Chapter Text
Arabella Troi was sitting cross-legged on top of her bed, deep in thought, as the stars shimmered outside the viewing port of her quarters on the USS Enterprise-D. At age 17, Arabella was the spitting image of her mother, Counselor Deanna Troi. Arabella was 3/4 Betazoid, her heritage gifting her with fully-developed empathic and telepathic abilities that rivaled those of her mother.
Arabella's father, Evander had been taken from both her and Deanna when Arabella was only five-years-old; a fatal shuttle craft accident that had tragically ended his life. Deanna, stricken by the loss, focused her affections on their daughter, never again seeking out love.
Arabella possesses a perfect balance of both compassion and assertiveness. Her stubbornness and determination shine through now, more than ever, as she begins her internship. Excelling in this program is imperative for Arabella to be able to attend Starfleet Academy the following year, where she can study Natropathy under the best instructors in the galaxy.
While Arabella is deep in thought, the door chime to her bedroom sounds. Arabella answers it and sees her mother, Deanna, standing there.
“May I come in?” Deanna asks. Wordlessly, Arabella steps aside and gestures for her mother to enter. Arabella then sits back down on her bed while Deanna takes a seat on the chair situated in front of Arabella’s desk.
”I sensed some apprehension coming from you”, Deanna starts off by saying. “Is everything alright?”
Arabella nods and replies, “I’m fine, mom. I just have a lot on my mind with both the first day of my internship and the move to my own quarters tomorrow. It’s just a bit overwhelming.”
”Darling, if it’s too much…” Deanna starts to say, but Arabella interrupts her.
“You know that I need to achieve top marks in this internship to secure my place at Starfleet Academy this coming autumn. And, for that, I need to go on this mission.”
"I understand that," Deanna responds, "but is it truly necessary for you to also move into your own quarters now? You'll be heading off to the Academy soon, anyway."
"Don't be so certain," Arabella countered. "I haven't received my acceptance yet."
"I speak with confidence," Deanna clarified, smiling reassuringly. "You are an exceptional young woman, Arabella."
Deanna rises to leave but, before exiting, she adds, "Consider staying here, at least until your internship is complete. Why place undue pressure on yourself? Besides, I quite enjoy your company." Then Deanna turns and exits, leaving Arabella sitting there, contemplating her mother's words.
A few minutes later, Arabella settles down at her desk and powers on her PADD, her eyes skimming the letter that Starfleet Academy had sent out to all of the participants.
Dear Cadette,
First and foremost, congratulations on your acceptance into the Enterprise-D Student Internship Program. You have been assigned to professor Sternman’s Botany class.
During your time in this course, you and a group of fellow cadets will be venturing down to Regula IV to collect plant samples, which you will analyze and catalogue in the Enterprise’s laboratory.
Please note that attendance is mandatory. Should you miss more than one class or arrive late to class more than three times, you will be dropped from the program and receive a failing grade.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your internship advisor. A detailed internship schedule and the location(s) for all meetings will be provided to you shortly. Once again, congratulations and we wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Starfleet Academy
Next, Arabella reviewed the schedule. She was due in class in 12 hours time for her first lesson. Ensuring she had everything ready for her first day, Arabella got herself ready for bed and then fell asleep.