Command Seminar 
Stardate 10207.27 1600 
Conference Room #The_Big_Chair 
Hosted By: Captain K’Beth T’Kar Commanding Officer of the USS Delphyne

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Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks up and sees that the Lt Cmdr has walked in:: Woo: Hello, Cmdr.  Sorry I was  a bit preoccupied.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::enters quietly unsure if the seminar has begun yet::

LtCmdr_Woo_CSO says:
::looks up from his seat:: K'Beth: Certainly, that is alright, captain! ::grins:: I must say, I am looking forward to this lecture.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the Lt::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes.. ::looks at her chronometer:: Hmmmm...it looks like you two might be the only lucky recipients.  ::smiles::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::nods to the Captain and takes a seat about halfway between the middle and front for the room::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::smiles::

Cmdr_Black says:
::a little late he quietly enters the room, carrying two PADDs with notes... quickly glancing at the attendants he smiles and nods politely::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::tugs at the collar of his off-duty uniform::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: We'll wait a bit for any stragglers and then begin.

Cmdr_Black says:
Capt: Apologies for my lateness, Sir..  I had some communiqués to return before I was even allowed here.. ::grins a little::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::nods to the Captain::

LtCmdr_Woo_CSO says:
::fiddles with his PADD in an attempt to look busy and high-brow::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Black: That's quite all right Cmdr.  In fact I say we can begin....since we are such a small crowd let's keep it fairly informal.

Cmdr_Black says:
::nods::  Capt: Understood, Captain...

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: I am Captain K'Beth T'Kar.  Commanding Officer of the USS Delphyne.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I see at least one familiar face here ::smiles at the CEO::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::goes and sits on the edge of the stage casually::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Welcome to the Command Seminar.  During the course of the next hour I hope to show you all aspects of command and allow you a taste of the every day decisions that a CO may have to make.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::returns smile:: Capt: Yeah... no one on the Pharaoh seems to be able to get rid of me for long either.  ::chuckles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles and continues::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Today is going to be a bit more than a lecture... I'm going to throw out different scenarios.  Some real, some imaginary and I'll let you ::points out at everyone:: decide the correct course of actions.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: But first, the lecture part, otherwise they won't validate my parking.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::laughs and applauds::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
As every CO will tell you...the safety of the ship and her crew are paramount.  But even then there is a chance that you may have to  sacrifice the lives of everyone on board...down to the last child in the line of duty without ever knowing if there is a favorable outcome.

Cmdr_Black says:
::grins a little, sets his PADD on continuous recording::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks seriously at everyone for a moment and then breaks out into a grin:: But on the lighter side...you get the corner office with the view and get to sit in the comfy chair.  Not forgetting to mention the really cool coffee mug that says "Because I'm the Captain, that's why..." on it.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::raises a quizzical eyebrow at the lack of seriousness being displayed::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::gets up and starts to pace around the stage::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
The every day life of a Captain is filled with paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork.  Every major decision needs to be funneled through the CO's office.  Most of the time the decisions have already been made by the XO and department heads, but the final yea or nay is always decreed by the Captain.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
A good CO would not just rubber stamp everything but find the time to read each PADD that crosses their desk...which leads to another downside to command.  No personal life.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Very few CO's have what would be considered a 'normal' family life and the ones that do tend to find themselves weighing family against command. ::pauses and thinks for a moment:: You know...I just seemed to have painted a bleak picture about command, didn't I?  So why would anyone want it?  It's stressful, aggravating, exhausting...::smiles::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::makes a few notes in his PADD before raising his head to continue to listen::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And the best damn feeling in the world.  When you sit in that center chair and you see your crew going about their jobs with efficiency and professionalism the feeling of pride and, yes even humility, at having the honor to command these individuals makes up for every frustrating moment there is.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::was about to raise his hand, but lowers it realizing the question was rhetorical in nature::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Not only that...it's also the challenge ::her eyes start to twinkle:: The challenge to find the best possible solution.  To win a conflict and to supercede all expectations.  To be the best.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stops and looks at everyone in the audience and then breaks out into another grin:: Plus...you never have to clean your own quarters...or do your own laundry.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::watches as the late ones start coming in... and continues taking notes::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::notes that pride and humility are emotions::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::chuckles::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::listens intently::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Any questions so far?

Cmdr_Black says:
::smiles and checks the recording PADD, listening to the Captain intently::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::raises his hand::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::looks around at the other folks in the room::

CO_Toni says:
::quietly enters the room and nods to other attendees as she takes a seat::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::focuses on the CSO::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Lt. ::points to Jarvel::

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::sees the Vulcan raise his hand:: Self: Here we go...

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::stands and straightens his uniform:: K'Beth: If I might be so bold, Captain ... why did you become a Commanding Officer? ::takes his seat::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
:chuckles and casually sits back down on the edge of the stage:: Sometimes I ask myself that very question...and the only answer I can give, honestly...is the challenge.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::has difficulty finding the logic in that::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
The challenge of finding the answers...of overcoming situations that are difficult.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Plus my crew.  Having the privilege of working with all of those fine officers and having the honor of leading them....that in itself is its own reward.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::turns focus to Woo, pulling on collar again::  Self: I hate breaking in new uniforms....

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to the Woo:: Yes Cmdr.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::stands up:: K'Beth: On difficult situations, how have you been able to cope with knowing that you are responsible for the lives of every crewmember on your ship?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You have to keep the over all objective in line.  Saving lives is the top priority but there are times when sacrifices must be made.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But the one thing to remember is that you never get used to it...

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If that ever happens and you become callous to it...then you are not a good command officer.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::nods, making mental notes::

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::nods nervously:: K'Beth: Thank you, ma'am. ::sits down::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::grimaces slightly, finding most of Captain T’Kar’s answers to be emotionally based ... should have expected no less from a Klingon::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks out at them::      Now let's put you in the drivers seat for a few minutes and let you see what I mean.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Scenario: Your XO, CSO, CNS and CEO are on an away team in a hostile environment.  You get an urgent call that a cargo ship is under attack and requires immediate assistance.  Your away team will need half an hour to get to a beam-out site.  What do you do?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::raises hand::

XO_Pangborn says:
::looks around at the junior officers::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Jarvel:: Yes, Lt.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::rises from his seat and straightens his uniform:: K'Beth: I would order the Transporter Chief to beam additional provisions down to the Away Team. Then I would respond to the distress call with utmost haste. I have many members of my crew capable of filling in for the XO, CSO, CNS, and CEO ... there absence would not be felt.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::takes his seat again::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::smirks under breath::  Self: Cold, but true..... 

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::takes notes feverishly::

Cmdr_Black says:
::notes the Lieutenant's solution for further thought::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smothers a chuckle and keeps a straight face:: That would be one solution. But tell me Lt.  Is it not illogical to throw away good resources?  Officers take time and resources to train.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
K'Beth: Just because I am leaving them behind, Captain, does not mean I won't eventually return for them. They would not have beamed into the hostile environment to begin with, unless I believed they were capable of fending for themselves on their own for a least a small period of time.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: Very good, but what else can you do to provide them with more safety?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::furrows his brow slightly:: K’Beth: Sir?

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::keeps hand up::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the CEO to show the she has seen him::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::lowers hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You beamed down provisions but is there anything else that you could do?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::shakes his head:: K’Beth: Perhaps it was presumptuous of me, but my away team is properly equipped are they not? They have phaser weapons and appropriate defensive tools. They are secure.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
No you are right that they are properly prepared and equipped...but what about sending down an extra security team to assist them?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::nods his head and defers to the Captain::

CO_Toni says:
::hears her comm badge go off, quietly gathers her note PADDs and leaves the room::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the CEO:: Yes Lt.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::stands up::  Capt: One might send down a shuttle craft with a medic and a security detail aboard, that way they would have some reliable shelter and medical attention if they needed it.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: That is depending on what kind of hostile you mean....

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: Hostile environment or Hostile situation among the inhabitants....

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes...that is another way to assure their safety as much as possible and of course not all the factors are known since this is a generic scenario. Now here comes the part that we were discussing earlier ::leans forward::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::reseats self::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If you give the command to go and assist the cargo ship you know, without a doubt, that there is only a 50 percent chance that the AT and whoever you send down there will survive.  But there is a 100 percent chance that the cargo ship will not.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::frowns at the inaccuracy of the percentages::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Do you still go after the cargo ship?

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Woo:: Yes, Cmdr.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
Do you mean 100 % if you don't go on the Cargo ship?

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::starts to raise hand, but decides to give others a chance to respond::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::raises his hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I mean that if you do not assist the cargo ship...it will be destroyed with all hands.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::stands up:: K'Beth: Assuming that if you do not go, that the cargo ship will DEFINITELY be destroyed, it is your duty to assist this cargo ship, whereas there is a chance that your away team will be able to fend for themselves - they are trained officers, after all, they know the risks of the job, and they will be given provisions, and, of course the shuttlecraft.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
K'Beth: Therefore, yes, I would be inclined to go assist the cargo ship.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Very good.  As I'm sure just about every officer in this room would.  Yes Lt.  ::points to Jarvel::

Capt_Harm says:
::Steps into the back of the conference room::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::raises hand after all::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::rises from his seat and straightens his uniform:: K'Beth: Starfleet General Orders state that a Captain is requested and required to respond to all vessels seeking assistance. It would seem clear that we must respond to the cargo ship regardless of the unknown and known factors being dealt with on the surface of the planet. ::takes his seat::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::smiles and wonders how many in this room could actually give that order.  I t was one thing to say it... quite another to do it::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::lowers hand noting that Jarvel gave the planned response::

Cmdr_Black says:
::observing the interesting discussion he notes the various views and makes an own assessment::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::raises hand::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
May I add to the scenario?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
:gestures for her to hold on for a moment:: :Exactly...:looks at all of them:: but now take those words that you just said.  And instead of a generic crew...picture your own officers…your own shipmates in that predicament.  Would you still be able to do it without hesitation?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
K’Beth: Of course, it is the only logical course of action.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::smiles as the Captain did exactly what she had intended to do.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::
Host Capt_K`Beth says:
The rest of you?  Listen to what I just asked: Would you be able to do it without hesitation?

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
K'Beth: I suppose it would... depend on the situation...

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
What if it was your spouse on the planet?

Capt_Harm says:
::Raises his hand::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::regards the rest of the with quiet contemplation thinking, 'your emotions make you weak'::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Capt Harm:: Captain?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::turns to Tarrez:: Cmdr: Are you speaking to me, Commander?

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::raises hand with an inquisitive look on face::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at all of them:: One at a time please...

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::turns back in his chair to face K’Beth and listens intently::
Capt_Harm says:
K'Beth: I do not think that the question needs to be as you say "without hesitation" the fact is that with all due respect to our Vulcan friends, emotions are an important part of being in command.  The fact that we do what needs to be done, speaks more then whether it was done with or without hesitation.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::meant to the group but does not wish to disrupt the conversation by saying anything::

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::glances at Jarvel::

Cmdr_Black says:
::nods at the Captain's comment::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: And that is part of the  point I was hoping would come out. But first, ::points to the CEO:: You had something Lt?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::thinks Harm's response was incredibly diplomatic ... for a human::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::Continues sitting:: Capt: I have to agree with the Captain.  I've only got a little experience from the command courses and training I took at the Academy, but you learn to do what is required to complete the mission and do your job as effectively as possible.  

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: As a Chief Engineer, I've had to order one person to his death before.  It's not something that we enjoy doing...   I think about it often, but we, as command officers, do what we have to do.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes…we do need to get our jobs done because many times if we fail many others are effected by the outcome.  But we cannot lose our  perspective on it.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
There are times when we have to order without hesitation and basically hope for the best...but if there is ever the chance of a different solution then we must at least consider it.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Anyone else?

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::nods::  Capt: Its a lot harder to loose perspective than the text books make it out to be.  I don't think that is something you have to worry about as long as we don't dehumanize the process.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::looks over to Jarvel::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::raises both eyebrows and smiles::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::nods at the CEO::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at her chronometer and sees that it is almost time to finish::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::notes Irvin is looking his way and chooses to ignore the somewhat irritating Human::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::faces front again::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stands up:: Dehumanizing for us would be the equivalent of being illogical to our Vulcan friends and that is not a trait for any command officer.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
This has been a very small taste of sitting in the 'big chair' and of course there are dozens of small things that aren't mentioned.  The fact that Captains must constantly update themselves on the newest technology.  That they must memorize and know about each person on their crew.  That often they must be father and mother to homesick ensigns.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
The job description for CO is simply written as command of a starship or station.  But that involves many if not everything.  But the biggest responsibility of any CO is to always portray someone who is respectful and courteous to even the lowest ranks. And above all, to understand that they are in command  not of positions and computers...

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
but of people and not everything goes by the book.

Capt_Harm says:
::Nods to himself at K'Beth's words::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: Any questions?

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::turns to look at the Vulcan again::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::holds his questions until afterwards, when he plans on ambushing the lecturer in a corridor ... has already mapped out the three  most likely exit paths she will use::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Well thank you very much for attending.  There will be two repeat performances tonight although different scenarios I hope.  Please fell free to attend any or all of them.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::makes a note in his PADD and raises his hand:: K’Beth: Will you be teaching each of those?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: Yes I will.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::nods and tucks his PADD away::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Jarvel: Lt. I hope to see you there.  Your comments were enlightening.

Capt_Harm says:
::sneaks out the back door::

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::claps::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::clasps for her CO as well::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::stands and starts to head for Jarvel::  Jarvel: Will you be in the main hall later Lieutenant?

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::regards Irvin:: CEO: Perhaps...

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::get up and moves towards the Captain::  CO: Very good captain. ::smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: Thanks  ::turns to the podium and gathers up her PADDs:: Has our crew been behaving themselves?

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Jarvel:  I would like very much to converse with you later this evening.  ::smiles::

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::nods at Irvin:: CEO: Very well, Lieutenant. I will endeavor to make myself available to you.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
A few I have had to keep an eye on but most are.

CSO_LtCmdr_Woo says:
::stands up and walks out of the lecture hall::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
K'Beth: You would not believe who I saw earlier.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grunts:: I'm not looking forward to my inbox when this is over. ::turns:: Who?

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::eyes sparkling::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::nods::  Jarvel: Most Kind.  I look forward to it.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::nods:: CEO: Now, if you will excuse me Lieutenant ... I need to see the dock master about my return shuttle trip to the Tal-War.

CSO_LtJG_Jarvel says:
::gathers his things and heads out of the lecture hall::

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
Fox Lynam ::laughs:: though I have no idea what his current rank is... it seems the number of his pips changes from session to session

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Jarvel: Very Well.  Good Day.  ::walks over to the Captain::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Somehow that doesn't surprise me.  Hopefully I'll catch up with the old fox before we leave.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: Got a second?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::rubs her eyes a bit tiredly and then looks up with a smile:: Yes Lt, what can I do for you?

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: I know you're tired...   Just one thing...   How does Starfleet manage to work past the apparent emotionless responses and actions for their Vulcan Captains?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Give them a Vulcan crew, Lt.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::chuckles as well::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: Figures....   

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::smiles::
Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Actually Lt.  there aren't that many Vulcan Captains on none Vulcan crews and those that do make it have learned to...ah…thaw a bit and at least tolerate we emotional beings.

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::thinks to her last dinner conversation with the CSO::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
It wasn't long ago when a Klingon was considered a bad Starfleet CO prospect...even a half-breed... ::grins::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
I dunno about that Captain.  ::smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
XO: Oh, before I forget.  It seems that our CTO is giving a lecture in 45 minutes.  She's filling in for someone.  See if you can round up any of the crew to attend.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::Extends hand::  Capt: Thanks for your time.  See you this evening?

Cmdr_Tarrez says:
::nods:: Aye ma'am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::shakes his hand:: Of course, Lt.  I look forward to it and thank you for attending.

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
Capt: The pleasure is mine.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::gathers up her PADDs in a nice neat pile and then starts for the exit::

CEO_LtJG_Irvin says:
::follows the Captain to the door and exits::

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