How To Nail An Interview In Six Easy Steps

Posted on 17 Sep 2014 @ 9:24am by Seleya Qellar Ph.D.

1,453 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 06 - Legend of Souls
Location: Starfleet HQ, Office of Science Operations, Earth
Timeline: MD09: 1300 hrs

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The lieutenant commander who sat across from her was looking particularly steely-eyed and uptight. She may have been mistaken, but it seemed even the blue-colored collar on his uniform was higher than regulation. With a lazy, disinterested look she watched his thumb tap idly at the edge of the PADD for several minutes before he finally asked the question. "Why did you choose to claim asylum in the Federation?"

"Well where else would I go?" Seleya responded immediately, scoffing as if the answer should have been a foregone conclusion. "The Klingon Empire, where they would kill me as soon as look at me? The new Cardassia, barely able to feed itself? The Breen, where you'd probably find a dagger in your back before you even cross the border?" She eased back in the chair, crossed her legs and dismissively waved her hand. "Rubbish. The Federation was the only sensible place to go. And please, spare me the false modesty for which you people are so renowned. You have finally landed yourselves at the top of the food chain, so at least do the rest of the galaxy the courtesy of acknowledging it."

The Starfleet officer made some notes on the PADD, no doubt about her combative nature, and pressed forward. "You understand, of course, that the tension between the Federation and Star Empire gave rise to some susp-"

"I was forced to flee my own people in a cargo container of grains, Lieutenant Commander Fioraso," Seleya interrupted, leaning forward toward him as she spoke heatedly. "Do you have any idea what it's like to spend a week inside a container of Ralatakian grain? I had to use a breathing apparatus for the entire journey to insure I didn't suffer any respiratory damage. It took me six months to get the smell out of my hair. My very pores were clogged with grain dust."

For just the slightest moment, her lip curled in contempt before she sat back in the chair again. "When Romulus was destroyed I could have stayed on Ralatak and faced my fate or sought a safer life elsewhere. And here I am. I renounced my allegiance to the old government after Hobus. I thought that might save me, if I committed myself to the planetary government I might be spared the horrible fate that befalls all people aligned with an old regime. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, so I made clear where my loyalties were when I arrived in Federation space. I am a Romulan, yes, but what you mistake for the fluidity of my loyalty couldn't be further from the truth. It is a fundamental misunderstanding all of you seem to have about the nature of the Romulan people. Many see us as deceitful and disloyal; instead, we are simply realists. We read the situation, and we adapt to the shifting sands of power and authority. There is nothing left for me in the so-called Star Empire. So, if you mean to question my loyalty then I'm afraid you are mistaken in doing so. You will not find a more loyal citizen of the Federation. This is my home now."

The Argelian officer looked less than convinced as he made a few more notes on the PADD in front of him. Seleya rolled her eyes when he was looking away and shifted in her chair, as if to underscore her dwindling patience with this process. Only Starfleet bureaucrats would make it so difficult for qualified scientists to join Science Ops' civilian program.

Lieutenant Commander Fioraso finished his notes and cleared his throat with some ceremony. "As I'm sure you're aware, we have some concerns regarding your ability to adapt to Starfleet's culture after spending so much of your life in Romulan society." He glanced down at the PADD briefly as if to check his facts, then looked back up at her. "For instance, this D'era ideology-"

"Yes, yes, that always comes up," Seleya said with a world-weary sigh. She sat up straighter in her chair and used a tone that made it clear she was quoting some Starfleet document. "'The ideology of D'era pervades Romulan culture. D'era means "Endless Sky" in the Romulan tongue, and it embodies a concept similar to "manifest destiny." Romulans see devotion, allegiance, discipline and fidelity as the core social virtues, and have constructed a regimented, orderly culture to maintain them. Romulan culture rewards dignity and authority; those who serve well gain prestige and the power to lead. Romulans have a cultural fondness for elaborate plans involving clever subterfuge, and their politics have a tendency to faction along family lines.' We all know your little intelligence file like the back of our hand, so please spare me the theatrics. If you have some questions related to my scientific expertise or accomplishments, then...?"

Lieutenant Commander Fioraso narrowed his eyes slightly and his jaw shifted from the clenching of teeth. "You are applying for our civilian program, is that correct?"

"Why else would I be subjecting myself to this?" Seleya shot back, casually glancing over at the window as if she had better things to do.

"You recently resigned your position as a research scientist at the Borlaug Institute for Agricultural Research in Chicago," the Argelian said. The phrase hung in the air as if there might be some related question, but none was forthcoming.

"I commend your literacy, Lieutenant Commander," Seleya quipped, turning her attention back to him from the window. She motioned toward the PADD in his hand, which no doubt contained her entire life history, and gave the hint of a smile.

Fioraso's narrowed eyes returned. "Would you like to provide some additional information as to why you decided to resign after five years of working at the institute? I'm afraid my literacy has not availed me of an answer to that particular question."

"And here I thought your people were thorough," Seleya said, giving him a sly smile. She watched him for a long moment, as if deciding whether or not to actually answer the question, then placed her hands on her knee. "Very well. I resigned from the Borlaug Institute because I was passed over for promotion three times. It seemed that after five years of scientific contributions and dedication to the institute's mission the highest position they were willing to provide me was team leader, and I have very little interest in directing a group of half competent graduate students in basic genetic manipulation. When opportunities are limited, it's important to realize when to move on."

"Agreed," the Argelian said. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to discuss your time at Cornell...."

Seleya closed her eyes, reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose and essentially stopped listening. This was already the most grueling job interview of her life, all for some lowly research position on a Starfleet ship out in the middle of nowhere, and there was no end in sight. As the lieutenant commander droned on about her accomplishments at the university, she half wondered if the purpose of the interview wasn't to actually deter people from applying to the civilian program in the first place....

"Lieutenant commander," she interrupted, bringing him up short. There was a pained expression on her face, as if she was being tortured by a member of the Obsidian Order rather than interviewed by a Starfleet officer. She leaned forward, hands on the arms of the chair as if she was ready to stand up and leave, and fixed him with a critical look. "Are you the least bit curious about my research interests? My desire to participate in the program? My goals? My posting preference? Surely you've already read and reviewed all this information about my past. And I've lived it, so I certainly don't need to pointlessly revisit it."

Fioraso's brow drew together and he turned his attention to the PADD. He looked a little confused, as if her interruption and questions had thrown him out of his rhythm and he'd lost his place. His mouth worked up and down but the only sound he made was the occasional "uh" or "um" for several long moments while he thumbed through information on the device in his hands.

"Well, yes, there are some questions here about-"

"Good, let's get to them, shall we?" Seleya said, sitting back in the chair and crossing her legs again. She tugged at the hem of her skirt to put it back into place before looking up at him, raising her eyebrows in impatience as she waited for him to get to the heart of the interview.

"Uh, yes, of course...."

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Seleya Qellar, Ph.D.
Biotechnologist
USS Galileo
[ PNPC - Mott ]

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