A Most Unusual Pilot (part 2)

Posted on Mon Mar 25th, 2019 @ 3:23am by Lieutenant Quint & Grace Winters PhD
Edited on on Mon Mar 25th, 2019 @ 1:16pm

1,024 words; about a 5 minute read

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"This is a first, I never had a test before an evaluation." Quint admitted with a grin. "Glad this is a give me type test, I get nervous with written tests."

[NEW]

"It gives you a chance to settle down before we talk," Grace said. "And you do know I don't bite."

"You know I am; as you Hue-mons say, a sucker for good conversation." Quint agreed. "And always with a female willing to give me the time."

That made Grace laugh. "Take the test, then we'll talk while the computer processes it and compares it to your previous evaluations. I doubt there will be any problems, so just consider this a formality only."

"As you wish." He started to fill out the Generic Questions. "I do not have to give my banking records do I?"

"No. Not here, anyway. I just want your mental accounts." She smiled. "Don't take that at face value. I just want to verify your mental health."

"You have a leg up on most counselors I have encountered; they seem to think I am not a 'normal' Ferengi; that my personality is; and I quote, 'A far divergence from the average example of the Ferengi race." He shrugged. "I still use the Rules of Acquisition; just expanded parameters of interpretation. There are many types of Profit you know depending upon the chosen market." He commented while doing the questions; hesitated and looked to Grace. "What does how I see the science or Relig-ion as a basis for my views on the universe mean anything?"

"First of all, you are not a typical Ferengi. But then, stereotypes are seldom accurate. Those who tend to eschew the norm often have better mental health. As for the question, many humanoids believe in some form of religion while others believe in science alone. If either influences your world view, then mark accordingly."

"Skip that... next." Quint went on with the test. "Just a few more moments here, this is quite inquisitive." Quint gave full concentration for the last few questions.

Grace waited quietly, using the time to go over some reports she had to fill out to get officially set up.

"That should do it; all that I can recall honestly or under oath." He put his thumb to sign and handed it to Grace. "Though how you make sense of the possible answers is likely why you have excelled, few people Statistically could?"

"That's what I went to school for," she replied, smiling. "Well, partly, anyway. So, tell me why you chose Starfleet."

"They have the best ships and I get to fly them at no cost." He replied honestly.

"That's a good point. The Grand Nagus can't ask for a cut, either. Apart from people thinking you should be working for profit like a typical Ferengi, what other observations do you have about living and working in the Federation?"

"There are more opportunities for alternate means of profit and the Grand Nagus only wants the obvious one I do not implore..." He shrugged his shoulders. "I find I do not have the same encumbrances as most other Ferengi." He told her. "Plus I find hue-mons... and others very interesting; finding what they hold profitable and cherish as valuable to them." And his expression paused. "Also I have found that some think that emotional connections are worth more than profit which is another whole vantage point to explore that I never would have imagined had value."

"That's fascinating," Grace said. "You have a perspective that most humans do not understand, which allows you to better understand and appreciate them and your differences."

"Does that mean I am getting a good grade so far?" Quint asked. "I thought this an obvious vantage, you almost make it sound as though Hue-mons do not understand other Hue-mons?"

"This is more a pass/fail than a grading situation," she said. "And yes, many humans do not understand themselves, let alone others."

"Then I am not so far behind thew curve as Hue-mons often compare?" He nod. "I like others than my own people; not being obsessed with One thing does make for better conversations and more profitable interactions on the physical as well as an emotional level. Many of the peers in my rank like to use probabilities; gamble on just about any stake to prove themselves, I find this practice most profitable."

"Interesting. So, you find ways to use the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition while following Starfleet's regulations."

"It is quite easy; there are of course adaptations that are not allowed in the Federation; as with ANY business..." He hesitated. "Business 'person' rather than the only male connotation of the Ferengi Rules." He explained. "Also it is not wise to sleep with a superior for advancement or profit." He shrugged. "However; knowing about a person before they are part of your professional life; like the reputation and personal accessible information on the Command Crew before coming aboard so to be able to best interact with them is not unlike the rule to know your customer before they enter your business?" He shrugged again. "Is that a proper answer to show how I adapt and use the standard Rules to profit here?"

"Yes, it's a proper answer," Grace assured him. She pulled the results of the test out of the computer and scanned the answers. They weren't typical, but then, neither was Quint. "Since I know what your last posting was, I don't need to ask you about it. Nor do I really need to ask more than I already have." She held up the PADD. "This is all I need for your files, so we can call this good for now."

"I do thank you for your understanding." Quint said honestly. "You have made this very easy to follow the procedure. If there are further needs for your professional evaluation of me I promise not to be so stubborn."

"Good. Otherwise, I will have to hunt you down." She grinned. "Now you can escape and console yourself with a drink or something."

____
OFF

Lieutenant Quint
Chief Flight Control Officer

Grace Winters
Diplomat & Counselor

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