In Character Conference Command Seminar Stardate 10406.27 Lecture 2

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:
::looks up and smiles:: Welcome Captain.  refreshments are in the back.

Captain_Matisse says:
Thank you, but I had my far share of them in the Cafeteria ::smiles and takes a seat::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans against the podium and sips her coffee:: Hello everyone.  We'll wait just a few more minutes for people to trickle in from the other seminars.

LtCmdr_Regnum says:
The Engineering Seminar has not yet ended Captain

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at the newcomer:: We will begin in a few minutes.  Refreshments are in the back.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you Commander.  We'll give them a few minutes.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: quickly takes a seat in the back after grabbing a Cookie::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::gets a cup of black coffee::

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Tox: Well, well... I haven't been to this seminar yet. Wonder what it's about...

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at Ensign Turok:: You again?  I think you could probably give this seminar yourself by now. ::chuckles::

Cadet_Tox says:
Ilianor: Command is all I caught, but I am certain we'll learn a good deal ::looks around the room

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::walks to the podium:: I wish to welcome everyone to what I understand is the last command seminar of the conference.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Tox: Well, it looks like she's about to begin, so let's sit down first. ::winks at Tox... wondering what it's like...::

Cadet_Tox says:
:: motions a pair of seats then seats himself

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: Possibly one day captain. ::Smiling::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
My name is Captain K'Beth and I am the CO of the USS Delphyne, an Excelsior class that currently patrols the neutral zone on the Romulan border.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::finds a seat, not too close to the stage so he can avoid the splutters::

Cadet_Tox says:
:: quietly draws out a medical tricorder & runs a scan of his abdomen before noticing the lecture starting

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Walks in quietly with large coffee mug and PADD and tries to sit without interrupting::

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.

Cadet_Tox says:
::frowns at the readings then closes the tricorder and drops into his lab jacket's pocket.

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.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::listens and completely agrees::

Cadet_Tox says:
:: nods at the sentiment::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::grins::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::starts to pace slowly back and forth across the stage while she speaks::

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.

Cadet_Tox says:
::chuckles a bit: at the mug reference::

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: rolls his eyes at the joke ::

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:
::waves her mug in the air to emphasis her 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::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Toasts the Captain with her oversized mug with the USS Apache and Tactical logos on it::

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

Capt_MacLeod says:
::giggles and shakes head::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the officers that just walked in and continues::

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.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::glances at the officers walking in and then looks back at K'Beth::

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::

Cadet_Tox says:
::leans over to Ilianor to whisper quietly as not to disrupt the speech:: Ilianor:: A good judge of character might help too

Capt_MacLeod says:
::laughs::

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.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: almost bursts out in laughter before he suppresses it::

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::

Cadet_Tox says:
::looks down cast quickly::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Looks back without flinching::

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: looks a little defiant as the captain poses this question ::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::agrees and wonders how he would act when or if the time comes::

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.

Cadet_Tox says:
::looks up with a roil of complex concern and frustration logic being worked out on his face's features.

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:
Does anyone have any questions, so far?

Cadet_Tox says:
::raises a hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Cadet.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::making notes on PADD::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::looks at the Cadet::

Cadet_Tox says:
ALL: How do you judge whether you should sacrifice the one or the many? could you give us some insights to the dilemma.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles and 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.

Cadet_Tox says:
::nods:

Capt_MacLeod says:
::smiles at the Cadet's really good question and looks at K'Beth::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And help you learn how to make such a decision.

Cadet_Tox says:
::glances at Ilianor for a moment::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So let's take an extremely difficult situation.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You are taking a vaccine to a planet in a remote system for a plague that is threatening to kill thousands.  You get a distress call from a galaxy class ship that life support is failing and they need evacuation.  The crew compliment is over a thousand souls as many of the crew have their families on board.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Power is offline and cannot be restored.  Their resources are being used up even as you hear the distress call.  It will take two days to get to the ship, but the planet needs the vaccine within 48 hours otherwise thousands will die.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You are the only ship within any distance to offer any sort of help to the stranded ship.  The planet is too far away for a shuttle to reach in time and you have no runabouts. What do you do?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Ensign

Capt_MacLeod says:
::prays so he doesn't face such situation::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: If the planet in question isn't a Federation member or colony you respond to the distress call. All Federation distress calls have priority, according to Starfleet General Orders.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Do they?

Cadet_Tox says:
::thinks for a moment:: Couldn't You contact the Planet enroute to co-ordinate a vessel from their world to pickup the supplies and still make it to the Distress ship?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: Yes Ma’am, all Federation distress calls take precedence over non-federation ones.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: raises hand :: K'Beth: The orders were to deliver this vaccine. That's that. But what is the population of this colony?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
That's a good idea Cadet.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::listens intently::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Hembrook: Your orders are to get the vaccine to the planet.  Isn't your primary goal to complete your mission if it is to save lives?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: Tell the Galaxy class to abandon ship in the escape pods, they can last a minimum of 8 days, the planet only has 2.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Illianor: The population is in the tens of thousands

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
K'Beth: Then there should be no question.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
That's a possibility, Ensign.

CTO_q`vort says:
::walks in taking a seat in the Back::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Anyone else?

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods::

Cadet_Tox says:
::look  around:: All: The orders are to deliver the vaccine, but if you can get them to meet you half way & still return in time to save their population & still leave you time to respond to the distress call you accomplish both correct?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Correct, Cadet.  but what if they don't have a ship fast enough?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Cadet: I would think if they had a Starship they would have come for the vaccine themselves already.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Illianor: Ensign, you had a thought?

Capt_MacLeod says:
All:  Half way would mean 24 hours away.  Then you'd have to make the way back to the Galaxy class, where you were previously 48 hours away.  You'd never get there in time.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
K'Beth: Yes. It's simple. Your primary orders were to deliver the vaccine, to save tens of thousands of people. There's no question

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Hembrook: Ensign...let's address our remarks up here, okay? ::smiles::

CTO_q`vort says:
ALL: What if you could dispatch it using a runabout?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt. Sorry Sir.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Tox:  Although it was a good  idea.  ::smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
CTO: You don't have any runabouts available and it is too far for shuttles.

CTO_q`vort says:
Beth: Ah. Perhaps I can get a recap of the Problem.

Cadet_Tox says:
::thinks for a moment::: K’Beth: Sir Couldn't you separate the sauces section & send it to help the ship while the other half continues at warp to its destination?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: Starfleet vessels have enough lifeboats for the whole compliment, it's regulations. Each lifeboat can last for 8 days loaded, more if they use the "gaggle mode", they could survive until you returned.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
There is no power, remember?

CAPT_Q`tor says:
ALL: A Saucer section has impulse drive only.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So the life pods seem to be the best choice?

Cadet_Tox says:
::looks a bit confused by the dilemma::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::adjusts his body on the chair and crosses his legs, listening to the ideas::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: Unless they can find a way to restore power, yes Ma’am. As we just mentioned in our Engineering seminar, a vessel without power will become too cold to inhabit in about 4 hours. There seems little choice.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Let's stir up the pot a little more.  What if the ship is within hostile territory?

CTO_q`vort says:
Capt: This a tough choice. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the Few. I would go to the Planet sacrificing the Galaxy Class.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: In that case, you punt the problem up to Flag country at the Starbase HQ and let them decide if it's more important to save ill people or rescue a vessel in hostile space.

Cadet_Tox says:
::looks at Ilianor:: Ilianor:  tough calls the Captains face daily.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Hembrook: Unfortunately...it is your call, Ensign.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
K'Beth: Sort the people into escape pods... initiate auto-destruct. Save them whenever possible. Or not.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: In that case Ma’am, Starfleet General Orders outweigh Mission Orders, you would be obligated to respond to the distress call, as there is no way for them to wait now.

Cadet_Tox says:
::grimaces at the idea of losing anyone::

CAPT_Q`tor says:
Capt_K'Beth:  There are variables that must be considered.  What type of ship are you commanding for instance.  An Intrepid class ship would not have the facilities to evacuate the entire crew, with families, of a Galaxy Class Starship.

CTO_q`vort says:
Capt: This is one of these situations where you are shamed if you do and shamed if you don't either way.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::smirks at the Ensign's comment::

Ens_Turok says:
ALL: But do you let the abandoned ship fall into enemy hands?

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Turok: The ship is lost.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: Absolutely not.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::crosses his arms now and watches K'Beth's reactions to the several suggestions::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::stands and lets them speak for a moment:: Not a very easy thing, right?

Cadet_Tox says:
:: looks over to Capt Macleod for a clue then turns to study K’Beth for a moment::

CTO_q`vort says:
ALL: I am sure they would die before letting the ship fall into enemy hands, they would find a way to destroy themselves.

Capt_MacLeod says:
All:  The Captain is right... it also depends if you have the means to retrieve the people from the Galaxy Class starship.

Ens_Wilson-Ilianor says:
K'Beth: It also depends on the reason why they were in hostile space in the first place. Diplomacy... or covert operation...?

Cadet_Tox says:
::Raises a hand::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: No Ma’am, you are in a moral trap... the best you can do it gut it out, and follow orders and regulation by their precedence.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Sometimes, Ensign....but sometimes no...

Capt_MacLeod says:
All:  The truth is, out there... you are alone.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
How many of you think that the rules and regulations must be adhered to strictly and completely?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: Unless it's an illegal order Ma’am, you are supposed to follow all orders and regulations.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles and looks sideways at the two other Captains in the rooms:: Do you both agree?

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: But which orders outweigh which?

CTO_q`vort says:
TO: Do you follow your heart? Do you not care about the people dieing?

Cadet_Tox says:
::lowers his hand and leans towards Ilianor: Ilianor: Kobiashi Maru time!

Capt_MacLeod says:
K'Beth:  Some rules can be bend...  as I said, when you are out there, you are on your own.

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Tox: Hardly. Lose a thousand people, save tens of thousands. Hardly a failure.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: I do my job Sir, the best I can, with whatever I have at hand.

CAPT_Q`tor says:
Capt_K'Beth: It is true that you are 'supposed' to follow orders and regulations.  The truth is you are not always 'able" to follow them.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods in agreement to Captain Q'Tor::

CTO_q`vort says:
::nods in agreement::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And that's the dilemma.  Which regulation takes precedent?  Because believe me...there will always be at least one or two regulations conflicting with each other at any given time.

Cadet_Tox says:
::nods at Ilainor statement:: Ilainor: I agree the many outweighs those few...besides if they are Starfleet they are trained to handle the crisis.

Capt_MacLeod says:
All:  And sometimes it gets even worse... when you report the situation to Starfleet Command and the word you have back is:  "It's your call, Captain".

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: At the Academy I was given to understand that the General Orders, chiseled on stone tablets by the Apostles at God's right hand 3 days after the Earth cooled and handed to the first Chief of Starfleet Operations, took precedence over all others.

Cadet_Tox says:
:gets a rude face at Macleod's statement.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Very true, Captain MacLeod, Which is the majority of the time.  Let me throw an unrelated question at you.  Prime Directive:  Should it ever be broken?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: I has been on many occasions, but no, it should not be.

Capt_MacLeod says:
K'Beth:  No, it should not.  However, as in every rule, there are the exceptions...

Cadet_Tox says:
:: taps in a few notes on his PADD.

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: No sir.

CAPT_Q`tor says:
::angrily remembers the needless murder of two of his crew and his inability to stop it because of the Prime Directive.::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Agreed.  And that's one of the jobs of the CO.  To decide what course to take.  Break a directive for the greater good?  but how do you know it is the greater good?

Capt_MacLeod says:
::looks at the audience and listens to their answers::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: Fact of life in the real universe, not the ideal: Sometimes the good guys lose and the bad guys win.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::takes another sip of his coffee, which is now cold::

CAPT_Q`tor says:
ALL: The hard and simple truth is that everyone of us in this room have sworn an oath to uphold the Prime Directive even if it means our death, or the death of our crews.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Q'tor: Indeed.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods::

CAPT_Q`tor says:
ALL: It is often a bitter oath to fulfill.

Cadet_Tox says:
:: looks at his PADD thoughtfully:: Ilianor: You can not know, only time, history and other's opinions on the matter will dictate whether you choice was the correct one in hindsight..

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So if an asteroid was bearing down on a planet that held millions of lives, but because they have not developed warp technology...we don't interfere?

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Tox: Agreed...

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: In this case, it's possible to interfere without them finding out, you didn't break the Prime Directive, correct?

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
TO: But you have changed the course of evolution on that planet by allowing the population to live.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
What if they have the technology for space flight and can detect us if we go and move the asteroid?

CTO_q`vort says:
TO: Non Interference means non inference. Period.

CTO_q`vort says:
Beth: We follow the Prime directive.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: If they have that level of Technology they should have ballistic missiles they could use to save themselves.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Hembrook:  Not always.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: Then they're toast... if you get caught, you violated General Order One.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Isn't your career worth the lives of millions of people?

CAPT_Q`tor says:
Hembrook:  That is not always the truth.  I have been to planets that the technology far surpassed that of the Federation, and yet they never developed space flight.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Hembrook:  And then, we are toast, right?  ::smiles::

CTO_q`vort says:
:: leaves for personal reasons such as needing food::

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
K'Beth: It's not just a regulation, it's a belief system... you violate the prime directive once, you set a terrible precedence for the future.

Cadet_Tox says:
:: Raises a  hand and looks at K'Beth:: K'Beth:: If they have space travel it is only a matter of time before they determine that they are not alone and develop warp capabilities.

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: A career is but the federation is not. That is the standard we were built on.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: That's not the point Ma’am, I don't follow General Orders because I'm afraid of getting court-martialed, I follow them because we are a Military Organization, and without discipline in the ranks, it falls apart.

Cadet_Tox says:
::glares at Hembrook.

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Hembrook: Agreed.

CAPT_Q`tor says:
ALL: Ensign Ilianor is correct. If you justify violating the Prime Directive once, it only becomes easier to justify violating it again.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: If you can't follow the most sacred directive of all, what's stopping you from stealing from other vessels, or making you show up for your shift? It doesn't take much for a system to break down into anarchy.

Cadet_Tox says:
::nods agreeing at those points::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::let's them talk for a few minutes::

CAPT_Q`tor says:
ALL: As much as it may pain you, as a Starfleet Officer you cannot interfere.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: As you said in the beginning Ma’am, it's not easy sitting in the big chair, and sometimes the only choice you get is to eat crap or eat dirt.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
That's true Ensign.   Luckily for our sanity...not all decisions are this tough.

Cadet_Tox says:
:shakes his head thinking of the medical oath he is required to take before he even graduates from Starfleet...seeing a direct conflict in the oath to preserve life & the Directive at times.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: Aye-aye Ma’am.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
As you can see...there are no easy answers.  But that's what we are here to do.  Try and do the best we can with what we are given.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Took the same Oath in Nursing school before joining the Academy: Do no further harm::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Is it fair?  No...but if you want fair then stick to gardening for a living.

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::pokes his head through the door, scanning all with eyes and antennae::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the blue head that is just inside the doorway::  May I help you, Lt?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::turns back to the seminar::

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

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.

LtJG_Kizlev says:
K'Beth: Just looking for a seat is all. Please excuse me, captain. ::quietly slips in the room::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Believes that::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::finds his former CTO looking for a chair::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the time and chuckles:: I seem to have run over my time.  Does anyone have any questions?

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::notices a very, very familiar face amidst the other and his eyes go wide seeing his former CO, then goes over to sit next to him offering his hand all the while::

Cadet_Tox says:
:: makes a few more notes on his PADD::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: No Ma’am, thank you again for another thought-provoking session.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::shakes Kizlev's hand but waits until the end of the Seminar to speak::

Cadet_Tox says:
K'Beth: What was your solution to the Kobiashi Maru?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming to this seminar and participating.

Cadet_Tox says:
::smiles at K'Beth::

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::whispers:: MacLeod: Seems like I am woefully later, sir. ::smiles shaking the captain's hand::

Ens_Turok says:
Tox: Death was mine. ::smiling::

Capt_MacLeod says:
Kizlev:  Aye, you are.  ::smiles back and stands::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
To the Kobiashi Maru, Cadet?  ::chuckles:: I am half Klingon.  I took as many down as possible before we died.  I am pleased to say that my kill ratio is still one of the top ::grins::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Chuckles, remembering our Academy days in Admiral Linard's simulator.::

Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::

CAPT_Q`tor says:
::stands to leave:: Capt_K'Beth:  batlh bI'jaH.

Ens_Turok says:
K'beth: Another fine lecture captain. I hope to one day have the honor of serving with you.

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
:: claps politely ::

Cadet_Tox says:
::nods with a perplexed look on his face to K’Beth before turning to Ilianor: Ilainor: Heading to the Cafeteria?

Capt_MacLeod says:
::claps::  K'Beth:  Thanks for such an elucidative lecture, Captain.  I hope we can hear more next year.  ::smiles::

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::nods, remembering his own KM ordeal in officer candidate school::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you captain...this was definitely one of the more entertaining seminars.  These ensigns and cadets sure keep us on our toes.

EO_Wilson-Ilianor says:
Tox: Sure. ::smiles, and heads for the door:: Left with more questions than answers.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::laughs::  K'Beth:  Indeed!

Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: grins that they do K'Beth

LtJG_Kizlev says:
MacLeod: Sir, did you happen to be on your way towards the cafe' by any chance?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Capt: That's the Tactical credo Ma’am, Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Kizlev:  Aye, I am.  Are you up to a cup of coffee?

Cadet_Tox says:
:;stands up :: Ilianor: You too?  I was not sure if there was a real answer to be had.

Cadet_Tox says:
:;moves towards the exit

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Well I'm looking for another lecture, but it appears my plate is clean for now so I am off the cafeteria.

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::shakes his head:: MacLeod: No, no thank you, captain. Coffee does not suit my metabolism very well. But please, there is much to talk about, much to discuss.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Heads back for the boat... has Phaser inspections and calibrations to attend to... thinks there isn't enough coffee in this quadrant to keep a Junior Tactical Officer going::

Capt_MacLeod says:
Kizlev:  Very well, you may have something else, then. ::smiles::  K'Beth:  Are you coming, Captain?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::is gathering her notes and listening to the bantor.  Glad that she is done until next year.::

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::turns to K'Beth, anxious to know her as well::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: I'll see you back on board, got things to be about. We can share notes.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
MacLeod: Yes, Captain...I will be there in a few minutes.  You go on ahead without me.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Very well. I will see you then. ::Patting the TO on the shoulder::

Capt_MacLeod says:
K'Beth:  Aye!  ::turns and leaves::

LtJG_Kizlev says:
K'Beth: Excellent. MacLeod: This way if you please, captain. I've got you covered. ::grins::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::smiles briefly and heads for the door::

LtJG_Kizlev says:
::exits along with MacLeod::

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: May I ask you a question before you leave captain?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Of course, Ensign.

Ens_Turok says:
K'Beth: What was the hardest command decision you have had to make?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans against the podium:: That is a tough one.  I suppose it was sending an away team into a situation where I knew that they didn't have a chance to survive.

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: Does one ever really fully recover from that, captain?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::shakes her head sadly:: No Ensign.  I can remember the names of every individual that died under my command.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And there have been many.  Too many.

Ens_Turok says:
::Wondering if he will ever have to face such situations:: K'Beth: Well I will let you go, again thank you very much captain, it was an honor to be here.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you, Ensign.  It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. :;smiles::

Ens_Turok says:
K’Beth: The honor was all mine. ::walking slowly to the door thinking about the captains answer::