AO2 - Academy Lounge / Cafeteria / Gardens

[Maddie Allen]

The lounge / cafeteria is a large complex where meals are served and where cadets can come between assignments to relax and interact with others.

The gardens provide a peaceful environment for study and conversations.

No alcohol is served in the lounge / cafeteria, and it is strictly forbidden for cadets to consume the same on campus.
 
== This area is an open posting area for use by Star Fleet Academy (SFA) cadets, faculty, and administrators. Cadets may post outside of their training holodecks here and interact with each other and SFA staff in an informal environment.

All standard posting format rules apply here; posting here is a good chance to practice these skills.

To post in this thread a cadet must be current in their training. There should not be an academy post in your holodeck waiting for your reply while you are posting here. Same goes for Academy Instructors (AI) please. No posting done in this location will be taken into consideration when evaluating final exams or opt-out exam status.

Individuals found in violation of these simple rules will be reminded politely to make training their priority. Subsequent violations may result in loss of posting privileges in this thread.

This can really be a fun environment for you to practice posting skills that will be invaluable once you’ve graduated and entered the ‘real game’ so use this thread wisely and to your advantage. Any questions, please contact me.

This thread will be pruned monthly. ==

[Ava Baldwin]

The Academy Lounge was full of cadets and staff as usually. Ava often came here to sit and think. She found noisy areas stimulating and as often happen when she concentrated on the cacophony of sounds, the noise would disappear and in that inner silence she would begin to concentrate on a particular problem or circumstance. Today her inner silence began to concentrate on herself.

I am a Vulcan by birth and a Human/Vulcan by nature. Yet, I have never been to Vulcan. My entire life has been spent on earth.

Ava considered how strange it was that she was a Vulcan who had never visited her ‘home’ planet. Among all the Vulcans she knew and associated with she had never met anyone like her. All the Vulcans she knew were born on Vulcan and grew up there.

I am unique!... she smiled and realize that the statement proved to some extent her realization. But that thought disappeared very quickly when another thought charged into her inner space.

Each species is unique and each individual was unique.

But, still, I AM unique, just like everyone else.

Ava sipped her coffee and experience what she understood was pleasure, at that thought.

She truly was unique.

[Ava Baldwin]

Ava was truly unique.

Yes, everyone IS truly unique. This is one of the basic principles that govern the United Federation of Planet, and thus Starfleet.

Ava sat sipping her coffee.

Coffee. It was one of the good things about humanity. Ava had enjoyed coffee all her adult like. Many Vulcans did not appreciate its flavour and bitterness.

Ava's favourites coffee was a half strength Latta with one sweetener.

The noise of the cafeteria remained constant but Ava was oblivious to it as she continued to explore the position that everyone in the universe was truly unique. But training as security officer taught her that she may have to take the life of one of these unique individuals. She had read several ethical and philosophic dissertations on this subject. Ava found some of them of no use in practical scenarios. When someone was pointing a phaser at you, discussing ethics or philosophical understandings of the situation are of no use. One thing she was sure of though, the less number phaser shots you have to fire will win the day! Another way of putting it was applying only the least number of phaser shots or apply the smallest amount of physical violence that will achieve your goal. If iviolence is required at all, that is.

At that moment a Vulcan Cadet approached Cadet Baldwin.

"I am wondering why you do not sit with the other Vulcan cadets when in the cafeteria?" he said.

"For the same reason” Ava replied, “I do not sit with the human or any other of the species here in the cafeteria.” Ava answered slowly and deliberately. “I like to sit by myself, sip coffee and meditated on various subjects that take my interest. Perhaps you would like to sit with me, sip coffee and ask me more questions. You would be welcome at this table."

"I do not sip coffee. Besides I would not want to disturb you in your meditation."

"You have already done that!" Ava replied. Her assumption about the reason this cadet came and spoke to her seemed to be accurate. All he was trying to do was to depreciated her because she was not as fraternal with the other Vulcans as he thought she should. Ava had experienced this from Vulcans many times.

[Loma Altura]

== Academy Cafeteria ===

The Academy cafeteria was buzzing with the low, steady murmur of cadets going over notes and grabbing a quick bite before the final block of examinations. Sitting near a corner table that afforded a clear line of sight to all primary entry points, Loma reviewed a dense cascade of tactical data on his PADD.

At twenty-eight years old, his broad shoulders and dense, athletic build made the standard-issue chair feel a bit undersized. He absentmindedly rubbed his right forearm, his thumb brushing against the faint, crescent-shaped chemical burn scar there as his deep hazel-green eyes swept the room's perimeter.

If the tactical board throws another randomized variable into the sector-defense simulation, I'm going to have to rewrite the entire secondary protocol, Loma thought, frowning slightly as he took a slow sip of his black coffee.

A simple, packed meal sat half-ignored beside his device while he thoroughly dissected a schematic for internal defense grid layouts. His dark hair, kept to a regulation short fade with a distinct dusting of gray at the temples, caught the overhead lights as he leaned in closer to study a shift-rotation failure log.

He took a measured bite of his lunch, his expression entirely focused and deadpan as he prepared himself for the rigorous academic testing ahead.

[Amelina Whittaker]

== Academy Gardens ==

Her role might have gotten bigger in recent times, but that hadn't prevented Amelina from enjoying the extra responsibility or following her usual routine. Which meant taking a walk in the gardens between classes, something the Instructor had always loved to do, ever since she was a Cadet, and she doubted it would ever change. Besides, the Academy held a lot of memories for her, from her Cadet days right through to starting her teaching career, and it was also where her friendship with Miles had started. A friendship that ultimately led the pair to become bonded, with a bright future ahead of them as a couple.

Miles was more than a partner, her confidant and sounding board, something Amelina cherished and valued, because she'd never been happier, and now it seemed she had found the almost perfect work/life balance. Nothing was ever a hundred per cent perfect, and Amelina was content with that, even with all of her experience and earlier goals. Life was good, and she wouldn't have it any other way, as she found a spot near the old oak tree and sat down, taking a moment to appreciate the slightly salty sea air and the view over the bay.

The PADD in her pocket chirped, but Amelina didn't rush to look at it, as even Acting Deans and Senior Instructors needed a moment or two to slow down and take a break.

== Tag Altura ==

[Loma Altura]

== Academy Gardens ==
Loma maintained a steady, unhurried pace along the winding stone path of the Academy Gardens. With his final evaluations behind him and his official starship orders pending, the sudden lull in his schedule felt unnatural—almost uncomfortable. In the salvage yards, downtime usually meant a breakdown or a missed haul, and the adjustment to Starfleet’s administrative waiting game was taking some getting used to.

The crisp breeze blowing off San Francisco Bay carried the familiar scent of salt air, a sharp contrast to the humid, simulated foliage of his recent holodeck exams. As he rounded a bend near the ancient oak tree, his gaze swept the area—a reflex that no amount of leave time seemed to dial back—and landed on a familiar figure seated on the bench.

Lieutenant Commander Whittaker.

Having taken several security tactical modules under her instruction—and having just completed his final evaluation scenario under her watchful eye—Loma recognized her instantly. He knew her background well enough to respect the balance she struck between field experience and classroom discipline—a standard he’d tried to match during his own runs through the grid.

He slowed his approach, keeping his hands loosely at his sides, his broad, six-foot frame casting a tall shadow across the edge of the path.

"Commander," Loma said, stopping a respectful few paces away and offering a concise, professional nod. "I didn't mean to intrude on your break, Ma'am. Just taking advantage of the quiet before the deployment board posts the next round of assignments."

He paused, looking toward the bay for a brief second before bringing his dark eyes back to the senior officer.

"I wanted to thank you again for overseeing my final exam—and for your feedback throughout tactical response scenarios last term."

== Tag Whittaker ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

Amelina may have hung up her phaser years ago, but that hadn't kept the brunette from her instincts; in fact, the skills she had honed continued to serve her well, both as an Instructor and off duty. Sometimes you could find her at the phaser range or in the gym, where she maintained those skills and the disciplines that often came in useful, especially when teaching Cadets. So when someone approached, Amelina looked up at the sound of her rank, to find Midshipman Altura standing there at a respectful distance. Altura had impressed her during his final exam, but then again he had proved to be an excellent student, especially during the lessons he was under her tutelage.

She liked to think she was approachable even with her new responsibilities, because she knew how important it was to be there to support Cadets, for them to come to her if there were any issues, as she herself wouldn't be where she was today without the guidance of tutors, her Uncle or those she had served under during her time with the Fleet.

" Great minds think alike, Midshipman", she said softly. " I also remember that time and how exciting it was to find out which ship you'd be serving on".

When Altura thanked her for overseeing his final exam and feedback for the last term, Amelina smiled warmly. " You're most welcome; it's what I love to do, and it makes things easier when you have a Cadet who's willing to learn, willing to accept both the negatives and positives".

She might have been on a break, but that wasn't going to stop Amelina from inviting Altura to continue the conversation.

" Please join me, and tell me a bit more about yourself, and where you would ideally like to be assigned to".


== Tag Altura ==

[Loma Altura]

== Academy Gardens ==

Loma accepted the invitation with a nod of appreciation, taking a seat on the bench near the old oak tree. The cool sea breeze off the bay offered a welcome quiet after weeks of high-stress evaluations, and he took a brief moment to take in the view before answering.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Loma replied evenly. "I've always believed that if you're not willing to examine your mistakes in a simulator, you won't survive them out in the black. Your scenarios forced us to look at the environment first before relying on a tricorder readout, and that lesson stuck with me."

When she asked about his personal background and ideal posting, Loma considered his response carefully.

"Before the Academy, I spent years working heavy equipment and ship salvage. It gives you a practical appreciation for how easily things can go wrong under pressure. Ideally, I'd like to end up on an active line ship—something like a Ross or Luna-class vessel. A posting where the security detail is active, versatile, and deeply integrated into daily operations."

A small, faint smile touched the corner of his mouth before he added, "Though until the deployment board posts, I suppose I'm learning a different kind of discipline altogether—learning how to wait."

== Tag Whittaker ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

Altura quickly accepted Amelina's invitation with an appreciative nod; he didn't speak immediately, giving himself a moment before thanking her and resuming the conversation, specifically about what she'd said regarding his time as a Cadet. Lina always found it interesting to hear a Cadet's, or in this instance a Midshipman's, stance on learning and the scenarios she chose, finding a commonality in how it was better to look at the environment to trust your instincts before following the rest of the steps, as part of an away team. Sometimes you couldn't rely on technology, and while she occasionally missed being out there, setting foot on an alien world, it didn't stop her from remembering it or using it to help those about to experience it for the first time. His comment about mistakes also rang true with Lina, because as a Security officer, it wasn't just about protecting yourself; it was about the responsibilities that came with it.

" Exactly, because it's not just about your survival, and it's also why it's important to trust your instincts, because anything can happen out there, and my goal is to ensure you're as prepared as possible".

How many times had that saved her? Too many to count, if she was being honest, as Altura then answered her questions. Lina listened, absorbing the information as she would with anyone. His background told Lina a lot because Altura wasn't a first-timer; he had been out there and seen it for himself, so he had a better understanding than most. It would stand him in good stead, as he then added that he was learning how to wait, which again wasn't a bad thing.

" Your previous experience has been and will continue to be beneficial to you as you embark on the next phase, and I get why you want to be somewhere active, because I've done that myself, and I wouldn't be where I am today without that. As for learning how to wait, it's better to learn that now, as it's all part of the journey".


== Tag Altura ==

[Loma Altura]

Loma listened quietly as Commander Whittaker shared her perspective. Coming from a senior officer who had actually walked the line, her validation of his past experience carried real weight. He knew the difference between textbook theory and hard-earned instinct, and it was reassuring to know Starfleet recognized the value of both.

"I appreciate that, Commander," Loma said, his voice even and thoughtful. "In the salvage yards, waiting usually meant anticipating what was about to go wrong next. Here at the Academy, it's more about mental readiness—preparing yourself for whatever orders come down from the board."

He shifted slightly on the bench, relaxing his rigid stance just enough to bridge the formal gap between instructor and student, while maintaining a respectful composure. Turning his attention back to the senior officer, he looked at her with genuine curiosity.

"If I may ask a question, Ma'am..." He paused briefly, choosing not to wait for explicit permission before pressing ahead. "...what brought you back from active duty to teach? You clearly still have the instincts and passion for field security. What made you decide to step away from the front lines to train Cadets here at the Academy?"

== Tag Whittaker ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

There was a thoughtfulness Amelina recognised when Altura spoke next, comparing the differences in what waiting meant between his old life and his new one. She understood, of course, although for her personally there hadn't been that much of a change when she'd transferred from active duty to the Academy, with perhaps the exception of the dangers that often came with being out in space. She still had people to answer to, still had orders to fulfil and yet she embraced it without question or doubt. " It is, and when you do go out there, you'll adapt again, because even with everything you've learned, it never stops; there's always something new, something different, and how you handle that makes all the difference".

It's what Lina herself did when she first stepped on the Hera, and what she did now with the transition to teacher: she stayed up to date with new policies, new technology, and so forth.

Altura approached his next question with the curiosity Lina expected; he wasn't the only one to ask why she'd decided to teach instead of going back out to space, especially since she still had that passion for doing what she loved.

Her response might surprise him, but Lina knew, in her heart, she'd done the right thing, even if she missed her old life from time to time. "You're not wrong with your observation, Midshipman. I don't think you ever truly stop being a security officer. As for what brought me back, initially it was the Hera returning to Earth for a complete refit, which left me at a sort of crossroads, until I learned of my Father's retirement and frailty. You see, he's the only parent I have left, and I couldn't bring myself to leave in case something went wrong. That, and my ambition to teach, then led me to accept a position at the Academy. Don't get me wrong, I do miss it sometimes, but I know I made the right decision, as my Father's health hasn't been great as of late".



== Tag Altura ==

[Loma Altura]

Loma absorbed her words in quiet reflection, the posture of a junior officer giving way to sincere human concern. He could hear the emotional cost behind her words, and it deepened his respect for her as a person.

"Thank you for sharing that, Commander," Loma replied, his tone gentle and grounded. "It hits very close to home for me. My parents retired right here on Earth, and having them close by while at the Academy let me rebuild that connection—I've made the trip out to see them every month. Leaving Earth means I'm really going to miss having them nearby, but it reminds me how fortunate I am to still have them both."

He turned toward her fully, offering a quiet, supportive nod.

"Watching a parent struggle with their health is a heavy burden to carry, Ma'am, and I'm sorry you have to go through that. But choosing family over deep-space deployment shows real heart. The Cadets passing through your tactical classes are learning from someone who understands what true loyalty and caring look like."

== Tag Whittaker ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

Sharing this type of information was usually reserved for Miles or close friends; at the same time, Amelina didn't mind being so open and honest, especially since Altura had asked out of genuine interest and not to gain favour points. Besides, it was only natural given the trajectory of their conversation, and she could see his sincerity and concern reflected in the change of posture. When Altura spoke, with the same gentleness as before, the newly graduated Middie returned the gesture by sharing how her words had hit close to home for him, and why. She was glad to hear that he'd been able to re-establish that connection with his parents, and yes, she had suffered an enormous loss at an early age, but that didn't make her feel anything but gratitude, rather than bitterness or jealousy, just because Altura still had both parents.

" I'm happy to have shared it with you, and I'm glad that you were able to reconnect with them. Being apart from them when you get your assignment will be hard, but all I can offer is for you to make the most of every opportunity, and then you'll have so much to tell them when you get to speak to them, and while subspace calls aren't quite the same, it's such a lifeline even if you don't realise how much you need it".

Amelina learned that from the very start of her time on the Hera, and that practice continued to this day, when Miles was aboard Artemis, and whenever she wanted to speak to her Dad, Uncle and Mentor.

Altura continued, his words ringing true for Lina, and by the time he finished, she couldn't help but be moved, especially with the compliment he had given her.

" Thank you, that really means a lot to me, because it is a heavy burden, but one I carry knowing I'm doing the best I can, and teaching for me is a passion, as I'm giving back, passing on what I know, even if that isn't part of the curriculum. I'm honoured to have been your Instructor, and I know you'll do me proud, as have the other Cadets, who've gone on to great things".

She might not be a mother yet, but in some ways, she was seen as either a mother figure or a sibling when it came to guiding her students through their Academy journey, and Altura was now included in that.


== Tag Altura ==

[Loma Altura]

Loma listened quietly, a subtle, genuine smile touching his face as he absorbed her words with deep appreciation. Finding an instructor who saw the human element behind the rank had made a lasting impression on him during his time in San Francisco.

"I won't forget that advice, Ma'am," Loma said, his voice soft with sincere gratitude. "I'll make sure to keep those subspace lines open with my family back home... and I'll make sure the reports I send back reflect the standard you set for us here."

He looked down at the wooden bench between them for a brief moment, gesturing faintly toward it before meeting her eyes again.

"It makes me hope that somewhere down the road, after I've put in my time out on the line and gained some hard-won experience, I'll be fortunate enough to be someone's mentor. Maybe I'll find myself right back here in these gardens, sitting on this very bench, helping a nervous Cadet or a fresh graduate figure out their next steps, just like you did for me today."

He offered her a warm, respectful nod as he prepared to let her return to her break.

"If I can offer a future student even half the perspective and guidance you've given me today, I'll consider that a real success. Take good care of yourself and your father, Commander Whittaker. Thank you again—for the tactical lessons, your time, and everything you do here. I'll make sure to do you proud out there."

== Tag Whittaker ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

Altura vowed to uphold Lina's advice with the same sincerity he'd shown throughout their conversation. His promise also included a compliment about the standards she had set for all her Cadets, which, honestly, warmed the brunette's heart. Everything he said did, because as long as she could impart such wisdom, then Altura, like those before him, could only succeed in his endeavours. Life on board a starship was never easy, and there would be times when he struggled, but hopefully he would seek the support he needed, in whatever form that took, so he didn't implode and make costly mistakes.

" That's all I can ask, because having a good support system is invaluable, especially through the tough missions".

Lina had been lucky in that regard, but at the same time she had experienced those struggles, the emotions and everything that came with being the protectors of people, and of the ship.

When Altura silently gestured to the bench between them and spoke again, Lina smiled, liking how he was thinking that far ahead, and for someone who'd been fortunate to have two mentors in her life, she didn't think it was unachievable; in fact, she encouraged such an idea, as being a mentor could be very rewarding.

" I think that's wonderful, Mr Altura. I know how much it benefits both parties, and if you're lucky enough to experience that, then go for it".

It soon became time for them to part ways, and Lina returned the warmth reflecting from Altura; his parting words and thanks were the kind that would stay with her for a very long time.

" Thank you. I will, and please stay in touch, as I'd love to hear how you get on".


== Tag Altura ==

[Loma Altura]

"I'll hold you to that, Commander," Loma said with a genuine, heartfelt smile. "I'll make sure my first subspace log from active duty includes an update for you."

Hearing her encouragement regarding mentorship solidified something inside him. The path ahead wouldn't always be easy, but knowing an officer like Whittaker was in his corner gave him a grounded confidence he’d draw on when things got rough out in the black.

He stood up smoothly, bringing himself to attention with a crisp, respectful salute.

"Fair winds and clear skies to you and your father, Commander Whittaker. Thank you again for everything."

Loma turned and walked toward the archway leading out of the gardens, the rustle of leaves fading behind him as he stepped into the bustling courtyard, his mind now entirely focused on the starship assignment ahead.

== Tag Whittaker ==