Host Capt. Royce says:
Welcome Commander

Cmdr Siatty says:
Thank you, Captain.  Tachachesin Siatty, First Officer, USS Cherokee.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   Welcome.  This seminar will not be starting for another 20 minutes or so.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Please be comfortable.

Cmdr Siatty says:
I know, I'd rather be early than late.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::   As would I, Cmdr.

Host Capt. Royce says:
How long have you been with the Cherokee, Cmdr?

Cmdr Siatty says:
About 2 years, most of which as ship's Counselor.  Was promoted to First Officer about a month back.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::  Congratulations on your recent promotion, then, Cmdr.

Cmdr Siatty says:
Thank you.  Now I just have to get used to the different job...and change all my uniforms.  Needed a new Dress set within hours of the promotion.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods and giggles... ::   I can understand that!  It took me a while to let my department go when I was promoted to the Big Chair.   :: Smiles. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Sits quietly in the Center Chair surrounded by other empty chairs in the room.  Adjusted her mic and sits patiently. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Well, Cmdr Siatty.  I hope I can enlighten you in some ways in this lecture.

Host Capt. Royce says:
We will be starting shortly.

Cmdr Siatty says:
I'm sure you can.  On the job training isn't something you want to rely on in the Command positions.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles to her self as she hears the echo within the room... ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
No...but sometimes it is sadly unavoidable.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Have you attended other seminars at this convention, Cmdr?

Cmdr Siatty says:
Not yet, this is my first.  Hoping to catch one of the Counseling sessions and maybe a Medical one later.

CO Black (Scimi_CO@actdnet-35976.vwr.wanadoo.nl) has joined the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   I hope you enjoy this session and the others you attend.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::  Welcome Capt. Black

Cmdr Siatty says:
Welcome Captain.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Looks at her chronometer... ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Well...

CO Black says:
:: Nods. ::   Thank you, Captain, Commander…   :: Smiles. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Cmdr Siatty is XO from the Cherokee...

Host Capt. Royce says:
CO Black is from...the Scrimitar…was it?

CO Black says:
:: Nods. ::   Correct...

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   Welcome to you both.

CO Black says:
:: Glances around. ::   And I was expecting my XO as well...but I guess he had other duties...

CO Black says:
Thank you again, Captain...glad to be here...

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::   No worries...I am aware there is another session for Command being held at this time.  They may be running over.  He could be there.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Well...according to my chronometer...it's time to get started.

CO Black says:
:: Once again glances at the door. ::   Very true...

Host Capt. Royce says:
I'd like to thank everyone for attending this session of Center Chair.  I am Captain Xenobia Royce, Commanding Officer of the Galaxy-class starship USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985 and your host for this session.

Host Capt. Royce says:
For those of you who are curious, the Vesuvius meets on Tuesday evenings in ACTDShipMissions at 2100 hrs EST (9pm), 2000 hrs CST (8pm), 1900 hrs MST (7pm), and 1800 hrs PST (6pm).  All are welcomed to come and watch the fun!

CEO Ltjg Irvin (~actdirvin@63.166.164.actdnet-53075) has joined the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles at the CEO.  ::   Welcome Lt.

Cmdr Siatty says:
Welcome, Lieutenant.

CO Black says:
Welcome, Lieutenant…

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Walks past the door towards a seat. ::   Capt/Cmdr: Captains...Commander...

Host Capt. Royce says:
Please state from where you are currently assigned, Lt.

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Stands at an attention stance. ::   Royce: LtJG Elisha Irvin, Sir.  Chief Engineer, USS Pharaoh.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   CO Black is from the Scrimitar...Cmdr Siatty XO of the Cherokee.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Please...be comfortable.   :: Motions to have a seat anywhere in the vast room. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
As I was saying...

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
Royce: Thank you sir.   :: Takes a seat in the front row. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
I am Captain Royce of the Vesuvius and your host for this session.

Host Capt. Royce says:
The Ves runs on Tuesdays...and all are welcomed to come and watch the fun.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Now that I got my little plug in for my ship, let's get down to business.
:: Smiles. ::

CO Black says:
:: Grins. ::

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Chuckles. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
I'll be talking about Command; specifically what it is like to take Command as a Captain.

Capt. Harm (Capt. Harm@actdnet-42196.elknet.net) has joined the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I will also be talking about the responsibilities of a Captain.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles at Capt. Harm. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
In my opinion, there is a gray line that separates these two areas regarding Command…for what it is like to take Command also in a sense embodies the question of what are the responsibilities of Command.

Host Capt. Royce says:
In this session, I will attempt to distinguish between the two.  However, please note again that this is my opinion; I feel you cannot do one without the other.

Host Capt. Royce says:
There are also other aspects of being a Captain that will not be covered here.  However, you have any questions about Command, please hold them.  There will be a Q & A portion after my short dissertation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Let me give you a little bit of my background.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I am a Beta Trill and have the characteristic spotting of my species.  Beta Trills are heartier than Alpha Trills, who by the way have the nose ridges, and as such Beta Trills are able to use the Transporter as opposed to being shuttled from place to place.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I am host to the 800 year old Royce symbiont and am Royce's tenth host.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I graduated from Starfleet Medical Academy at the top of my class even though I was gone for approximately six weeks to return to Trill to receive the Royce symbiont.

Host Capt. Royce says:
When I graduated I was promoted to Ensign and immediately assigned to the Vesuvius who was then in space dock at Oberon Station.

Host Capt. Royce says:
After working hard I was promoted to lieutenant, junior grade and eventually become a full lieutenant and promoted to the position of Chief Medical Officer where I stayed until I was promoted to Commander and reassigned as the Acting Commander for the Vesuvius.

Host Capt. Royce says:
A short time later, Starfleet promoted me to Commanding Officer and reassigned me to the Captain's Center Chair onboard the Vesuvius where I have remained for nearly two years.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I have received commendation for dedication to service in saving Captain Navaren Alar's life; have been decorated with the Axanar Humanitarian Medal for actions with Aquaria Colony and have received the Star Cross for heroism and distinguished service in military operations against an armed enemy with cluster for bravery under fire.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I have grown with the position of Captain, and feel that I have some valuable insight for those of you in attendance today.   :: Smiles at the assembled group. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
It is my sincere hope that I can enlighten you with my lecture.

Host Capt. Royce says:
The tour of duty for a Captain, whether you command a Galaxy-class vessel, a Sovereign class, an Excelsior class or even a Norway or Miranda class vessel remains the same.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Bottom line: It doesn't matter the type of vessel you command.  Your call to duty should never, ever change.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Now, you may be asking, “What exactly is she talking about?”  Well, the call to duty for each Captain may be a little different as I can only speak from my own personal experiences.

Host Capt. Royce says:
However, the primary responsibilities of the commanding officer are leadership and command of a crew or team in the direction of attaining a particular mission directive and the safety and well being of officers under his or her command.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Not only that, but a Captain must also uphold the values, and policies of the Constitution of the United Federation of Planets.

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Listens attentively. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
The Constitution of the United Federation of Planets is a historic document which outlines the framework by which the Federation is governed for the mutual benefit and protection of member planets and individual citizens.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Sits back a moment in her chair, reachs for a glass of water sitting next to her, and takes a sip. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Among the assurances of individual civil liberties contained in the Constitution is the Seventh Guarantee.  This protects citizens against self-incrimination.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Any and all persons aboard a Federation vessel are guaranteed these fundamental individual rights as stated in the Constitution.

Host Capt. Royce says:
There is the Prime Directive, also known as General Order #1 which prohibits Starfleet personnel and spacecraft from interfering with the normal development of any society and mandates that any Starfleet vessel or crew member is expendable to prevent violation of this rule.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Now, this was implemented in the early years of the Federation's history and played a key part in Starfleet and Federation policy toward newly discovered civilizations.  It was also very difficult to enforce in the early days.

Host Capt. Royce says:
In most cases, the Prime Directive applies to any civilization that had not yet developed the use of warp drive for interstellar travel.

Host Capt. Royce says:
This is not to say that the Prime Directive is absolute.  There are many cases in Starfleet history where the Prime Directive has been violated.

Host Capt. Royce says:
However, it is the duty of a Starfleet Captain to try and ensure the Prime Directive in any mission where it could apply.  This is difficult at times.
:: Smiles about the room. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Since becoming Captain, I have found that I have had to be many things to many people.  My uniform, it seems, never comes off.  I am on duty 24/7 overseeing the needs of the ship and her crew.

Host Capt. Royce says:
You also are the sole person who reports directly to the hierarchy of Starfleet Command beginning with the Sector Commander to whom you report.

Capt. Harm says:
:: Smiles, trying to remember all the PD cases he has had to try or defend over the years. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
A Captain must embody leadership, courage, strength, hope, compassion;

Host Capt. Royce says:
A Captain must be humble, kind, gentle and generous;

Host Capt. Royce says:
A Captain must be able to make quick decisions…

Host Capt. Royce says:
…and sometimes those decisions are difficult and may involve risking the lives of some of his or her crew.

Host Capt. Royce says:
These decisions can at times conflict with personal interests.  And a Captain must still be able to make these decisions…unwaveringly.

Host Capt. Royce says:
A Captain cannot allow personal feelings to cloud his or her judgment.

Host Capt. Royce says:
It is not always easy to be a Captain.  There are many who stand alone in their vigil.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles a moment... ::   That doesn't mean you cannot have a life.

Host Capt. Royce says:
There are other Captain's who have been able to combine duty and have a family life as well.

Host Capt. Royce says:
But, it is not an easy road to the Captain's chair or when moving up in the Chain of Command.

Host Capt. Royce says:
As a Starship Captain, you are held up on a pedestal by the entire crew.  You cannot allow this elated status to go to your head.  If you do and your crew sees this, they may not follow you everywhere you lead.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I have found that you have to trust all members of your crew…to trust that each individual knows his or her duty concerning his or her particular station for there are times when a Captain must direct his or her crew to do something that would be against Starfleet regulations.

Host Capt. Royce says:
In those situations a Captain needs to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the crew will stand behind his or her orders.  Needless to say, it is good to know your crew…more on a professional level, than a personal one.

Host Capt. Royce says:
You need to understand that each member is fully capable of handling his or her position; his or her duties.  Do not talk down to them; give and show them the respect they give and show to you.

CNS Ens Lammel (~Cory@actdnet-58539.mia.bellsouth.net) has joined the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
For example: If you have a new member to the crew, that person may need a little bit more time to adjust to the new responsibilities being on a ship requires.  And you can assist in their development by how you treat them.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles nods welcome to the newcomer. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
What that means is this: give them direction and orders when they first arrive to help acquaint them with their position.  As they become more comfortable with their position, they will, hopefully be able to provide ideas and suggestions which will assist in the ship's mission of successfully completing mission objectives.

CNS Ens Lammel says:
:: Nods back. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Crewmen who have been on the ship for any length of time should not need as much…direction…however you do have some crewmen who do need direction all the time.  You just have to feel each one out and discover his or her talents and requirements.

Host Capt. Royce says:
You need to praise their strengths; you need to assist in strengthening their weaknesses.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles around the room at the attendees. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Each situation is different.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Sometimes a Captain needs to take sole responsibility for his or her actions…

Host Capt. Royce says:
…actions that could otherwise jeopardize the crew's careers as well as their very lives…lives that he or she has vowed to keep safe.

Host Capt. Royce says:
A Captain must consider all these things without regard to his or her own career or personal safety if the circumstances require it.

Capt K`Beth (~Ens_Mia_C@actdnet-50190.direcpc.com) has joined the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I have always placed the safety of the Vesuvius and her crew above all else…even above my own personal safety whether it is my life or my career.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods and smiles to Capt. K'Beth. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
I also want to note however, that being a joined Trill I make sure the symbiont will be cared for in case anything were to happen to the host body.  In Trill society, the continued existence of the symbiont is paramount…above all else.

Host Capt. Royce says:
In order to move up the Chain of Command, in order to make it to the Center Chair, you must make decisions; sometimes they are quick and hard, other times those decisions could be in lieu of an absent officer, department head or the like.

Capt K`Beth says:
:: Grins at Capt Royce and then quietly sneaks to the back and grabs a seat. ::

Cmdr Tarrez (Cmdr_Tarre@actdnet-8597.dial-up.ipa.net) has joined the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
In order to make it to the Center Chair, you must show initiative, ingenuity, brilliance, and competence…even if you the Chief of a department or an officer of a department.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Sees another Officer enter the room and smiles a welcome. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Takes a sip of water. ::   Now, I will now open the lecture for any questions.   :: Looks about the room. ::

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Raises hand. ::

Cmdr Siatty says:
:: Raises hand. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Yes, Lt?

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
Royce: Well Captain Royce, I've been to a couple of command seminars now, and the most popular question to the lecturer: What made you decided to pursue a command position?

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles as she remembers... ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Frankly...I was not looking to move up the Command ladder.

Host Capt. Royce says:
The situation involving my upward mobility...

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Listens attentively. ::

Capt. Harm says:
:: Smiles at that comment. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
...has to do with the Captain, then Captain Alar, being stripped of her rank and privilege.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Our XO at the time was transferred off the ship...

Host Capt. Royce says:
We, at that time, had no 2nd Officer.

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
Royce: I see....   

Host Capt. Royce says:
Starfleet chose me to acting as Commander until they saw fit to fill the slot.

CO Black says:
:: Smiles as he somewhat remembers the scenario himself. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Cmdr Siatty?

CO Black's identity:  Scimi_CO@actdnet-35976.vwr.wanadoo.nl

Cmdr Tarrez says:
:: Smiles as that is very similar to her career path. ::

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Remains attentive. ::

Cmdr Siatty says:
My question is around what you were saying with the Prime Directive.  Of course we've all seen examples of tough choices about it, but one of the toughest I saw was one where the proper choice was clouded.  More the Prime Directive and the Temporal Prime Directive seemed at odds.  How do you make a decision in that kind of case?

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::   Good question.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Frankly, Cmdr...I've not experienced the Temporal Prime Directive as of yet.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I'll let you know when I do?    :: Smiles. ::

Cmdr Siatty says:
I know a tough one.  In the case the crew was split down the middle.  Myself it was even harder as I could see both sides.

CNS Ens Lammel says:
:: Raises hand. ::

Capt K`Beth says:
:: Hears her comm badge beep and quietly gets up to answer it out in the hall. ::

CEO Ltjg Irvin says:
:: Hears comm badge chirp, quietly, but with purpose excuses self to exit. ::

Capt_K`Beth (~Ens_Mia_C@actdnet-50190.direcpc.com) has left the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   I hate to pass on this question, Cmdr...but seeing as I have no experience with the Temporal Prime Directive...I find it hard to draw from experience

CEO Ltjg Irvin (~actdirvin@63.166.164.actdnet-53075) has left the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
…and therefore, I feel inadequate to answer your question.

Cmdr Siatty says:
No problem.  You never said answerable questions.  :: Smiles. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Ens. Lammel?

CO Black says:
:: Looks at the combadges go off. ::   Self: My, My...we have a lot of busy officers around here..

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Royce: I have witnessed personally that most CO's are reluctant to take suggestions from their Counselors. Could you explain to me why some of them do this? And have you done this before and if so why?

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles broadly... ::   I am always trying to get assistance from MY counselor, Ensign.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Laughs lightly. ::

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Royce: But why do CO's sometimes do this? Any idea?

Host Capt. Royce says:
I take comments from all my officers and weight each one quickly and carefully.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I cannot speak for other CO's, Ensign.  I can only speak from my own experiences.

Host Capt. Royce says:
You may want to ask that question of your CO...

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Holds up one hand... ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
I know...

Host Capt. Royce says:
I know...

Host Capt. Royce says:
They are always busy.

Host Capt. Royce says:
But be persistent.

CO Black says:
:: Grins at the ensigns comment. ::   Self: I'm sure counselor tr'Loris would pay millions to be here now..

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Royce: It’s not happening now but I have had that experience before.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   My advice Counselor...is...

Host Capt. Royce says:
…judge the situation accordingly...

Cmdr Siatty says:
CNS: I served as a Counselor under three different Captains, and I never saw that.  Could be the Captain knew something that couldn't be shared, or listened to the advice, but decided against it.

Host Capt. Royce says:
...and act as needed.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   Could be Cmdr.  Thank you for sharing that with us.

Host Capt. Royce says:
I have to admit...

Host Capt. Royce says:
…there are things I cannot share with my officers due to security

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Siatty: Agreed, but sometimes a CNS needs information of the sort to help patients as I did.

Host Capt. Royce says:
…that does not mean that I will not hear comments or suggestions from them.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Lammel:  Can you give us the situation surrounding this incident?

Host Capt. Royce says:
…Or perhaps an example?

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Thinks the situation may not be available for public knowledge as of yet. ::

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Royce: The only thing I know is that something happened when I first joined my ship that I did not know anything of and then I had to treat patients scared from the incident.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Did you go through the proper Chain of Command to ask what transpired to cause your patient's to react so?

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Royce: Of course I wiggled around it, but it was hard not knowing the incident. And yes I asked and they told me they could not say.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::   I cannot answer for your ship and her Captain, Ensign.

Host Capt. Royce says:
There could be things that the CO felt necessary to keep under lock and key.  I'm sorry...I do not have an answer for you.

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Royce: I do not need you too. No further questions.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Nods. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Are there any other questions?

Capt. Harm (Capt. Harm@actdnet-42196.elknet.net) has left the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
Thank you for joining this session of Center Chair.  Please send any comments, thoughts or even suggestions as to how I could improve on this seminar to:

Host Capt. Royce says:
rns@prodigy.net

Host Capt. Royce says:
Your comments and thoughts are most welcomed.

Cmdr Tarrez says:
:: Quietly slips out the back. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
I will remain until the end of the hour for further questions.

Cmdr Tarrez (Cmdr_Tarre@actdnet-8597.dial-up.ipa.net) has left the conversation.

CO Black says:
:: Politely applauds. ::   Thank you, Captain...your views have been enlightening...

Cmdr Siatty says:
Thank you, Captain. It was enlightening.  May the gates of your desires be opened by the keys of your opportunities.

Cmdr Siatty says:
:: Rises and walks out the door. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
Thank you, Cmdr Siatty.

Cmdr Siatty (Cmdr_Siatt@actdnet-47977.nyc2.dsl.speakeasy.net) has left the conversation.

CNS Ens Lammel says:
Thank you Captain.   :: Gets up and walks out the door. ::

CNS Ens Lammel (~Cory@actdnet-58539.mia.bellsouth.net) has left the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Sits back a moment, taking off the mic and setting is down gently in the chair next to her. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Looks up and sees Captain Black. ::

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Smiles. ::

CO Black says:
:: Nods once again and heads out into the MainHall. ::

CO Black (Scimi_CO@actdnet-35976.vwr.wanadoo.nl) has left the conversation.

Host Capt. Royce says:
:: Sits back and contemplates this past session.... ::