Meeting the CO [Chief of Security/Tactical]

Posted on 02/05/2020 @ 8:25am by Captain Cian D'Anvers
Edited on on 02/28/2020 @ 6:59pm

Mission: S1E1: Out of the Barn
Location: Captain's Ready Room, USS Crazy Horse
Timeline: Day 1 at 0930

Since taking command only an hour and a half ago, Sidonie was already well into the process of settling into her new command. The color scheme chosen for the Ready Room had been a hard-fought discussion that balanced the Invernian belief that color came from emotion and nature rather than furnishings and clothes and Starfleet's obsessive need for uniformity and a palette that was as inoffensive as possible. In the end, they'd settled on a limited set of colors and textures - gray and white with turquoise accents.

Dishes, mugs and teacups produced by the replicators ship-wide all carried the ship's name and logo. She had verified that by ordering herself a cup of hot tea, Jasmine this time, before settling in behind the desk to go through the most pressing issues awaiting her. She was pleased to see that some of the senior staff would be reporting in to help with the onboarding process.

[Bridge]

Outside the ready room, Tahlin studied the bridge around her. She liked the look and feel of it. Now to meet her new captain. Getting up her nerve, Tahlin signaled the occupant within.

[Ready Room]

"Enter," Sidonie called out. Privately, she thought, on a day such as this one with so many reporting in, it would probably be better to leave it standing open. Then, on the heels of that, she thought, better that they make the effort. This is Starfleet and not the home world.

Tahlin entered, took two steps and saluted. "Lieutenant Lae'Or reporting as ordered, Ma'm." Only belatedly did she note the commander's pips, and the strange glow around the woman's head.

"Welcome, Lieutenant," Sidonie said as she leaned back in her seat. "Please, have a seat. I understand you are to be our new Chief of Security?"

"Quite, and I'm happy to be here." Tahlin sat in a chair across from the other woman. "I must say, you've got an eager crew. The Ensign at the airlock was nervous, but a friendly sort."

"I think there's always a bit of that when a ship's in port and readying to go out again," Sidonie said. "Eighteen years in Starfleet and I've felt that every time ... every single time. My former Captain would say 'it never gets old'. That's an Earth idiom that means that it never becomes ordinary or commonplace."

She paused for a moment, marshalling her thoughts, and then continued. "The security team on this ship hasn't worked together before. They don't know each other's," white hands, palms up, miming a balancing act, as she searched for the word, "rhythms as yet. That will come with time and training, I'm sure, and of course, you can always talk to Commander Othran about any staffing concerns you might have."

Tahlin nodded. "I thought as much..." The Bajoran paused for a moment, then continued, "I've noticed this ship has a highly diverse crew... More than usual for Starfleet. Have you noticed any conflicts I should be aware of, as Chief of Security? I realize you've only just gotten here yourself, and forgive me if I'm being too forward, but I prefer to know what I'm getting into, if at all possible."

"Conflicts," Sidonie said, her voice rising to indicate a question as she shifted position, angling her head slightly to one side. "I've only just arrived and I'm not given to making snap judgments. So no, I know of no ... conflicts ... among the crew that have reported in."

Tahlin backpedaled. "Forgive me, Captain--I know when a new crew is assembling, there can be unintentional friction. I didn't mean to imply anything. I'm just the kind of person who likes to have any relevant facts going into a situation such as this. That's all I meant... I don't rush to snap judgments, either, Sir."

"I'm glad to hear that, Lieutenant. Tell me, do you anticipate problems because the ship is ... diversified," Sidonie asked.

"No more than usual. We all go through sensitivity and diversity training, though we're certainly not perfect. I'll keep you or Commander Othran advised if there are any incidents worth noting... Speaking of the commander, I haven't met him yet, and I'll be very curious to learn what he's like. By all accounts, a very accomplished officer, as are you, Captain... I'm glad to be serving with both of you."

Sidonie nodded in response. "Welcome to the Crazy Horse, Lieutenant. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts on Security's readiness."

"Thank you, Captain... I'll do my best to have a report ready for you within a day... Have you got a deputy picked out for me, or am I picking one myself?"

"A bit of both," Sidonie said. "I do believe it should be someone you can work with. Why don't you forward your recommendation to me and we'll go from there."

"Yes Ma'am..." Tahlin rose. "Do you have anything else? I'd like to get settled in, then get right to work, if you have no objections?"

"Nothing else at the moment," Sidonie said. "You're dismissed, Lieutenant."

Tahlin nodded, gave a salute, then walked out. It looked like her new commanding officer was a decent sort, but someone who expected a high degree of compitency from those under her. Well, thought Tahlin, I always liked doing what I need to do. Now, to settle in, and then, to work.


A Post by

Cmdr. Sidonie Ysayne
Commanding Officer
USS Crazy Horse

and

Lt. (J.G.) Lae'Or Tahlin
Chief of Security
USS Crazy Horse