Nicole stood on the ramp from the airlock. Beside her stood the freighter's Captain, Emett. "You have the papers from my office and the licenses that you've earned and the ratings from your previous captains?" he asked
"Yes, sir," She replied.
He extended his hand to the young flaming redhead who'd crewed for him for the last year as cargo handler and small equipment repair technician. But he knew her story and while he'd tried to help her in her quest, some journeys must be undertaken alone. His reverie was interrupted by Nicole.
"Sir, thank you for all of your help and the training you've given me." She released his hand and picked up her pack and started down the ramp.
After passing the security check, she asked a young male officer, "Where can I find the dock master's office?"
"Exit this bay and continue port side for about four-hundred-forty meters and the office will be on the starboard side," he said as he waved another person forward to be questioned and scanned.
She headed out and followed the directions and soon came to a large door with a sign that indicated that the office belonged to 'Dock Master, Carol A. Harrison'. Inside she found several desks with personnel wearing civies and Starfleet uniforms. A young Ferengi greeted her, and asked, "What can we do for you today?"
"I am looking for postings here on station." She lowered her pack to the deck and stood waiting.
"Oh. There are easier jobs and more comfortable surroundings to work--maybe you should check with the main station employment center."
She frowned and looked directly at him and said, "Excuse me. I am qualified to work cargo, damage control, small equipment maintenance and I have a Class C shuttle pilots license. So stop treating me like a fluffy headed runaway!"
The door to one of the inner offices opened and a older woman with Bajoran features and earring motioned to Nicole. "Please step inside and we can discuss positions you might be suited for." As they stepped through the door she asked, "Do you have any papers and/or letters of recommendation?"
Once inside and seated in a plush chair, Nicole was offered a choice of beverages, which she declined. Nicole handed the woman the pilots' license, both of her rating for damage control and cargo. The older woman shrugged and took her own seat and pulled up a screen on her console. Looking at the screen for a moment, she then said, "We have three vacancies pushing cargo, several engineering tech positions --which I think you could handle, and one vacancy for a cargo pilot. Which calls to your soul?"
Nicole thought about it for a few minutes and decided she'd like the pilot's slot if she could get it. "Pilot."
"Good, can you be in the simulator at 0800 hrs for training and testing. I see you have your belongings with you and you will need berthing accommodations?"
"Yes, I'd appreciate it if you could arrange a place for me to crash tonight."
"No problem. See Jona." The woman pulled out a local map of the station and made some notes on it as to the transient merchants' quarters were and where she was to go for testing the next morning. She handed it to the young lady. "See you tomorrow."
With that Nicole left the office and wandered until she found the transient quarters. She signed in the manager indicated a bunk and locker that was unclaimed. Not a bad place so far, she thought, but she was missing the comforts of the ship she'd been on and the crew she'd become a part of.
The next day she showed up and stared testing on the simulator.