In Character Conference Command Seminar Stardate 10406.26 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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CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::relaxes in his chair as he waits for the seminar to begin::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
We'll start in just a few minutes. ::smiles::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Understood ::smiles back tightly::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::steps up to the front of the stage:: Welcome everyone. I am Captain K'Beth of the USS Delphyne.

Ens_Turok says:
::Listens in awe::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::listens to the Captain speak::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
This is the command seminar. ::smiles at the Commander and cadet that just walked in::

CDT_Gordon says:
::enters and looks for a free chair::

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:
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.

CDT_Gordon says:
::thinks of Quark and his advertisement ideas::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::raises his eyebrows slightly, wondering what she's drinking to make her smile so much::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::starts to walk around the stage waving her mug in the air when she wants to emphasis a point::

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::feels one corner of his mouth go up in a wry smile - the paperwork comment being oh so accurate::

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.

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::

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.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::feels the smile grow somewhat, rather against his will, at the suggestions::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::starts to walk slowly back and forth on the stage, takes a sip of coffee before continuing::

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 another 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::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::looks right back at her when the captain looks at him, knowing just what she is talking about::

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:
Any questions so far? ::looks around the audience::

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.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Two of your officers were seen abusing and taunting a local resident of a planet where your ship and crew were spending a little R&R.  The two were arrested and held in the local jail.  The laws dictate that the victim has the right to demand the punishment and this victim demanded 35 years hard labor in a mining prison.  A prison <c>

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
that has the reputation of no one ever leaving alive.  Both of your officers are good people with families, but they had partaken a little too much of the local alcoholic beverage.  What do you do?

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::wonders how much time he should leave anyone else to talk before suggesting his inclination::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around:: Anyone?

CDT_Gordon says:
::Thinks:: hmmm, that lady can talk ::smiles::

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: Try and offer the victim an alternate form of reimbursement.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::raises his arm somewhat::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::drops it, turning to look at the Ensign who spoke::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Good suggestion, Ensign. ::points to the commander:: Commander....you had a suggestion?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles a welcome at the Lt who just walked in::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::turns back to face the front:: Try to talk to the victim, reason with him.  Make them understand that their actions were not representative of the Federation, and that we sympathize with their pain.  If it is unsuccessful, then local laws must unfortunately apply.  If it is, once on board they should be dealt with according to protocol.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
::waves to Bodine to join him:: 

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: wonders into the room hoping he found the right room and takes a seat, is disgusted his tip toeing failed to succeed and nods to the speaker ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at both the ensign and the commander:: And what happens if the victim refuses?  Or how about this...what if the victim is only demanding such a harsh sentence because they are opposed to the Federation, not for any real justice?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around the room:: Anyone?

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: Perhaps you could go to local authorities to try and get them to grant a waiver in this particular case.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Bring your counselor down, assuming one's assigned to your ship.  See if they can make them agree.  Whilst this is happening, the exec and chief tac and security should be investigating every facet of the applicable law in an effort to find loopholes.  I'd also be having words with whomever wrote the information book on the planet in question, to find out why no warning was made of this beverage being so strong.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Consular and diplomatic pressure could also be brought to bear in an effort to at least make the sentence more lenient.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the commander:: Exactly.  ::smiles at the Ensign:: Asking for a waiver is a possibility but you have to realize that is not really a choice you can make.  As Starfleet Officers we are bound to abide by the laws of the planetary government, no exceptions.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If in the case that it is a vindictive strike at the Federation in general and no real justice then you have some 'wiggle' room to push the boundaries.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
;:quietly explains to Bodine the situation::

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: pretends he is aware of the subject :: Capt: We need to show the Federations better ethics at all possible moments. I would hope, anything that could be brought to the attention of any level of authority and say in that situation. Such as law makers and enforcement, and the accused should be done.

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: leans over to whisper to Regnum :: Regnum: I see your collar got a bit heavier, Looks nice Commander.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes, Lt.  I agree.  And in the end...you have to face the possibility that two good officers will be sentenced to a what surmounts as a death sentence for one foolish mistake.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Not fair, is it? ::looks around::

LtCmdrRegnum says:
::nods to Bodine:: Thanks roomie, but we'll talk later

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
Capt: No sir, but in the end if we can't respect the customs and beliefs of all races, then we would be no better then an imperial nation. That could have bad diplomatic relations that might last the federation poor relations for a very long time.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But I thought that the Federation stood for justice and fairness?  That we all joined Starfleet to defend the weak and punish the unjust?  In the Federation we would never allow such a punishment happen for that sort of crime.  In other words we are sacrificing two men to save diplomatic relations?  Is that representative of what we stand for?

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
Capt: It is not always right to impose our higher technology and better technologies on others just because we can. I guess in truth every one situation is different. Who's to say it is always for one captain to make that decision alone that is why a Captain has senior staff for.

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: No, but we also stand for the individuality and sovereignty of every race. Do we impose our standard on everyone willing or not?

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: nods in agreement with the Ensign ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But in the end it is the Captain that has to make the decision...alone.  ::looks at the ensign:: You are correct, Ensign.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
That's what I am trying to say.  That as a commanding officer, you have the power to impose your beliefs...your morals onto others.  But you can't.

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
Capt: Of course sir I'm not suggesting it, I was only saying that Senior staff is an invaluable tool, it does take more then one soul to run a ship does it not?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Lt, it does.  And it would be a very poor captain to not avail themselves of the talents and knowledge of their crew.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Does anyone have any other questions or comments?

Ens_Turok says:
::Nodding no::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::shakes his head slowly, pursing his lips slightly::

CDT_Gordon says:
K'Beth: What about if a Commanding officer is incapable of doing his job but you can't prove that

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Good question, Cadet.  That is why there is a chain of command.  It is the XO's duty to help the CO maintain the course.

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: smiles feeling very appeased :: K'Beth: No Captain, I apologies I was late, but from what I saw I did very much enjoy.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
If at any time the XO believes that the CO is unfit for command, they have the right to work with the CNS and/or the CMO and remove the CO from their position.  But it is a very serious undertaking.

Ens_Turok says:
ALL: As an MO I know there better be a VERY good reason to relieve the CO.

CDT_Gordon says:
K'Beth: Is it the same in the "lower" ranks as in the higher ones

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Correct, Ensign.  Above every CO is an Admiral.  The XO should feel free to come to the Admiral at any time to discuss the CO's actions.  It has been done, several times throughout the history of Starfleet.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Cadet: No, cadet.  dealing with the lower ranks is at the discretion of the CO and/or XO.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: But generally the Academy and command schools weed out the bad apples.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around again:: Does anyone have a situation they would like to discuss?

CDT_Gordon says:
K'Beth: I mean like, CEO and EO......if the EO notices the CEO's "mental instability" than he can report that to the XO or even the Capt.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Correct, Cadet.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at Laurence:: Commander, what ship are you the CO of?

CDT_Gordon says:
K'Beth: that's what I meant in the "lower ranks" ::smiles::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Uh, the star drive of the USS Pavonis. ::pauses for a moment, before continuing:: Hopefully a complete ship again within the next few days.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: I heard it is a fine ship...even if it is in parts. ::grins and looks at the chronometer::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I see that my time is almost up.  I hope you gotten a taste of what it takes to be a starship captain.  Or any commanding officer for that matter.

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: chuckles at commander Laurence’s comment ::

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.

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:
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.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::nods, feeling that his answer to that question would probably quite disappoint the captain::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stands 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 having other scenarios in my other seminars so you are free to come back anytime.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::stands from his seat in respect to the Captain for her having led the seminar::

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

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: nods :: K'Beth: Will have to do that sir, thank you

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: applauds ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks closely at Laurence:: Commander...do you have time to stay behind for a bit?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at the Lt:: Thank you, Lt.

LtCmdrRegnum says:
another great session Captain

Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::applauds::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::nods once:: Of course, captain

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: Very informative, thank you very much sir.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Regnum: Thank you, Commander, I am glad you were able to attend again.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you, Ensign.

CDT_Gordon says:
Very nice seminar Captain

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: stands and makes his way to the Exit :: Regnum: Sir, I'm headed to the Cafeteria but only for a moment.

FCO_Lt_Bodine says:
:: steps out::

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: I will definitely be back for more.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Good...I hope so, Ensign.

Ens_Turok says:
::Quietly exits the room::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::waits until the others have departed:: What can I do for you, Captain?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans against the podium and looks at Laurence:: Want to talk about what's bothering you, Commander?

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::raises his eyebrows:: Sir?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You just looked like you have something troubling you.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::pauses::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::waits patiently, sipping her coffee::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Why do we do it?  I do it because I was ordered to.  ::shrugs:: I fell into Starfleet because I needed something to do.  I fell into tactical because I was a good shot.  I fell into exec because my captain on the Leo thought I was good at organizing things, and I fell into command because Admiral Suran ordered me there temporarily, and Admiral Taylor wouldn't let me leave.  

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And you don't think you deserve to be there...::said more as a statement than a question::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
You might like what you do.  By the sounds of things you know full well why you do it.  I've spent goodness knows how long thinking about it, I've taken some pretty big decisions, and I have absolutely no idea why I do it.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::simply:: Then quit.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
I've thought about it.  But somewhere inside me, something wants to keep on going - probably nothing more than a wish to avoid disappointing Captain Tudor, who placed far too much faith in me on the Leo, but until I find out what that is, there's just something holding me back.  You'd have thought the court martial would have answered that, but it seems my insanely indestructible career managed to survive even that.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: That sounds to me like you want this more than you think.  Commander, Starfleet command doesn't just give command slots away for the heck of it.  they pick the best qualified candidates.  There are hundreds who don't even make the first cut.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::has heard this from varying sources, and has never known what to say to it::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You don't believe me.  ::smiles:: Do you want some advice from a very old and beat up Captain?

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::looks directly at her:: Let's have it.

CTO_q`vort says:
::enters the room::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Relax.  Have fun.  There is enough seriousness and depression in our jobs without adding to it.  Enjoy yourself....spin around in circles in your ready room chair until you are dizzy. ::grins:: Bet you never thought you would hear that from a half-Klingon, did you?

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::turns away from K’Beth to look at the new arrival::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::sees the CTO:: CTO: The seminar is over, but the next command seminar will be 2 and a half hours.

CTO_q`vort says:
::nods ands leaves::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Never.  And if you don't mind, there's enough cheeriness in the universe without adding to it.  The depression needs sorting out, and how better to understand than immerse oneself?  I gave up on being happy a long time ago, and don't expect to see it for a while.  That made me feel freer than I had for a long time.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at him sadly:: Then you have my sympathy, Commander.  Yes, I can imagine giving up on happiness would make you free...because then you don't take the chance of getting hurt.  After all...you are already immersed in unhappy feelings, why risk it?

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
I don't know what's in that mug, captain, but whatever it is it clearly works for you - but not all of us like being dizzy with excitement.  The galaxy isn't exactly a friendly place in case you hadn't noticed.  My life has become one of service, one where I, me, my desires, my feelings, play as small a part as possible, working to make everybody else happy - I don't have time for it myself.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::shakes her head and holds up her mug:: It is merely coffee, Cmdr.  And believe me...I have seen more painful things than you can imagine.  As for being of service....isn't that what being a command officer is about?  You...me...we are not important.  but that doesn't mean we don't deserve a little happiness once in a while.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Almost every notion I ever had of happiness was tinged somewhere with its reciprocal.  So I took them all, rolled them into a tiny ball, and stuffed them away in the tiniest part of my mind, where I don't have to... where I can avoid the fact I shouldn't be what I am, without the people I am, in the place and time that I am.  I find it a lot easier to be if I avoid thinking about what I'm not.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Then I feel sorry for you, Commander.  You are missing out on many wonderful things because it hurts when they are gone.  Unfortunately, those feelings, those desires, those memories you have tucked away are still a part of you and you can't be rid of them.  Until you embrace everything that has happened, you will never be whole.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Captain, you don't seem to understand.  As paradoxial as it seems, I like being unhappy.  I like the way I am.  I'm not happy, I'm not pleased, but I am satisfied.  There is a purpose somewhere, and one day I will find it, but until then I simply don't any reason to stop being the way I am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at him for moment:: I must be off...but I will be back for more seminars if you wish to continue.  but before I leave I want to leave you with a saying that one of my old professors right here in this academy taught me.  "When the world is not nice,  take my advice, pull down your pants...and slide on the ice." ::smiles:: Good day, Cmdr

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::nods formally:: Captain.  ... enjoy.. the rest of the conference.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: You too Commander....you too. ::exits down the corridor::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::walks out, and heads for a notice board, to find out what else is on::