In Character Conference Command Seminar Stardate 10406.27 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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Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Welcome Ensign.  We'll begin in a few minutes

Ens_Turok says:
::Taking a seat in the front row::

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Hello Gina.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::walks in quietly with huge cup of coffee, looking a little tired, carrying her PADD, takes a seat next to my shipmate::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: Hello Turok

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: We will begin in a few minutes.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: No problem Sir...

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: Good morning LT.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
TO: Actually Ensign, I prefer the form of address of  "ma'am" or "Captain"

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: salutes :: CO: Good morning captains sorry I am late

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: No problem Ma’am, understood.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Morning Lt, not a problem....take a seat, please.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: walks over and takes a seat next to his TO :: Hembrook: Hello ensign

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: How's it going Boss?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
::smiles :: TO: Not bad, need another cup of coffee, to early for this stuff

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::walks up to the podium:: Let's get started, shall we?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::hands the CTO her oversized cup and offers to share::

Ens_Turok says:
::Nodding in agreement::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CAPT: Aye-aye Ma’am

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::gets her PADD ready::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: Aye captain

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at Turok:: Some of you may already know me from my previous lectures.  I am Captain K'Beth of the USS Delphyne, an Excelsior class ship that patrols the neutral zone along the Romulan border.

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::chuckles::

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::passes hers back and forth to her shipmates, sharing the huge supply::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::starts to pace slowly back and forth on the stage waving her coffee mug in the air to emphasis a few points::

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::grins::

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.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: sits taking every word in ::

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.

Ens_Turok says:
::whispering to Hembrook: Hembrook: You’re a shoe in. ::Smiling::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::making copious notes in her PADD::

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::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::chuckles::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: leans over :: Turok: You interrupt the captain with your high school love affair again and I will see you scrubbing sickbay with your toothbrush

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:
::takes a sip of her coffee::

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Knows that for a fact, has seen the chaos firsthand, recently::

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
:: Looks back without flinching::

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:
::let's that sink in for a moment:: Any questions so far?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: No Ma’am

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: No ma'am

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:
Your away team is taken hostage along with a group of civilians which consist of families.  The kidnappers are demanding the release of political prisoners.  The local government refuses to give up the prisoners.  The only way to get to your people is through the kidnappers who have barricaded themselves behind a 'human' shield...the families. <c>

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Your first attempt at a rescue fails and the kidnappers show two members of your away team and one civilian.  They tell you to choose who dies first.  What do you do?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Attempt to negotiate... and if that doesn't work, try a second rescue attempt.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But what about the choice you are forced to make?  Do you choose your crew member or the civilian to die?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: Try and trade yourself for one of the hostages, seeing if you could save someone or better negotiate from inside

Ens_Turok says:
CTO:: The XO would never allow the CO to go for one of the hostages

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: If a choice must be made it would be one of the crewman.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grimaces:: CTO: Unfortunately, as hateful as it is, Starfleet prohibits that.  And I doubt if my XO would let me either....or my CTO for that matter. ::leans in and winks:: He's a Klingon

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: The crewman have sworn an oath to protect the civilians.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: Wouldn't be a big lummox names K’Vas would it ma'am , :: smiles ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Turok: And if that crewman has a family on board?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CAPT: Normally I wouldn't choose Ma’am, no one life is more valuable or important than the other. I'd usually try a second rescue attempt and try to save them all. If I had no chance to do that, I'd choose the most junior officer, as civilians need to take priority over Fleet personnel, it's better to loose a Junior officer rather than a Senior one.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: CTO: From his descriptions, I'd say you were that blood thirsty Indian, Grey-feather.  We'll talk afterwards, Lt. ::smiles::

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: I would say you have a very unpleasant task at hand then.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: laughs :: CO : Yes ma'am

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to both of the ensigns:: Hembrook, the kidnappers gave you no choice as to the officer they would kill...but I can guarantee they always pick the most senior.  Which in this case would be either your XO or your 2nd Officer.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: Plus we do not have the authority to condemn a civilian to death

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Turok, in that regards....would you ask if the crewman's family could have one last word?  Or just let him die...

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: If it could be done safely without further risk to anyone, either set up a comm for them to say goodbye, hoping that it might sway the kidnappers with sympathy, or take a holovid of the crewmembers last farewell and get it to the family Ma’am.

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: I doubt the kidnappers would allow it as it would give you more time to mount another rescue attempt, but if they would allow a communication I would try it, but no face to face as it would put the family in a position to become possible hostages.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Good points both of you.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Thank you Ma’am.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::sips and passes the mug along, making notes::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
TO/Turok: I agree very good

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: Thanks Boss.

Ens_Turok says:
TO: Thank you, sir.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So tell me about the second rescue attempt.  what do you do if it fails again?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: How many hostages and members of your crew do that have captain.  I mean at some point sending more and more bodies to them seems to be a cost that shouldn't be paid

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CAPT: Negotiate with the kidnappers, trying to lure them into a false sense of security and possibly lure them to a place where you can try again. Never give up on rescues until they kill the last hostage. There's no dishonor in lying to terrorists or using deception in Special Operations Ma’am.

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: Should there even be another attempt or should we try to attempt a peaceful resolution ma’am?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: We already know the Government won't give up the political prisoners they want as their demand, there can't be a peaceful solution here.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: There might be something else they would accept or the other political prisoners.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Let's throw out some numbers that would be realistic.  20 civilians,  and with the failed second attempt 10 Starfleet.  The officer they are threatening to kill is your XO.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Now bearing all that in mind....do you uphold the policy of non-negotiating with terrorists?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: I can't imagine that if you threw enough Tactical Personnel, using level 3 heavy stun phasers and stun grenades, that you couldn't eventually take out the terrorists Ma’am.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: But at what cost to the hostages?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
TO: Or the terrorists just start shooting hostages as they pull back

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: If you use the phasers on wide-field you take everyone down, hostages and terrorists, at once.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: I'd hope we'd hit them from multiple directions Boss.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
What if the hostages are in a secure building?  It will take a while to enter.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
TO: If phasers or using the transporters would have worked this would be a mute discussion ensign

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: Flood the building with anestesine gas Ma’am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
TO: Ensign...you need to think these solutions through further.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at the Lt that just entered and waves her over to an empty chair::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Very well Captain, what is your solution? We've made our guesses.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: I doubt all the terrorist would be in that close a proximity to the hostages and what will the terrorist  that aren't out going to do to the hostages? One or two grenades in a small area filled with hostage and the death toll mounts quickly.

CEO_Ltjg_Leasha says:
::waves back and takes a seat for 5 mins::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: If you were a TO you'd know that stun grenades only do concussion damage, it would only disorient them, not do any real injury.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
The point of this exercise is not to find a solution but to show you how you need to learn to think every decision...every idea through to it's fullest.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Do you think the terrorist would only use stun grenades?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: There's nothing I can do about what they are armed with, only try to neutralize them as soon as possible to limit any casualties.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: As the Captain said, this isn't a perfect universe, sometimes the bad guys win and we lose.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Ensign...but neither do we go in guns blazing with a What The Hell attitude about the results.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
TO: You would have to be at range, the kidnappers are not going to let you walk up and chuck a grenade at them  You would need to use photon grenades.  If you misjudge the room size you will kill hostages

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Tell me something....what is the life of a civilian worth?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: You'd use a stealth approach and dynamic entry Boss, toss the stun grenades as you enter to cover yourself... not as cover to move in.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO:  They same as everyone else’s ma'am

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And what is the life of a Starfleet officer worth?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I'd like for Ens Hembrook to answer this one please.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: In hard facts, the sum total of the time, effort, and resources it took to train and equip them Ma’am.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: thinks to himself "until my TO calms down a bit, better leave her in the rear with the gear on these diplomatic assignments ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Does that mean they are worth more less than a civilian?  Does one civilian equal two ensigns?  Or is it three civilians for every Lt?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: No Ma’am, the only difference is that we have sworn an oath to serve and protect them, and thus we need to make sacrifices to save them if we can. Neither one is more valuable in the bigger picture.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Then why are you so eager to throw them away?  All of them?  By not stopping and evaluating every aspect of the situation you are endangering them all.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
A good commanding officer thinks not twice but three or four times before using fire power.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: I never said I wouldn't stop and re-evaluate the situation Ma’am, I'd always try to make a sound Tactical plan first.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And that is where you will never make a good CO.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
TO: Good answer ensign.  Remember Zephram Cochrane was a civilian and a drunk.  If someone had decided he was not worth keeping around there would be no Federation, no warp drive, and earth would still be a planet wracked by wars

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
::getting serious :: CO: Captain do these decisions get easier with experience?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Then I suppose I’ll just have to stay a Tactical Officer and let folks like you above my pay grade call the shots Ma’am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around at all of them:: If you, as a commanding officer, go in with the thought that you must fight, that will come out in your tone, your speech patterns, your posture

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You need to be reluctant to fight....if anything, that puts your crew and your ship in danger.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
:: sighs and looks at the CTO:: No Lt, in fact they get harder.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: But when you are up against some types of people Ma’am, a reluctance to fight is seen as a sign of weakness and they may not take you seriously.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: looks a little puzzled:: CO: You mean if the decision to sacrifice someone gets easier it is time for me to take a desk job?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Lt.  If you ever can see someone die without it affecting you...then it is time for you to leave.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ensign, as for being presumed weak.  there are ways to be strong without being aggressive.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Care to share some examples with us Ma’am?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::taking notes::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Why don't you come back to my next seminar and we'll talk about a different scenario.  My time is up for now, but I will be back at Earth Time 2 pm Pacific, 5 pm Eastern.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Aye-aye Ma’am

Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: Another fine lecture ma'am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I want to thank all of you for attending...I hope you enjoy the conference.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO: Thank you for giving us something to ponder Captain.

Ens_Turok says:
::walking to the door::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you, Ensign Turok.  You are getting to be a regular here.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: Good lecture captain

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: I enjoy learning from your knowledge ma'am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you, Lt.  SO you are the infamous Grey-feather that got my CTO hooked on creme soda?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: smiles:: CO: Yes ma'am guilty as charged

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::gets up and heads for the cafeteria to reload her coffee::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: How is my old friend doing.   My ship has been on some pretty wild patrols and I haven’t heard from him

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
He is giving a seminar later today...you should get together with him.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
CO: I will try.  Someone tried to tell me he was married, I told them they had the wrong CTO :: laughs ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: No he is married all right.  To our CNS, a Betazoid to be exact.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I performed the ceremony myself.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
::jaw drops :: CO: Wow, I think I need a drink on that .  And not cream soda either.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::laughs:: And I need to get back to my paperwork...I wasn't exaggerating about the amount. ::gathers her notes and turns out the lights to the room::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: follows the captain out :: CO: Have a good day ma'am

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You too, Lt.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: walks down the corridor::