I fought in the war. That was a pretty dangerous experience if you ask me."
"That's dealing with the enemy. On a ship, you might have to treat your friends and fellow officers as enemies. Do you have what it takes for that?"
"What do you think? I grew up on Bajor during the occupation. Anyone could be a Cardassian spy. Anyone." He pauses. "Are we done here?"
"Commander Moors."
"..."
"You've got quite the list of accomplishments. Chief engineer, first officer, captain... and now chief engineer again. Mind telling me why you haven't gone for a new command of your own?"
"No."
"The last ship you commanded was destroyed during a battle, of course. Do you blame yourself for that?"
"I believe my last answer made my stance perfectly clear."
"What about the future? Do you see yourself commanding a starship again at some point?"
"No."
"Why?"
"It is the logical thing to do. I don't seek prestige or power. I want to do what I do best."
"And that isn't being in command? So you do blame yourself."
"Blame is a useless human concept; I don't waste my time on it. I do what is best for me and for Starfleet. Nothing more, nothing less."