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. ==

[Riley Wright]

Riley’s running shoes pounded against the track, her breath coming steady as the cool afternoon breeze caught the loose strands of her hair. She had long since learned to turn underestimation into motivation. Her frame moved with wiry efficiency, each stride carrying her forward with purpose. Dressed in dark running tights and a fitted training top, she had rolled her sleeves high to keep cool, the faint scar on her forearm catching the light with each swing of her arm. A flicker of ink showed beneath the fabric, shifting with the motion of her stride.

Beside her, T’Varen kept pace effortlessly. The Vulcan cadet’s expression remained calm and measured, as though running laps were nothing more than a simple calculation to be solved. Clad in a simple gray top and shorts with lightweight trainers, she showed no sign of strain. Where Riley’s movements were fueled by determination and energy, T’Varen’s were precise and economical, every motion exact. Does she ever even sweat? Riley thought, half amused and half annoyed.

“You know,” Riley said between breaths, “you could at least pretend this is hard.”

The words came out between gulps of air, her tone laced with playful irritation. She leaned into the curve of the track, arms pumping harder as though the added effort alone might prove her point.

T’Varen arched an eyebrow, not breaking stride. “I find it more productive to conserve unnecessary exertion.”

Her voice was calm, unshaken, as though she were discussing the weather rather than keeping pace on a run. The steadiness only made Riley’s smirk deepen. Of course she’d say that.

“Spoken like someone who’s never had fun a day in her life,” she teased, stealing a glance at her friend as she pushed her pace.

Without missing a step, T’Varen replied, “On the contrary. I find efficiency to be quite enjoyable.”

The response was delivered so dryly that it nearly broke Riley’s rhythm. She let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head as she pressed harder into the next lap, unwilling to give her friend the satisfaction of thinking she’d rattled her. One day, I’m going to crack that calm exterior… and it’ll be glorious.

For a while, neither spoke. The only sound between them was the rhythm of their footfalls, perfectly in sync despite their contrasting styles. Riley thrived on the burn in her muscles, the sting of the air in her lungs, while T’Varen ran as though untouched by either. It was their balance — fire and calm, drive and control — and for Riley, there was no better training partner.

[Riley Wright]

Riley slowed to a jog, then finally gave in and stopped, hands braced on her knees as she caught her breath. A few steady pulls of air later, she dropped onto the grass beside the track, legs stretched out in front of her. The ache in her thighs was sharp but familiar, almost welcome. She tugged at the hem of her sleeve, rolling it higher. A flicker of the tattoo on her arm showed when she leaned forward, but she didn’t think twice about it.

T’Varen joined her a moment later, lowering herself into a seated stretch with the same precision she brought to everything. Not a hair out of place, not even a hint of strain. Riley gave her a long look, then snorted. Not even breathing heavy. Unbelievable.

“You could at least sigh a little,” Riley said, reaching for her toes. “For show, if nothing else.”

“It would be illogical to simulate fatigue I am not experiencing,” T’Varen replied, folding forward with exact control, fingers touching the soles of her shoes like it was the easiest thing in the world.

Riley huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. “Illogical. Sure. But it wouldn’t kill you to fake it once in a while. Makes you seem less… I don’t know. Alien.”

That earned her the faintest flicker of an eyebrow. “I have no need to disguise myself as approachable. Efficiency is sufficient.”

Of course it is. Riley leaned back on her hands, the grass cool under her palms, eyes tracing the path they’d just run. Her chest still rose and fell a little fast, sweat running down her temple. She glanced back at T’Varen. Still calm. Still Vulcan. “You’re telling me you don’t get even a little satisfaction from smoking me on that track?”

T’Varen didn’t answer right away. She shifted seamlessly into another stretch, posture as straight as if she’d been carved that way. “Satisfaction is irrelevant. I completed the exercise as intended.”

Riley gave her a sidelong grin. “That’s Vulcan for yes.”

The smallest pause. “That is a misinterpretation.”

Riley laughed, a real one this time, short and sharp. She shook her head and pulled one knee up to her chest, hugging it tight as her muscles cooled. One of these days I’ll catch her off guard. She won’t know what hit her.

For a while, they stretched in companionable silence. The only sound between them was the shift of fabric, the scrape of shoes against the grass. Different as they were, Riley liked the balance of it. She needed the push, the reminder that there was always another step to take. And if she had to put up with Vulcan logic to get there… well, she’d survive.

[Riley Wright]

Riley eased back into one last stretch, then let herself sprawl onto the grass with a quiet groan. The ground was cool against her back, a welcome contrast to the heat still rolling through her muscles. After a moment she pushed herself upright and grabbed the water bottle she’d dropped nearby, twisting the cap off and taking a long drink. The cool water hit the spot, and she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before setting the bottle down again.

T’Varen had already transitioned neatly into another stretch, unhurried, precise. Riley shook her head with a grin. Still looks like she could run ten more laps without blinking.

“You know,” Riley said, catching her breath, “we should head to the cafeteria. Get something before I collapse. No more drills today, so we might as well enjoy it.” She took another sip from her bottle, then gave T’Varen a sideways smirk. “Unless, of course, snacks are illogical too.”

T’Varen straightened slowly, adjusting her posture with her usual composure. “Snacks are unnecessary. However… nutritional replenishment following exertion is advisable.”

Riley laughed, shaking her head. “Right. Nutritional replenishment. Call it what you want — I call it food.”

They gathered their things and made their way across campus. The sun hung low, casting long shadows between the white stone buildings. Cadets passed by in small groups, some still in workout gear, others heading back to dorms or holodeck sessions. Riley adjusted her water bottle under her arm and felt the comfortable heaviness in her legs with each step. Earned soreness. The good kind.

The cafeteria was quieter at this hour, most of the rush already gone. The scent of replicated meals mingled in the air, a dozen flavors at once, not all of them pleasant. Riley headed straight for the line, grabbing a tray and scanning the options. “So,” she said, glancing back at T’Varen, “nutritional replenishment. What’s it gonna be? Vulcan plomeek broth? One of those bland protein blocks you like so much?”

T’Varen accepted her own tray, unruffled. “Plomeek broth would be sufficient.”

Riley gave her a look. “Sufficient? After running half the Academy grounds, that’s the best you can do? Come on. Live a little. Get some pasta. Maybe even dessert.”

“I fail to see how overindulgence constitutes ‘living,’” T’Varen replied, placing her tray down with exactness as she chose a small, balanced portion of vegetables.

Riley rolled her eyes and went for the pasta option, adding a roll and — after a pause — a slice of cake to her tray. “See, this is why we balance each other out,” she said with a grin. “You keep me disciplined, and I remind you food can actually taste good.”

They found a table by the window. Riley dug in, hunger overruling her usual restraint. Between bites, she glanced at T’Varen, who was eating with measured calm, as though even dinner was an exercise in control. One of these days, I’ll get her to try something that isn’t green or flavorless.

“You know,” Riley said, nudging her fork toward the cake, “I’m pretty sure enjoying a dessert now and then won’t ruin your efficiency.”

T’Varen raised an eyebrow. “I remain unconvinced.”

Riley smirked and took a bite of the cake, exaggerating her satisfied hum just enough to be obnoxious. “Suit yourself. More for me.”

[Riley Wright]

They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, the clatter of trays and low murmur of other cadets filling the background. Riley twirled a forkful of pasta, leaning back in her chair as she chewed thoughtfully. The cake sat half-finished at the edge of her tray, an unspoken temptation she knew she’d give in to sooner or later.

Her gaze drifted past the window, out toward the dusky sky. The faint glow of San Francisco’s skyline bled into the horizon, the Golden Gate Bridge silhouetted in the distance. It tugged at something that had been sitting in the back of her mind for weeks now. Graduation’s coming. Real ships, real assignments. No more safety net. She let the thought settle, heavier than she liked to admit.

“You ever think about where we’ll end up?” she asked finally, stabbing her fork into another bite. “Could be anywhere. Border patrol, deep-space exploration, security on some science ship. Part of me’s excited… and part of me’s wondering if I’m ready.”

T’Varen set down her utensil with care before replying. “Statistically, cadets are assigned based on both performance and need. To speculate beyond that serves little purpose.”

Riley smirked faintly. “Yeah, but don’t you ever wonder? What kind of crew you’ll get stuck with? What sort of captain you’ll be reporting to?” She shook her head and nudged the cake with her fork. “Feels like everything we’ve done here has been the warm-up. The real thing’s just around the corner.”

And what if I screw it up? What if I’m not good enough out there? The thought slipped in, quiet and unwelcome, lingering longer than she liked. She reached for her water, swallowing down more than just thirst. Out loud, she added with a grin, “Whatever happens, I’m betting I’ll end up with more bruises than you. That’s a safe statistic.”

T’Varen regarded her evenly. “Your concern is unfounded. You have demonstrated both competence and adaptability. Regardless of where you are assigned, you will serve effectively. Bruises are not indicative of failure — merely exertion.”

Riley blinked, then let out a short laugh. “That’s probably the closest thing to a pep talk I’ll ever get out of you.” She twirled her pasta again, chewing before she added, “For the record, though… if I had the choice? I’d want to end up on something mid-sized. Not so big I disappear into the crowd, not so small it feels like a shuttle crew. The kind of ship where Security actually matters.”

She shrugged, finally pulling the cake closer and carving off another bite. “Guess we’ll see if the brass agrees with me.”

For a moment she let the silence hang, then tilted her head toward T’Varen. “So what about you? Don’t give me the ‘statistical’ answer again. Where would you want to be?”

T’Varen calmly continued eating, unbothered by the question.

Riley narrowed her eyes, leaning forward slightly. “Come on. You’ve thought about it. Everyone has. Even you.”

“It is irrelevant,” T’Varen said at last, tone flat.

“That’s not an answer,” Riley countered, jabbing her fork lightly in T’Varen’s direction. “Humor me.”

There was a pause — long enough that Riley thought she’d lost the argument — before T’Varen finally inclined her head. “If pressed, I would consider an exploratory assignment preferable. The pursuit of knowledge aligns with both my discipline and my interests.”

Riley leaned back in her chair with a victorious grin. “Knew it. Took some digging, but I got it out of you.” She scooped up the last bite of cake and added, “Guess that makes us a good team already — I drag answers out of you, you keep me from doing something reckless.”

For a while they ate quietly again, the easy rhythm between them settling back in. Riley set her fork down, resting her elbows on the table as she studied her friend. “You know… when we graduate, there’s a good chance we won’t end up on the same ship.”

T’Varen gave a slight nod. “That is likely.”

Riley tilted her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “So… would you miss me?”

T’Varen’s eyes lifted to meet hers, unreadable as always. She took a measured sip of water before answering. “Vulcans do not experience ‘missing’ in the emotional sense. However—” her brow lifted ever so slightly, “—I would acknowledge the absence of your presence.”

Riley barked a short laugh, leaning back in her chair. “That’s Vulcan for yes.”

But even as she said it, her grin softened a touch. And I’d miss you too, she admitted silently, though she left the words unspoken.

[A’kilees]

It was definitely pretty late to arrive at the cafeteria that evening. The swimming practice meet with the team had taken up most of A’kilees’ afternoon as he and a few members of the team headed towards a large open table for some late night meals. Most cadets had cleared out but a number of lingerers remained filling the room with soft echoed murmuring, complimented with fragrances of various dinners and evening treats. The entourage consisted of Andrea Devibeck, a human from a city called Vancouver, the two Bajoran siblings Asi and Kufa Vov from the colonies on Bajor VIII, and the Rigelian, Taadun.

"Can't believe I messed up on that last strech. If I had pushed off the wall a bit cleaner I would have beaten Kiso for sure that time." complained Asi as she collapsed in her chair as the others found their place at the table.

"Your chances are running out to beat her sister." Kufa remarked as he sat down beside her patting her back. "Sooner or later you'll all be finished with your examinations and assigned to your stations leaving me behind."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Asi jokingly retorted to her younger sibling "Aren't you the "Prince of the Swim Team"? What about your little fan club? They'd be devastated to have you be wisked away to an unknown place in the galaxy too soon" she said with a smile. A number of chuckles came from around the table.

"I'm pretty sure it's because of those boyish good looks he still has" Taadun remarked. It was true, Kufa was two years behind the other members of the table and had gained quite a following of cadets who regularly came to watch our meets. Most found them loud and distracting but A'kilees found their cheering encouraging, even if they weren't meant for him.

"What are we getting? asked Kufa quickly drawing attention away from himself as the subject as he got up and headed towards the replicators. "Is that soup bowl still available? I'll grab a couple bowls if everyone is ok with that?"

"Ramen, Kufa! It's called ramen!" Andrea called out as he walked away. "Speaking of graduation" as she turned towards the rest of the remaining group "Has everyone considered about their placements? You know that they're going to consider our requests." she said as she looked around the table curiously. 

"That's easy." Taadan boasted. "The Aquilia under Captian Brooks. That's a real startship and a real captian, plenty of action and a place to make a name for myself. Captain Taadan, at your service!" he said loudly as he attempted to look disginuished with a grin on his face. This was also met by a number of chuckles from the table and from nearby listeners.

Asi looked up from her arms on the table. "Looking to be stationed at Deep Space Nine to be helping out back home in the colonies. Hoping to use what I've learned about agriculture to improve efficency. It'll also be good to be close to my family."

Andrea looked over at the saurian. "What about you A'kilees? Any thoughts on your placement?" 

This was a difficult question for him as of late. A'kilees had considered a number of options but in truth he hadn't chosen quite yet. Sure his engineering talents would be welcome anywhere but yet the answer still eluded him.

"I um, not entirely sure to be honest Andrea." he admitted "I had also considered the Aquilia myself but *click click* other vessels like the Zephyr and the *click* Yeager are good options too. All *clickclick* ergonomically designed, great ships all of them and..."

"Still obessing over starships over your examinations again A'kilees?" Asi asked.

"Can't get into the Design Bureau if one isn't obessed with starships Asi." A'kilees retorted "No, I can make a decision before my examinations are over. As long as it's a good starship I will be happy, first that, then making my own." He meant that too, his indecision was one thing so how could he complain when any choice meant he would be on a starship? He had worked hard for this, years at school on Sauria and at the Academy, at this point his first goal was right there he could nearly touch it.

"If you design and build those ships A'kilees, I'm sure they'll fly" encouraged Andrea with a smile as Kufa carrying a tray of steaming bowls placed their meals upon the table. Coming from Andrea, another talented engineering cadet at Starfleet, this meant a lot. 

A'kilees reached out and grabbed a bowl and began to eat happily with the compliment. Soon the table was filled with chatter, idle gossip and laughter, alibet full of noodles in each others mouths until late into the night. Moments like these will to be missed in the future A'kilees thought to himself as he slupped up the miso broth from the bowl, but more exiting things were bound to happen soon.

[Riley Wright]

== Graduation Day ==

The Academy courtyard buzzed with energy, cadets in crisp dress uniforms spilling out of the hall where the ceremony had just ended. The gray fabric caught the afternoon light, accented by the division colors that lined each seam — Riley’s orange piping standing out sharp against the clean lines of her jacket.

Her cap was tucked neatly under one arm, while her other hand lifted almost without thought to her collar. Fingers brushed over the smooth black pip, the new weight of it both strange and solid against the fabric. She lingered on it for a second, as though confirming it was really there — as though touching it helped prove this wasn’t just another exercise or dream. Graduated. Finally. The thought sat heavy in her chest, pride and nerves tangled together. Years of bruises, study sessions, and endless drills had all led to this — no more cadet stripes, no more training wheels. From this moment forward, she was Starfleet.

Around her, classmates embraced family, laughed with friends, and clustered for holo-images. Riley allowed herself a small smile, though her stomach tightened with each passing second. She’d earned this, yes — but what came next was still a question mark.

Beside her, T’Varen stood as steady as ever, her own uniform immaculate, every line in place. Vulcan calm in the middle of the whirlwind. Riley nudged her lightly with an elbow. “So, how’s it feel? Officially Starfleet now. No more cadet excuses when you outpace me on the track.”

T’Varen turned her head just enough to meet Riley’s eyes. “I will endeavor to maintain my performance regardless of title.”

Riley huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Of course you will. That’s such a Vulcan answer.” She glanced down at her boots, then back up at her friend. “Still… weird, isn’t it? All those years, and it’s done. Just like that.”

T’Varen inclined her head, voice steady. “Completion of training is not the end, Riley. It is the beginning.”

Riley exhaled slowly, lips quirking into a faint smile. “Yeah… you’re right. Doesn’t make it any less strange, though.”

The words replayed in her head even as the noise of the courtyard pressed in again. Riley. It was the first time T’Varen had ever used her first name instead of “Wright.” Normally Vulcan formality kept everything at arm’s length, clean and precise. Hearing her own name — just her name — from T’Varen’s lips landed heavier than she’d expected. Guess I wasn’t the only one who changed at the Academy.

She felt a smirk tug at the corner of her mouth, one she let linger for only a heartbeat before smoothing it away. No point in letting T’Varen see how much it had landed.

A new voice cut through the crowd. One Riley knew instantly.

“Not bad, Wright. Not bad at all.”

Her head snapped up, eyes locking on the broad-shouldered figure weaving through the cadets. Javier Torres — the officer she’d looked up to since she first decided Security was her path — was making his way toward them, his own dress uniform carrying the weight of experience hers still lacked.

For a second, Riley forgot how to breathe. He came.

“Sir,” she managed quickly, straightening before she could stop herself. The grin tugging at her lips was impossible to fight back. “Didn’t think you’d—”

“Miss one of my protégés graduating?” Torres finished for her, clasping her shoulder with a firm, approving grip. “Not a chance.” His gaze swept over her, then shifted to T’Varen with equal respect. “Both of you did yourselves proud today. Academy’s one thing — the Fleet’s another. But you’re ready.”

Riley’s chest swelled, the knot of nerves easing just a fraction at his words. Ready. He actually thinks I’m ready.

Torres let his hand fall, folding both behind his back as his tone shifted — still warm, but with the weight of a lesson beneath it. “Remember this: out there, it’s not just about drills or perfect form. It’s about the people beside you. Trust your crew, even when you don’t fully understand them. And never let fear keep you from doing your job — fear’s just proof you care enough to get it right.”

Riley held his gaze, the words sinking deeper than she’d admit out loud. She gave a firm nod. “Yes, sir.”

Torres’s smile deepened, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Good. Then you’ll do fine. Both of you will.”

[A’kilees]

==Lounge==

"There are a number of radiations and substances that prevent transporters from working such as kelbonite. Name three other reasons." A'kilees looked up from his PADD at Andrea and gave a slight smirk.

"Magnesite, *gwark* Thoron radiation and dampening fields." A'kilees replied

"That's correct, your turn again." insisted Andrea trying to anticipate the next question. They had spent the last two hours sitting in two lounge chairs chatting and reviewing for the engineering exam and both had been equally matched, testing each other on questions. While the examinations in the holodecks were more exciting for A’kilees and the other cadets, the written practicum was no less important.

"How would you stabilize the torque buffer on a *click* impulse engine?" asked A’kilees

"By compensating with the impulse response filters. C’mon that was an easy one." complained Andrea “I know you have harder questions for me.”

“Yes but I’m out of questions, completely beat and I have more holodeck training tomorrow. I promise that we can do this another time.” A’kilees said as he packed up his stuff and placed it into his side bag. Andrea gave the saurian a disappointed look.

“You want to meet up for dinner later?” she asked as she got up and began to pack up herself “I’m supposed to meet up with Sain for Pok tar later and she’s happy for you to join.” While that did sound appealing, A’kilees shook his head.

“I appreciate *gwar* the offer but I think I’m going to pass tonight. Send my best to Sain though.” he said as he waved and walked away. Andrea smiled and returned the wave and headed towards the cafeteria. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to join his friend for vulcan food, he was still wondering about his future placement after graduation. His previous meeting with his swim meet members was still lingering in the back of his mind and they had been so confident in their paths. Unsureness wasn’t usual for him but then this decision would dictate the future of his career and aspirations at Starfleet. A’kilees opened up his PADD and began writing a message.

[Hello H’ektor, hope everything is going well with you on Sauria. I was pleased to hear from your last message that the shield development project has been progressing well. Currently in the final stages of the examination period, expecting to graduate and be to be assigned to a vessel soon. Feeling a bit overwhelmed about the prospects to be honest. I hope we can organize to talk directly soon. Be well, brother.]