"That was my intention, Ma'am." She nods, beginning to walk toward the desk. "However, on the crew postings I read this morning, I am also assigned to the Helm position. I am concerned, Captain, as this would not be a logical assignment for me. I am not extensively trained in piloting of any sort. I fear there may have been some kind of mistake."

She then stands, arms at her sides, in front of her captain, awaiting her orders

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"What have you hear about our mission?"

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She blinks. What the hell does that have to do with the huge farce that is her trying to pilot a starship? She lowers her eyes a moment.

"I was told by my superiors this was a Border Patrol vessel that required a Navigator, Captain. I have studied the Klingon/Romulan conflict for some time, and so I was assigned to assist."

She raises her right eyebrow slightly. "Is that incorrect?"

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"Only slightly. Ever see an old map from Earth? the ones that say 'here there be dragons?'" She brings up a map of the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and the Romulan Empire in 3-dimensions.

"Here- " She moves her hand under the rough egg- shapes making up making up the Klingon and Romulan Empires. "There be dragons."

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"A very curious expression." T'Pali's eyes dart around the map for a moment, even though she has seen it, and some slightly more biased.

"That is where we are to be patroling?" Her dark eyes glance to the Captain's, careful to not give off even the slightest hint she understands where that is and its significance.

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"Patrolling? Not really. We will be mapping this uncharted terrain which, due to inter-stellar phenomena, much of which has not been documented, is very difficult to traverse -" She turns off the screen. "For a standard helmsman."

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T'Pali stands at her full height, comprehending the implications of the Captain's words.

"I see. I was misinformed." She leans her head to one side before pressing forward. "Given the proper equipment, Captain, I assure you I will have no problem performing my duties. I am thoroughly and properly trained in Astrogation and Stellar Cartography.

"However, I am not thoroughly trained to pilot this particular class of starship. I believe it would be wise to assign someone with more skill with a Nebula-class vessel. If you do not object, I could look through the crew files to select a more appropriate candidate."

Breath, Jera... Just breath. That's totally what Spock would say.

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"Denied. Of the 200 people on this ship, I have confidence in your ability to meet this challenge based on your record and studies. We have a holodeck. If your basic skills need an upgrade, please use the time we have to practice."

She gets up from the desk. "I don't need a skilled helmsman for this journey. I need one unhampered by expectation. An uncarved block, if you will."

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She blinks, but does not move otherwise.

"Yes, Captain."

She bows slightly and then waits for further instructions or to be dismissed. Inside, she is afraid...

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"Is there anything else, Ensign?"

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"No, Ma'am. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice."

She bows again and turns to leave.

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