When fiction and reality collide! Ever wanted to join Starfleet?

[Captain Al]

I was channel surfing a few weeks ago and stopped on a TNG episode (forget which one) and was watching it when my wife came in. I told her, "I'd really like to join Starfleet. Looksl like so much fun."

She said, "But you're married and have a baby. You're not going up in space."

I pointed out, "But they had families on the Enterprise in TNG. That was part of the show."

And she countered that she didn't want to go into space.

So,

Guess I'm not joining Starfleet.

Sigh.

 

[T'Girl]

They have pills now that might help you grow back those testicles.



.

 

[sbk1234]

I'd join Starfleet, but I'd just be sure to be on some easy milk-runs that would keep me near Earth. Ideally, some kind of training ship so I could spend much of my time teaching at the academy, and only be away from my family for relatively short periods of time.

 

[froot]

If I had a nickel for every time I dreamed I was in Starfleet or was an awesome captain, I'd have enough to buy a case of Sprite. Alas.

I could settle for being a spacefaring civilian, too, I suppose. I just want to be in space!

 

[Bishop76]

They have pills now that might help you grow back those testicles.

lol - awesome - too true.

 

[Sector 7]

McCoy signed up for StarFleet after his divorce. [hint, hint] It even gained him a new nickname.

 

[Unionized Elf]

I remember when I was in my final year of high school and everyone was up on that "what do you want to do with your life?" crap. My answer was "join Starfleet," until reality reminded me there was no Starfleet. Sigh

Surprised no one has come here to bitterly inform us that if we haven't joined the military we're lying by saying we'd join Starfleet. Just as well, we could do without those buzz-kills.

 

[sbk1234]

I'm here to bitterly inform you that if you haven't joined the military you're lying by saying you'd join Starfleet. Of course, I'm just being a buzz-kill.

 

[Sector 7]

I am a combat veteran. I admit that I would still fight for the right to be first in line when StarFleet opens a recruiting office. At my age and health, admittedly it would be for an administrative position.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

I would never want to join Starfleet. First you have all that heavy duty academic work just to get through the Academy.. apparently everyone is some engineering/physics genius in the 24th century as well as attaining a classical education in literature and music. Then lets not forget the propaganda, you have to actually believe in Starfleet, it's not just a job it's a way of life. This is icky.

As to the OP.. it's normal in marriage to look for compromise in matters as huge as the lifestyle change you propose. So she doesn't want to raise your child on a starship.. this really isn't surprising. I'm sure many people balked at this. Perhaps you could join starfleet with an eye to a desk job.. somewhere very cool, with lots of interstellar life. You could be stationed on Risa if you were really lucky! Or some other beautiful interesting place that your wife would see as giving your child an advantage in life. Once you are out there you might find reason for short term jaunts in space, whether traditional vacations or as a part of your job. It just takes planning. I'm sure you can work it out.

 

[Alienesse]

I would never want to join Starfleet. First you have all that heavy duty academic work just to get through the Academy...

That's exactly why I would join Starfleet . It seems like the perfect place for career-oriented people because you can get a solid education that allows you to realize your full potential. And the career opportunities are extremely attractive. As they say, the sky's the limit.