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Unfortunately, undoing centuries of mismanagement is not an easy task. This is why poverty runs rife throughout Cardassia to this very day, even in her most prosperous cities. This is why you were born into a struggle to survive in the streets and the slums – at least, this is what you have been taught at the Academy. There is no doubt that some of this information is propaganda, but does that really matter? You are leaving that life behind. From now on, you will serve Central Command as an officer of the Cardassian Guard.
“Very good,” Karzek says, though his voice is devoid of enthusiasm. The legate's fingers wander over the display device in his hands and the room is silent for almost a minute, as he pores over your files. “Let's see... Consistent high performance in fitness assessments, a high score in almost every recorded combat simulation, ground and naval alike, and a solid grasp of every core subject. You've also excelled in team-building exercises and shown some promise in leadership aptitude tests. It would seem as though you have risen above your roots, Deghilzin Tekan.”
“Thank you, legate.” It wasn't easy. It took two years of blood, sweat and tears to prove yourself in the eyes of your instructors and earn the respect of your peers. Some of them still look down on you because of your lack of a family, but they know better than to speak ill of you – you've proven that you're their equal, if not their superior.
“I believe that I have made my decision,” the legate states as he sets down his display device on the desk. He steeples his fingers and stares across the table at you. “But first, I would like to learn about the source of your motivation. What has driven you to excel at this Academy, deghilzin? You have fought so very hard to get to this point, but I would like to understand why. What do you fight for?”
You know the right answer to this question, and of course that's what you're going to say – but what is the truth? What is it that has really driven you, what is that you really fight for?
>The Union. You are a genuine patriot who loves nothing more than your country and your people. You will do whatever it takes to ensure their supremacy.
>Family. The lack of any parents or siblings in your life has left a gaping hole in your heart. You feel incomplete, and will do anything to find somewhere you belong.
>Power. You've been on the bottom rung for your entire life and you've had enough. It's time that you were the one with the power and authority for a change.
>Respect. After a lifetime of being looked down upon by others, you want to know what it is like to be admired, to be praised. You long for fame and recognition.
>Survival. Honestly, you just want to stay alive and there's no way that you were going to do that by staying on the streets. Now you just need to avoid dying in battle.
