Mission 1: The USS Mihoshi
Replying to Teala: #42
Alex gives a smile in return, "Usually we would throw a toast or small party for celebrating a first. Congratulations on your first star ship mission then."
Alex shakes his head, "Well, hmm, plenty of tales, some good, some bad and some tragic. After all, we are the sum of our experiences, our upbringing and moral code. Let me see, I was raised on Earth, showed early promise in the sciences and technology. My father had impressed upon me to work and study hard to achieve success. During the later tests I had natural aptitude for biology, and felt a calling into the medical disciplines. I don't know how to describe it, but for me I wanted to absorb the fascinating literature about how our bodies are made, how the various systems work in a harmony to achieve homeostasis. The amazing thing is this process is replicated in all carbon based life-forms. Sure, some species have variations on the theme, an extra organ, or different adaptation, but all of us have to worry about living and dying. I found that with knowledge you could cure an illness, stop and reverse the process that could kill someone."
He looks at Teala with a bit of a fire, "The knowledge that we can help another person have another precious moment of life, that drives me forward to help those within reason. If I had had that knowledge in my younger years, I could have saved my friend, Steve's, life. Simple knowledge to sustain him till medical services arrived, but that is why I do it. Steve. Without knowing it, tragic events spur us to become better ourselves." He gives a slightly pained expression as the memory of Steve flashes through his mind, and his body naturally causes a tear to form. Alex clears his throat a little uncomfortably, obviously not used to opening up like that. "Sorry, I'm usually a little more controlled, but I suppose this proves I am human after all."
Moving a hand to wipe the stray tear, "Ah, hope I didn't make you uncomfortable, you wanted a tale not a complete saga from me in one sitting." Obviously redirecting, "Are you planning on celebrating your first mission? Or shall we plan something for you when we get back to the station?"