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...System Loading...Bethany O'Neal...0%

Starfleet Academy was much larger than Bethany had anticipated as she stood off to the side staring at the map of campus. It seemed no matter which way she went she always ended up further and further from her destination. The lady had made navigating the campus sound relatively easy during freshman orientation, but Bethany was sure now that she would remain lost forever.

She wasn't used to being out on her own. Her parent's having sheltered her most of her life it seemed a miracle that they let her apply to work as far away from them as possible. It had always been a dream of hers to see the stars and now thanks to all of her hard work she was ready to face the unknown. One could only hope the unknown was ready to face her.

Bethany looked down at the amount of stuff she brought with her and knew instantly that she had over packed. Her mother had made sure to bring extra of probably everything. She was eternally grateful to have a mother who cared, but Bethany did wish she had taken up her parent's offer to help her. It would have been much easier as she tried to navigate the rather large campus.

The young girl was currently trying and failing to locate her dorm room. It said on her paperwork that it was on the west side of the campus, but it wasn't like there was a compass pointing North. She stood typing something into her cell phone becoming fed up with the piece of technology. Letting out a slight huff she walked towards the nearest person and simply asked for directions.

"Well for starters you are on the east side of campus," The man said in amusement. "Your specific dorm is located in the blue building next to the Medical Library and Training Area."

"I'm terrible with directions," Bethany replied before looking down at her cell phone and feeling her cheeks heat up in embarrassment, "and technology."

The man chuckled before holding his hand out, "No kidding."

Bethany didn't hesitate to accept his silent request to help her and handed him her phone. She watched in relief as he adjusted the map in relation to where he was standing. In two minutes the unknown cadet was able to fix what would have taken Bethany hours to do. When he finally handed her phone back clear directions had been inputted and Bethany knew exactly where it was she needed to go.

"Thank you so much," Bethany said, giving the man an appreciative nod.

"No problem. Anytime you get lost just let me know and I'll navigate you in the right direction." The man replied.

"I'm sorry I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Bethany O'Neal."

"Hikaru Sulu."

Bethany sent a small wave to Hikaru before hurrying over towards her dorm. She already knew she was late to meet her roommate and didn't want to cause any more trouble for the senior cadets. She also didn't want to miss out on the event they were holding for the incoming freshmen. Bethany made her way across campus as fast as she could and soon found herself standing in front of her room.

It was an insignificant moment in time for Bethany to finally make it to her destination, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. It wasn't often that she got something right on the second try that wasn't medical related. She was used to things being handed to her on a silver platter. Bethany didn't want to be that girl anymore. She wanted to work for what she wanted and thrive off of whatever benefits she received in doing so.

Bethany wasted no time as she consulted her paperwork for the combination of her room. She was relieved to only see four numbers: 2647. It should have been easy to enter, but alas technology would win this round. On her fourth try, she had become fed up with yet another piece of technology and was ready to resort to drastic measures when her communicator went off. Tegan O'Neal's name flashed across the screen.

"Yes, Dad?"

"Did you get lost?"

Bethany smiled, "How'd you know?"

She heard him chuckle on the other end, "I know my daughter. Plus your mom wanted me to check up on her favorite nurse."

"Of course mom would worry about her baby." Bethany sighed. "Typical."

"Where are you now?" Carson asked.

"Outside my dorm."

"Why aren't you inside your dorm?"

Bethany froze as she realized her mistake. Her parents were overprotective of their only child and only wanted the best for her. It also meant that they knew her the best. She took this chance to not only prove to them that she was a capable adult but to herself as well. She knew if she didn't achieve a good assignment after she finished her studies her parents would call her a failure. It would lead to her being taken straight home.

Bethany mumbled something into her communicator before shutting it off quickly. She had to get into her room. She punched in the key again, but this time included a pound before the numbers. The door whooshed open and Bethany fisted pumped the air only to receive some weird looks. She ignored them however and proceeded to enter her dorm.

Her new home.

It was both exciting and terrifying to be on her own, but she was never one to stray from a challenge. She set down her luggage and began taking in the small room that would be her place of sanctuary. It was a small room with two twin beds on opposite sides of the room. The walls were painted a creamy white color and two small dressers were facing opposite the twin beds. The room was exactly as she had pictured. Small but functional.

Just as Bethany made a move to sit on the bed closest to the window an older woman came through the door, "That's my side, newbie."