In Character Conference Command Seminar Stardate 10406.25 Lecture 1

Speaker:  Captain K’Beth T’Kar,  CO - USS Delphyne

Subject: Commanding a Starship

Synopsis: Ever wonder what it is like to sit in the big chair?  Think you have what it takes to make the hard decisions?  Or do you just wonder what a bunch of captains talk about when they get together?  These answers and many more will be discussed.  Come on in where you will be put in the driver’s seat and given the option to make command decisions.

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LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Steps into the seminar room and looks around::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks up from her notes and smiles at the newcomers:: Take a seat anywhere.  We will begin in a few minutes.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods to the Captain. She walks over to the refreshments table and takes a cup of coffee. After this she moves to a chair and takes a seat::

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: sits down with Tul'puq and Starr ::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Notices the others:: All: Good evening.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: nods in Patterson's direction ::

Lt_Chaser says:
::shrinks in her chair ::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: grunts ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::walks to the back of the room and refills her coffee mug:: All: We will begin in five minutes.  There is coffee and cookies in the back here.  Make yourself comfortable.

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: folds her arms across her chest ::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods to Captain K'Beth::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::walks back up to the podium and smiles at the Lt Cmdr as she passes by:: Patterson: Glad you could make it Commander.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods to the Captain:: K'Beth: It is my pleasure Captain.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stands up and looks around the room at everyone and then walks to the podium:: All: If you would all take your seats please.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::She sips her coffee and looks up at the Captain::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::dryly:: First of all...if you are looking for the lecture on the best vacation spots in the galaxy...you are in the wrong room.

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: sits tall in her chair ::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Smiles a bit::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: thinks vacations are for the weak ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
My name is Captain K'Beth of the House of T'Kar.  I have been the Captain of the USS Delphyne for many years.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::starts to walk a little around the stage, emphasizing points with her coffee mug in her hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Commanding a starship.  Sounds exciting and glamorous...yes?  The power of a starship at your command.  Being in the center of the action, controlling the fate of hundreds if not thousands.  People jumping to do your bidding at your slightest whim.  Seems like the perfect job, right?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stops and looks at them::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Wrong!  Being a command officer is not about power or glory.  It is not about ordering people to do what you want...or enforcing others to bend to your will.  If that is what you think being a starship captain is all about, then I suggest you leave right now, because here you will learn the truth about what it takes to sit in that big chair.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
It takes dedication and hard work.  It takes the ability to put yourself last and your crew first.  It takes sleepless nights of pacing the floor trying to find solutions to unsolvable problems.  But most important of all...it takes compassion.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Compassion for a defenseless citizen that you will never meet.  Compassion for a soldier who is fighting somewhere on some remote planet that you will never go to.  Compassion for your crew that have dedicated their lives to defend what they believe is right and just.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So why would anyone want to be a starship captain?  Simple.  Because they cannot fathom doing anything else.  ::grins and holds up her ever present mug:: And you get really cool coffee mugs with your name on it.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at the Captain that just walked in and continues::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If the satisfaction of doing your job to the best of your ability far outweighs any of the down side...then you have the makings of a starship captain.

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
::looks around and finds a seat::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If knowing that you were able to complete a job that no one else could or wanted outweighs the insomnia, the lack of a normal home life and a job that is 24/7 then you have some of what it takes to be a starship captain.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: folds her arms ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But what about the rest of the qualifications?  Training?  They have schools for that.  Knowledge?  That comes from books.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But heart and determination...that comes from within.  From here... ::point to her heart:: and here... ::points to her temple::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans against the podium and grins:: And a good dose of sheer stubbornness doesn't hurt either.

Lt_Chaser says:
:: hasn't ever thought of a Captain as compassionate, ponders that  as if enlightened ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Command officers do many mundane things also.  Paperwork...the bane of every department head.  Unfortunately...as your responsibilities and rank grows, so does your paperwork.

Lt_Chaser says:
:: like the warrior within, she nods to the Captain ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You have to smile and endure boring conversation at boring functions where your only purpose is to be present so some ambassador can claim bragging rights that they have an in with the Federation.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If your ship has families on board, you will have to judge endless science fairs and cooking contests.  Not to mention the dozens of finger paintings that are supposed to be representations of yourself and the senior staff.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: I'll give you a little secret.  Let the budding artists tell you who is who in the painting...otherwise you will be told very forcefully that the green blob that you thought was your science officer was really the counsellor.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks BAH ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And the purple blob that you were certain was your CTO turns out, in fact, to be you.  Or worse, you have to deal with a bout of tears when you praise what you think is a drawing of the child's pet but turns out to be your ship. ::grimaces at the memory::

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
::chuckles::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::continues to walk slowly around the stage keeping contact with each one in the audience::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You do have pleasant duties also.  Officiate at weddings and coming of age rituals.  Have conversations with prominent scientists and renowned diplomats at dinner.  And see sights throughout the universe that will take your breath away with the beauty and wonder of them.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But the biggest responsibility of any commanding officer is making a decision and living with the results.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
In a perfect universe in a perfect time, we would have the right answers for every situation.  But it is a very flawed universe in a sometimes chaotic, often erratic time and many of our answers, our decisions will be wrong.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
That is the curse of being mortal.  ::walks to the front of the stage and takes a sip of coffee before continuing::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Can you make a decision knowing that lives will be lost?  Can you send someone into a death trap?  Especially when you know it is a no win situation?  If you say 'yes' with no hesitation...then I would never want to serve under you.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks briefly into the eyes of everyone in the audience, one at a time::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Because a good commanding officer will question every aspect of the situation.  Look for any possible way out, no matter how small a chance and do everything within their power to not send a member of their crews to their death.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But you will  also have to face the possibility that there is no other way.  And then the hardest part of your job will take place.  Taking full responsibility and living with the results.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::sits down on the edge of the stage with her legs hanging over the edge::  Let's go over a few scenarios and talk about them.  Hopefully this will help you see what it is like to be in command.  But first...any questions?

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: holds the Captain's eyes fiercely ::

LtCmdrRegnum says:
::scribbling a few notes on his PADD::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All right then....here's a situation:

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Your mission is to settle a mining dispute over a mineral rich moon that lies directly between two neighboring systems.  Both systems had been mining together for generations but a recent rift in political procedures have brought them close to war.

Lt_Chaser says:
:: waits a little nervously::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Both sides need the raw materials to further their weapons program.  Records have been lost as to who started to mine the moon first.  These are non federation systems but have been beneficial allies in the past.  What do you do?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around the room:: Anyone want to take a stab at it?

Lt_Chaser says:
:: raises her hand ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Lt.

Lt_Chaser says:
Captain: Split the r-resour-rces evenly?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Lt: That would be an ideal situation.  but often times in these cases...the two parties want all of it.  So if that were the case here, what do you think should happen?

Lt_Chaser says:
:: ponders ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around to the others:: Anyone else have any questions...ideas?

CO_Capt_Rushing says:
Capt K'Beth:  Did they evenly split the resources in the past?

Lt_Chaser says:
:: folds her hands behind her back and raises an eyebrow :: Captain: If they both said that, then I'd give it to neither-r of them.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
K'Beth: My first reaction would be to set up a meeting between myself and the two leaders to see if you can come to an agreement.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Rushing: Yes, Captain...they did.  But all treaties have been null and void because of the dispute.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
K`Beth: I suppose claiming the mineral rich moon for the federation and not letting either of them have it is a bad answer ::jokes::

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
K'Beth: Captain? What is the nature of the dispute?

CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: quietly sneaks back into the room ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Lt Chaser: It is not the Federations to withhold. ::chuckles at Regnum::

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
::raises an eyebrow at the last comment::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Patterson: that is an excellent beginning, Commander.  Getting both factions in the same room on neutral territory is the first step.

Lt_Chaser says:
Captain: All due r-respect ma'am but I'd hold it until they came to the table and negotiated.

Lt_Chaser says:
:: sits down ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Lt Chaser: We cannot control what we do not own, Lt.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Taal: The nature of the dispute is the raw materials.

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
Lt Chaser: We may end up antagonizing both factions and lose two former allies.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
K`Beth: Why are we caring about the moon's dispute instead of the war itself?

Lt_Chaser says:
::ponders:: ALL: But if we allow one to r-rule over-r the other-r haven't we broken the pr-rime dir-erective?

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
K'Beth: After setting up the meeting I would suggest talking through the issue and trying to form an agreement.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
Chaser: The moon isn't in either system, that suggests that they are warp capable

LtCmdrRegnum says:
Chaser: therefore the Prime Directive doesn't apply, we aren't interfering in their development, we were asked to settle a dispute

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
K'Beth: It may be beneficial to offer neutral mediation in order to potentially settle the dispute over the raw materials

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Regnum: Do we have the right to interfere in their war? We were asked to settle a dispute over the moon...not their war.

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
Regnum: In the Captain's scenario, war is something we are attempting to prevent.

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
Regnum: Heh, they can deal with the war themselves.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks exactly::  Captain: Leave and let them do battle and we know who ever wins SHOULD have the moon.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: Cmdr Taal and Cmdr Patterson have the right of it.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
K`Beth: If they are wanting a neutral 3rd party to settle a dispute over land issues, it sounds like it wouldn't be too hard to talk to them about what started the conflict in the first place

CO_Capt_Rushing says:
K'Beth:  Does each planet have any type of proof  (does any other planet) about the moon and how it all began to be mined?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: Unfortunately, although Commander Regnum's solution is ideal...it is not within our jurisdiction to do so.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Rushing: All records were lost years ago.

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
::rolls her eyes at Ravenprowler's comment::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at Ravenprowler:: If we were to just leave them...will our mission have been accomplished?

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
Ravenprowler: That would mean disobeying a direct order from Starfleet Command, leading to a court martial.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Listens to many of the suggestions, thinking some are flawed::

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
ALL: Did she say we were ordered? or are we assuming we were ordered?  :: grins maliciously::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::sternly:: Ravenprowler: Commander....I stated that your mission was to settle the dispute.

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
Ravenprowler: According to the Captain's scenario, our mission was to settle the dispute.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
Ravenprowler: Of course this was an order if Starfleet sent the vessel to settle the dispute.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
ALL: Then if we let them duke it out is it not settled?

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
Ravenprowler: Duking it out is the Starfleet way? ::Looks at her::

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
Ravenprowler: Maybe if we settle the Moon dispute that will settle the WAR.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: shrugs  and sits back in her chair ::

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
Ravenclaw: Unless you want it, of course?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: If settling the war falls within the parameters of settling the dispute…then we are free to do so.  But a commanding officer can never forget their primary goal and that is to fulfill the mission orders.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: You cannot afford to get sidetracked.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods to K'Beth:: All: I do not believe Starfleet wishes to start any wars.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Patterson: Correct Commander.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: Now let me throw this out at you.

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
ALL: I also believe Starfleet would prefer to settle the dispute with minimal losses of lives.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
Taal: Agreed Commander.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All negotiations fail and the two sides begin to arm their weapons.  Can we get involved then?

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
ALL: That’s unless you have an SFI officer onboard your ship to make sure that doesn't happen

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
Captain: Negative.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
K`Beth: would imagine that would be up to Starfleet

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: shakes her head no ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to Regnum:: that's true...but say that all communications were disrupted.  You cannot get hold of Starfleet.  What then?

LtCmdrRegnum says:
K`Beth: I would imagine stay out of it unless it threatens to harm Federation citizens

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around the room:: All: Does everyone agree with the Commander?

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
All: I would disagree. You were sent there to aid in negotiations. You need to follow that order and try. Of course if it does not work then yes I would agree.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
Patterson: K`Beth said all negotiations failed

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
::nods:: Self: Um-hm.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: So just walk away, even though millions of lives may be at stake....

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
Regnum: Yes, and if weapon fire began or was preparing to do so you would try and stop that first.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
K'Beth: Of course not. It is your job to find a solution.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
K`Beth: Neither species are in the Federation, they were both allies, it would be wrong to take sides, we did what we could to do negotiations, it would be wrong to side with either side and thus thrust the Federation into a non-federation war

Lt_Chaser says:
Captain: Ask for a cooling off per-riod?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Chaser: Lt...all negotiations failed which means they wouldn't listen to anything we had to say. ::looks around the room again:: So what does that tell you in itself?

LtCmdrRegnum says:
That they don't want our help

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to him:: Correct!

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: Sometimes having the power of a starship and the backing of hundreds of planets tends to warp our perspective of our place in this universe.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at Patterson:: I would love it if we could step in and solve everyone's problems.  But we can't.  No...let me rephrase that.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: We do have the power...but we don't have the right.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Looks at K'Beth::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: One of the hardest things to learn is when to walk away.

Lt_Chaser says:
::ponders::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: And I'm half Klingon so it is doubly hard for me. ::grins::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Smiles:: K'Beth: That is very true.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles back and tries to remember where she has seen the young XO::  Any questions? ::looks around the room::

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
K'Beth: As an officer in SFI, sometimes it's my mission to sabotage a ships mission because SFI and SFC sees things differently

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: Then be very glad you were never assigned to my ship.

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
K'Beth: Actually, you and I did serve together a long time ago on the Delphyne

CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: casually exits the room...::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins again:: I meant as an SFI. ::chuckles:: How are you Mac?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stands up and starts to walk around the stage slowly again:: I hope you gotten a taste of what it takes to be a starship captain.  Or any commanding officer for that matter.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods to K'Beth::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
It is often a thankless job that makes people old before their time.  Although many captains have families...it is not common.  It can be lonely and grueling but at the same time one of the most rewarding jobs around.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ask any captain about why they do it....why they stay when the work and responsibilities are far more than the rewards and perks.  You'll probably get a different answer from each.

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
Good good thanks.......after I stepped down as CO of the Artemis I was recruited by SFI and they assigned me to the Luna to keep "tabs" on them <G>

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles at Mac:: We'll have to talk afterwards.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::continues on with her lecture::  Yes, you would probably get a different answer from each captain.

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
oh and before that, I did a brief stint on the Pharaoh

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But if you were to listen very carefully to what they say...not how they say it...you will hear one underlying reason.  Because they were the best people for the job and couldn't allow anyone else to shoulder the burden if they didn't take the position.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles again at Mac before continuing::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And if you were to look at them closely, you will see a sense of pride and contentment in each of them.  Pride because they were able to serve to the best of their ability and contentment because despite everything....they made a difference.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the clock on the wall:: Well it appears that my time is up.  I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming to this seminar and participating.  There are many more wonderful seminars during this conference and I encourage you all to attend as many as you can.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I will be presenting a different scenario at each of my lectures so please feel free to return.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you and enjoy the conference.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods to K'Beth:: K'Beth: I may very well return. This was a very good seminar.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
::goes up to shake K'Beth's hand before leaving:: K'Beth: Thank you captain, for a very enlightening seminar

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at Patterson as she shakes Regnum's hand:: Thank you Commanders.  I'm glad you both enjoyed it.

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
::stands up and looks around at the assembled collection of Starfleet officers::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Patterson: Excuse me....but don't I know you from somewhere?

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
::nods to the Captain:: K'Beth: It was very enlightening, thank you, sir. ::smiles::

CO_Capt_Rushing says:
::walks up to K'Beth:: Thank you for some words to think on.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the CMO:: My pleasure.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Looks at K'Beth:: K'Beth: Not that I know of.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And to you to, Captain Rushing.

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
::makes a note in his PADD, and files it in SFI personnel files::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You're from the Sharikahr...correct?

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods:: K'Beth: That is correct Captain. I am the First Officer.

CMO_Ens_Kimura says:
::walks out to attend the Medical Seminar::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::snaps her fingers:: You serve with that mangy cat Mrlr :;grins to show she is joking::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Smiles:: Yes I do. She is a very fine officer.

XO_Cmdr_Taal says:
::exits the seminar room::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Well tell her that I said hello.  It's been a while since I last saw her at headquarters.

CO_Capt_Rushing says:
::Needs to get to the Medical Seminar,  Will see K'Beth later.::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Nods:: I will. ::smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you, Commander ::looks at Mac and sees the PADD:: Updating your files on me? ::grins:: I imagine you would need a couple of PADDs for my file already.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
Well I must be off Captain. ::She exits::

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
::laughs:: naw this'll make my fourth on you 

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
so how are things on the Delphyne?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles and gathers up her PADDs of lecture notes:: How come you aren't giving a seminar this year?

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
No one wants to hear from the enemy ::smiles::

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
Also maybe if there were more CIVS in the intel bus, then might be feasible for next year

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::shrugs:: Maybe if more people knew what you spooks did..they wouldn't be so leery of you.  Unless that is what you want.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins::

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
::laughs at her comment:: Now now, you know we can't reveal anything about what we do, we're on what we like to call.....you know when we decide it's time for you to know

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ah yes...the ever irritating 'need to know' that you types like to spout off.  Especially when you don't have the answers. ::chuckles::

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
::smiles:: You know, it's been almost 5years since I was first assigned to the Del

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans against the podium and sighs tiredly:: We're getting old...do you know that?

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
I know what you mean ::pauses:: mine and Jerni's daughter is 3 years old now

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::blinks:: Already?  Wasn't she just born?

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
::laughs:: Seems like it, but like they say, before you know it, they'll be graduating from school and getting married and your life went by like a ship at warp 9.8

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles and looks at her chronometer.  Curses:: I am late!  Look Mac...are you going to be around the rest of the conference?

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
hopping on over to the Doctor's conference now, gotta make a new file on the seminar speaker ::grins evily::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::wryly as she walks out the door and turns off the lights in the room:: Well try not to enjoy yourself too much.

CIV_Capt_MacPherson-Quest says:
::with his black and grey SFI uniform, he becomes invisible in the dark:: I'll try not to ::laughs::