Dammit man, I'm a bonbon, not a marshmallow!
CIVILIAN LIFE:
Q1. Name: Shadows
Q2. How did you find out about Elite of the Fleet? I read about it in ontd_startrek, on which I lurked before joining Livejournal.
Q3. When did you first become interested in Star Trek? I began to read up on the fandom in preparation for seeing the 2009 movie, and found that it really fascinated me. Truth be told, I've always been fascinated by concepts like space travel and alien encounters, reading and researching every chance I had. Star Trek fit right in with those interests. Yes, I am a nerd and proud of it.
Q4. Why have you decided to join Elite of the Fleet? It seems like a really fun, dynamic community to which I could be a positive contributor. I'm also always on the lookout for people who share my interests, and I'd fit right in here!
Q5. Who is your favourite Star Trek character? It's a toss-up between Spock and McCoy. I can see parts of myself in both of them - in Spock's logic and tendency to shut his emotions down, and in McCoy's snarkiness and occasional outbursts of temper. Actually, I've been compared to Spock more than once.
Q6. And the least? Wesley Crusher. I find his ability to do "anything" rather annoying - it speaks of narrow-mindedness on the writers' parts, and/or an unwillingness to give his character any weaknesses.
Q7. Which television (or film) series is your favourite? The Original Series. It's full of fresh plotlines, and I like the cast of characters. As a latecomer Trekkie, I haven't had the opportunity to watch many episodes (my computer is allergic to them), but in my opinion, it's the most timeless of the five.
STARFLEET LIFE:
Q8. What do you hope to gain from your service in Starfleet? It's really more a question of what I can give. In my town, I've never really been able to use my skills to their fullest, i.e. helping others, making discoveries, proposing ideas, etc. - opportunities like that are few and far between. I'd like to challenge myself, both mentally and physically, and sharpen my interpersonal skills while sharing knowledge with others.
Q9. Is there any occupation in Starfleet you feel you would be particularly unsuited for? Not particularly. All of them sound appealing - however, I tend to get lost fairly easily, so I probably wouldn't make a good navigator.
Q10. The four current Academic Tracks at the Academy are Tactics, Operations, Exploratory Sciences and Medical Sciences. Describe how you could be an asset to each of these departments.
Tactical:
While my sense of direction isn't perfect, I learn quickly and am skilled with computers. I've also been a leader in martial arts for several years, so I'm fairly well-versed in leadership skills.
Operations:
Languages are one of my strong points; I'm quadrilingual and can learn more. While I do tend to be clumsy, my fine motor skills are good and I'm skilled with my hands, as well as physically strong enough to work in a security position. As for diplomacy, I've studied social skills for more than ten years and can read body language and communicate in a productive way.
Exploratory Sciences:
I've always been fascinated by the sciences, especially biology and astronomy, and have a photographic memory. I can also multitask and am able to concentrate on specific, fine tasks for long periods of time without tiring.
Medical:
Ever since I was little, I've wanted to work in the medical field. The idea of using my mental capacities to be able to help and heal others is appealing, and I often find myself diagnosing my friends' illnesses in my head. My creativity would be an asset here, as I would be able to 'think outside the box' in terms of treatments and cures.
Q11. What are your top five strengths?
01. Creativity and imagination. I'm a writer by nature, and like to find ways of performing tasks that are outside the norm.
02. Observation. As someone who wasn't born gifted in 'people skills', I've had to develop new ways of observing people and their ways of communication, both verbal and nonverbal.
03. Flexibility. I'm versatile and work well with many different kinds of people on all manner of tasks.
04. Clearheadedness under pressure. I work well in crisis situations without becoming emotional or unable to continue.
05.Bravery. I've never had a problem with speaking my mind or standing up for what I believe is right.
Q12. What are your top five weaknesses?
01. Temper. While I've learned to control it over the years, my figurative fuse is shorter than it should be, and I get angry more often than I should.
02. Literalism. I tend to take people at their word, which can be awkward and lead to misunderstandings.
03.Judgment. I do try to control it, but I often judge people from first impressions.
04. Stubbornness. My opinion is only 'settled' on a few issues, but it can't be changed easily.
05.Introspectiveness. I like to spend time on my own, and sometimes find it difficult (because of early experiences) to engage in social activities.
Q13. What is your biggest fear? Most of all, I'm afraid of losing control - of finding myself in a situation from which I can't escape (both physically and otherwise). I still can't drive above forty miles per hour without stiffening up!
Q14. Do you consider yourself to be a leader, or a follower? I consider myself to be a leader, I think. I'm never content to follow the crowd or to allow good ideas to go unheard, and I'm good at gathering people.
Q15. What do you admire the most in your peers? I admire their freedom, I think - their lighter outlook on life.
Q16. You are stranded on a Class M planet that has not been mapped by The Federation. You are only allowed to choose two of the following items to keep with you: a phaser, a tricorder or a communicator. Which two would you choose to have?
I would choose to keep a tricorder and a communicator with me. A communicator would leave me able to communicate with my ship, and to ask for help from others. With a tricorder, I would be able to scan the planet's surface and analyze the data I found. Besides, if I chose a phaser, I might accidentally harm a sentient being or harmless lifeform.
Q17. Please describe your understanding of the Federation’s Prime Directive.
As much as possible, one should refrain from interfering in the cultures, traditions, timelines, and/or evolutionary tracks of any planet or civilization.
Q18. The United Federation of Planets includes more than 150 member planets, and the galaxy has many more besides. Which planet do you most want to visit? I'd love to visit Andoria. I find the Andorian culture really interesting, and would welcome the opportunity to explore that of both Andorians and the Aenar. Also, I've always liked cold worlds more than hot worlds, and Andoria is beautiful.
________________________________
KOBAYASHI MARU:
The following questions describe situations you may commonly find yourself in as a member of Starfleet. You will be read the scenario, and then given two options to choose from. You may expand upon the reasons for your choice, but you must indicate one of the two that you feel best describes your likely response to the situation provided.
Q19. Service in the Fleet can be draining at the best of times, and on one particular day everything seems to have gone wrong. You’re exhausted, but your shift is finally over and it’s time to unwind. Your roommate is already on their bed when you get back to your quarters. Do you:
b. Say hi, then stick in some earphones for music or grab a PADD for some recreational reading. A lie-down sounds pretty good right now, or maybe a bit of time relaxing on the observation deck - it should be pretty quiet by this time, which will give you a chance to sort through the day’s events in your head.
I like to be around other people, but when there's an opportunity for downtime, I'll usually choose to be alone with my thoughts. I take time every day to collect myself, think over the day's events, and just generally relax/enjoy myself/let down my hair.
Q20. You’ve intercepted what sounds like a pretty important transmission - you feel like the Captain needs to know. When you report, do you:
b. Give them the facts, but your interpretation and the way it fits into context is more important. The Captain wasn’t there, after all - the way you explain it could make all the difference.
From what I've experienced, if you don't make your interpretations or opinions clear, it's easy for people to misunderstand one another or for fights to start. Background information and context are of the utmost importance, and leaving them out would be irresponsible of me.
Q21. There are many decisions to be made in Starfleet, and some are harder than others. Faced with a decision where things could go wrong in any number of ways, do you:
DELETE THE APPROPRIATE ANSWER
a. Stay impersonal and objective. Weigh up the pros and cons, think out all the possibilities, and focus on the basic truths. A careful analysis of the situation will reveal the best possible choice, even though some may not approve of it.
I don't like confrontations, and like disappointing people even less, but to make the best decisions it's necessary to be as objective as possible. I would need to keep a clear head at all times in order to analyze the situation, and in order to do that, I would have to be unbiased. If I caused disapproval, I would carefully explain why I made the decision I did.
Q22. The day-to-day life of Starfleet can be quite arduous at times, and quite exciting at others. Everyone has their own way of approaching everyday work, but would others see your approach as:
a. Planned and orderly. You seem to prefer to have decisions made and matters settled, rather than hanging over your head. You appear comfortable when in control over such matters. You seem to be task-oriented, and plan ahead.
I'm not naturally organized, and that's caused some extremely unhappy moments in terms of assignments and deadlines. In order to combat that, I've had to work around my natural tendencies in order to keep as good of a handle on tasks as I can. I'm versatile, but spontaneous I am not.
Q23. You can earn 5 points for your future Track by promoting the community in your Journal. Please link the post here if you wish to do so: http://seashadows.livejournal.com/319.html
Q1. Name: Shadows
Q2. How did you find out about Elite of the Fleet? I read about it in ontd_startrek, on which I lurked before joining Livejournal.
Q3. When did you first become interested in Star Trek? I began to read up on the fandom in preparation for seeing the 2009 movie, and found that it really fascinated me. Truth be told, I've always been fascinated by concepts like space travel and alien encounters, reading and researching every chance I had. Star Trek fit right in with those interests. Yes, I am a nerd and proud of it.
Q4. Why have you decided to join Elite of the Fleet? It seems like a really fun, dynamic community to which I could be a positive contributor. I'm also always on the lookout for people who share my interests, and I'd fit right in here!
Q5. Who is your favourite Star Trek character? It's a toss-up between Spock and McCoy. I can see parts of myself in both of them - in Spock's logic and tendency to shut his emotions down, and in McCoy's snarkiness and occasional outbursts of temper. Actually, I've been compared to Spock more than once.
Q6. And the least? Wesley Crusher. I find his ability to do "anything" rather annoying - it speaks of narrow-mindedness on the writers' parts, and/or an unwillingness to give his character any weaknesses.
Q7. Which television (or film) series is your favourite? The Original Series. It's full of fresh plotlines, and I like the cast of characters. As a latecomer Trekkie, I haven't had the opportunity to watch many episodes (my computer is allergic to them), but in my opinion, it's the most timeless of the five.
STARFLEET LIFE:
Q8. What do you hope to gain from your service in Starfleet? It's really more a question of what I can give. In my town, I've never really been able to use my skills to their fullest, i.e. helping others, making discoveries, proposing ideas, etc. - opportunities like that are few and far between. I'd like to challenge myself, both mentally and physically, and sharpen my interpersonal skills while sharing knowledge with others.
Q9. Is there any occupation in Starfleet you feel you would be particularly unsuited for? Not particularly. All of them sound appealing - however, I tend to get lost fairly easily, so I probably wouldn't make a good navigator.
Q10. The four current Academic Tracks at the Academy are Tactics, Operations, Exploratory Sciences and Medical Sciences. Describe how you could be an asset to each of these departments.
Tactical:
While my sense of direction isn't perfect, I learn quickly and am skilled with computers. I've also been a leader in martial arts for several years, so I'm fairly well-versed in leadership skills.
Operations:
Languages are one of my strong points; I'm quadrilingual and can learn more. While I do tend to be clumsy, my fine motor skills are good and I'm skilled with my hands, as well as physically strong enough to work in a security position. As for diplomacy, I've studied social skills for more than ten years and can read body language and communicate in a productive way.
Exploratory Sciences:
I've always been fascinated by the sciences, especially biology and astronomy, and have a photographic memory. I can also multitask and am able to concentrate on specific, fine tasks for long periods of time without tiring.
Medical:
Ever since I was little, I've wanted to work in the medical field. The idea of using my mental capacities to be able to help and heal others is appealing, and I often find myself diagnosing my friends' illnesses in my head. My creativity would be an asset here, as I would be able to 'think outside the box' in terms of treatments and cures.
Q11. What are your top five strengths?
01. Creativity and imagination. I'm a writer by nature, and like to find ways of performing tasks that are outside the norm.
02. Observation. As someone who wasn't born gifted in 'people skills', I've had to develop new ways of observing people and their ways of communication, both verbal and nonverbal.
03. Flexibility. I'm versatile and work well with many different kinds of people on all manner of tasks.
04. Clearheadedness under pressure. I work well in crisis situations without becoming emotional or unable to continue.
05.Bravery. I've never had a problem with speaking my mind or standing up for what I believe is right.
Q12. What are your top five weaknesses?
01. Temper. While I've learned to control it over the years, my figurative fuse is shorter than it should be, and I get angry more often than I should.
02. Literalism. I tend to take people at their word, which can be awkward and lead to misunderstandings.
03.Judgment. I do try to control it, but I often judge people from first impressions.
04. Stubbornness. My opinion is only 'settled' on a few issues, but it can't be changed easily.
05.Introspectiveness. I like to spend time on my own, and sometimes find it difficult (because of early experiences) to engage in social activities.
Q13. What is your biggest fear? Most of all, I'm afraid of losing control - of finding myself in a situation from which I can't escape (both physically and otherwise). I still can't drive above forty miles per hour without stiffening up!
Q14. Do you consider yourself to be a leader, or a follower? I consider myself to be a leader, I think. I'm never content to follow the crowd or to allow good ideas to go unheard, and I'm good at gathering people.
Q15. What do you admire the most in your peers? I admire their freedom, I think - their lighter outlook on life.
Q16. You are stranded on a Class M planet that has not been mapped by The Federation. You are only allowed to choose two of the following items to keep with you: a phaser, a tricorder or a communicator. Which two would you choose to have?
I would choose to keep a tricorder and a communicator with me. A communicator would leave me able to communicate with my ship, and to ask for help from others. With a tricorder, I would be able to scan the planet's surface and analyze the data I found. Besides, if I chose a phaser, I might accidentally harm a sentient being or harmless lifeform.
Q17. Please describe your understanding of the Federation’s Prime Directive.
As much as possible, one should refrain from interfering in the cultures, traditions, timelines, and/or evolutionary tracks of any planet or civilization.
Q18. The United Federation of Planets includes more than 150 member planets, and the galaxy has many more besides. Which planet do you most want to visit? I'd love to visit Andoria. I find the Andorian culture really interesting, and would welcome the opportunity to explore that of both Andorians and the Aenar. Also, I've always liked cold worlds more than hot worlds, and Andoria is beautiful.
________________________________
KOBAYASHI MARU:
The following questions describe situations you may commonly find yourself in as a member of Starfleet. You will be read the scenario, and then given two options to choose from. You may expand upon the reasons for your choice, but you must indicate one of the two that you feel best describes your likely response to the situation provided.
Q19. Service in the Fleet can be draining at the best of times, and on one particular day everything seems to have gone wrong. You’re exhausted, but your shift is finally over and it’s time to unwind. Your roommate is already on their bed when you get back to your quarters. Do you:
b. Say hi, then stick in some earphones for music or grab a PADD for some recreational reading. A lie-down sounds pretty good right now, or maybe a bit of time relaxing on the observation deck - it should be pretty quiet by this time, which will give you a chance to sort through the day’s events in your head.
I like to be around other people, but when there's an opportunity for downtime, I'll usually choose to be alone with my thoughts. I take time every day to collect myself, think over the day's events, and just generally relax/enjoy myself/let down my hair.
Q20. You’ve intercepted what sounds like a pretty important transmission - you feel like the Captain needs to know. When you report, do you:
b. Give them the facts, but your interpretation and the way it fits into context is more important. The Captain wasn’t there, after all - the way you explain it could make all the difference.
From what I've experienced, if you don't make your interpretations or opinions clear, it's easy for people to misunderstand one another or for fights to start. Background information and context are of the utmost importance, and leaving them out would be irresponsible of me.
Q21. There are many decisions to be made in Starfleet, and some are harder than others. Faced with a decision where things could go wrong in any number of ways, do you:
DELETE THE APPROPRIATE ANSWER
a. Stay impersonal and objective. Weigh up the pros and cons, think out all the possibilities, and focus on the basic truths. A careful analysis of the situation will reveal the best possible choice, even though some may not approve of it.
I don't like confrontations, and like disappointing people even less, but to make the best decisions it's necessary to be as objective as possible. I would need to keep a clear head at all times in order to analyze the situation, and in order to do that, I would have to be unbiased. If I caused disapproval, I would carefully explain why I made the decision I did.
Q22. The day-to-day life of Starfleet can be quite arduous at times, and quite exciting at others. Everyone has their own way of approaching everyday work, but would others see your approach as:
a. Planned and orderly. You seem to prefer to have decisions made and matters settled, rather than hanging over your head. You appear comfortable when in control over such matters. You seem to be task-oriented, and plan ahead.
I'm not naturally organized, and that's caused some extremely unhappy moments in terms of assignments and deadlines. In order to combat that, I've had to work around my natural tendencies in order to keep as good of a handle on tasks as I can. I'm versatile, but spontaneous I am not.
Q23. You can earn 5 points for your future Track by promoting the community in your Journal. Please link the post here if you wish to do so: http://seashadows.livejournal.com/319.html