The young ensign paused, surprised that the captain would take an interest in her, a junior officer only on her second assignment out of the academy ...  She felt as though she should pinch her arm to be certain she wasn't daydreaming but if she wasn't that would hardly look professional.<br/><br/>Clearing her voice to make sure it was still with her she began to respond.  "Oh ... yes, sir ..." where to begin?  "I grew up on a cargo ship with my father, jumping from system to system.  He started teaching me how to fly when I was seven.  Spent most of my life in space up until I was 13 ..." her voice trailed off a little as if she was trying to decide whether or not she wanted to continue.<br/><br/>"Our ship was caught in some crossfire and my father didn't make it.  After that I went to live with my aunt on Earth but I quickly discovered life on the ground isn't really for me.  Soon as I was old enough I took the entrance exams for the academy and the rest is history.  Got onto Red Squadron ... first assignment was on the USS Kelvin ... and now I'm here," Cate said the last bit almost wistfully, her hand instinctively caressing the arm of her chair with affection.  A soft sweet smile spread across her porcelain face as she looked up at the captain, a mixture of self consciousness and youthful excitement.