Command Seminar 
Stardate 10509.24 1200 
Conference Room #Command 
Hosted By: Captain K’Beth  Commanding Officer of the USS Arondight

*************************************************************************************************************

Captain_McKnight says:
::McKnight walks into the room and sits in the back::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at everyone coming in and goes back to gathering her notes together::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::enters the room with Ens Andrews and follows her to a seat::

Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: smiles at Captain K'Beth

Ens_Andrews says:
::chooses a seat down front::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::sits next to Millicent::

Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: sits near the back of the room :: 

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::takes his PADD and prepares to take notes::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::whispers:: Andrews: Did you get a chance to talk to the others about the prototype simulation?

Captain_McKnight says:
:: Notices that a Commander sat in the back, McKnight smiles at him::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::joins the other ensigns, feeling comfort in the group::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::takes a seat near the back and looks toward the front of the room interestedly::

Ens_Andrews says:
::takes out a pad to write anything down that she wants to remember::

Ens_Andrews says:
Rodos: No, I didn't Logan came in looking down. I got distracted

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
Andrews: Ah.. I wonder why he'd be down.

Ens_Andrews says:
Rodos: He mentioned losing a patient

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
Andrews: Ouch.. I can see why then

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Falor: what prototype simulation?

Captain_McKnight says:
::feels awkward that he is the only other Captain in the room::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
INFO: As the clock chimes the hour, the lights in the audience dim a little to show an older slender, short half-Klingon female Starfleet Captain limp up to the podium.  She smiles at the audience.

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
Polo: I like to design ships as a hobby.. I designed a holodeck program around one of my favorite designs.

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::stops talking::

Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: looks up front and smiles :: 

Captain_McKnight says:
::looks up at the podium and smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
:: sets her PADD down::  Hello, I am Captain K'Beth - Commanding Officer of the USS Arondight and I am happy you were able to attend my command seminar.

Ens_Andrews says:
::looks toward the podium and gets ready to pay attention::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::thinks about the experience this captain must have and grins::

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

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

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

Captain_McKnight says:
::laughs::

Ens_Andrews says:
::smiles at the joke::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::laughs::

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?

Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: smiles softly :: 

Captain_McKnight says:
::shakes head a little::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around for a moment::

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.

Captain_McKnight says:
::nods::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So why would anyone want to be a starship captain?  Simple.  Because they cannot fathom doing anything else.  :: looks seriously at everyone for a moment and then grins and holds up her ever present mug:: Because you get the corner office with the view and the comfy chair.  really cool coffee mugs with your name on it

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

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.

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:
::pauses and grins::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
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 purple blob that you were certain was your CTO turns out, in fact, to be you

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
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.

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:
::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.

Ens_Andrews says:
::leans forward in her chair, very interested::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
There are 200 hostages being held on a war torn planet.  You are ordered to go in and get the hostages out by any means necessary.  Negotiations have failed and the terrorists have already killed one hostage in cold blood. The statistics show that there will be a 30% survival rate among the hostages and a 20% survival rate among the rescuers.   The terrorists are demanding that you turn over your weapons and all of your supplies to them   otherwise they will continue killing the hostages. What do you do?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::takes a sip of her coffee and let's them think for a moment::

Captain_McKnight says:
::lowers in his seat so other will not see him::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::thinks about the situation, seemingly unable to come up with a viable solution::

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

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::wonders on how to get out a lose-lose situation::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::raises a hand with an interested expression::

Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: raises hand :: 

Ens_Andrews says:
::thinks very hard::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Ryushi:: Yes Lt?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
Capt K'Beth: I have a question about the scenario, Captain.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: Actually you have done the first thing that any officer should do...get more information.  What is your question?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: Is there any sort of barrier in place to prevent us from directly transporting the hostages to a safe environment?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: Yes...there is a transporter inhibitor around the area the hostages are located.  No transport in or out.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Beth: Any chance of diffusing some sleeping drug in the atmosphere of the place? Without a direct entrance of security forces?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::nods and goes back to thinking::

Captain_McKnight says:
::thinks about the situation and knows what he would do, but not sure if it would be the right thing::

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the ensign:: Polo: That is an option.  but you would have to be sure that it took effect instantly...otherwise the terrorists may start killing hostages before they were overcome by the gas.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Cmdr McDonald:: McDonald: Commander...you had your hand raised?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: I would ask my CMO for the best possible drug and be sure the effect is almost instantaneous.

Cmdr_McDonald says:
Yes Captain I did. Could we potentially not use the planets magnetic field to mask our signature and use long range transporters? 

Cmdr_McDonald says:
Thusly avoiding any confrontation with the terrorists and getting our people out safely.

Ens_Andrews says:
::types the scenario into her pad, for use on the holodeck along with everyone's ideas::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
McDonald: Except that transporters would not work in this instance, unfortunately.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::shakes head discreetly at the Commander's suggestion - The admiral already established that transport inhibitors were in place::

Ens_Andrews says:
K’Beth: Is their a prime directive issue here?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: One thing to remember about any situation like this is that if hostages are taken...it is imperative that the kidnappers are taken out as simultaneously as possible.  The ensign’s suggestion is a good one...use gas.  But some species are resistant to gas.  What if only half the kidnappers are overcome?

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And about transporters.  How feasible is it to be able to transport 200 hostages at the same time?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
Capt: Then the other half will realize what is happening and either begin killing hostages, or will then be even more difficult to negotiate with.  or both.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
Capt: ::thinks back to his Ops background:: It would require a huge amount of energy.  It would be beyond the power of most small starships.

Captain_McKnight says:
:: takes out a PADD and enter ideas. PADD then notifies him that a message awaited him. 'Family Emergency' said the PADD. John drops to the floor and silently crawls towards the door::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: Correct. ::points to Falor:: Falor: Yes ensign?

Captain_McKnight says:
:: crawls out the door and leaves a lecture he would have stayed till the very end::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Raises his hand:: K'Beth: Yes but one may transport the kidnappers instead.

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
K'Beth: Couldn't you beam down an attacking team with gas masks? Your survival chances would be greater if half of the terrorists were taken out by gas.

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
K'Beth: You could beam them down outside of the transport inhibited area.

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises hand::

Ens_Andrews says:
::raises her hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: All: You could do all of these suggestions.  And maybe one of them will work.  But the point is....there isn't always an easy answer...or a good one.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
By the way, in answer to a question, the prime directive does not apply here.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Burton:: Yes Lt?

LtJg_Burton says:
K'Beth: Sir, Would it not be best to call in special ops more adequately trained for such assignments?

Ens_Andrews says:
::raises hand again:: 

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes, of course that is always an option.  But sometimes time doesn't allow for the travel time it would take.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::Raises his hand:: K'Beth: Captain, in a lose-lose situation I believe one has to think outside the box, and that is risky in any case, because no previous experience apply there.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Andrews:: Yes Ensign?

Ens_Andrews says:
K’Beth: Perhaps you could try to fool the terrorists. Use a holo projection of the supplies and weapons to get them to hand over the hostages 

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::smiles at Millicent's suggestion.. clever::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::looks at Millicent:: Self: Wow

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: Again, that is one solution and definitely thinking 'outside the box' ::winks at Polo:: But what happens if the terrorists check the supplies before handing over the hostages, which is a logical thing to do?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::holds up her hands for a moment:: All: Before you all get frustrated at what is definitely a lose-lose situation...let me state that we aren't here to solve this situation. ::smiles:: But now you know a little bit about what a commanding officer has to think about.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
As you can see...our heads are filled with 'what-if's'.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::raises a hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
By the way, this was a real situation and they did lose 10% of the hostages and 20% of the rescuing force.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Polo:: Yes Ensign?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: It would maybe buy us enough time to implement the other suggestions, but I think team work is the key here. Anyone has a contribution to make to make our plan more viable,

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::hears the Captain and quickly reforms his question, keeping his hand raised::

LtJg_Turok says:
::Raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Polo: And that is an operative word -- Teamwork.  ::turns back to the rest:: What we are doing here is probably one of the most valuable tools a commanding officer could have.  You...the crew.  Your suggestions are invaluable...no matter if there are usable or not.  Simply because it might raise another idea that raises another idea and etc.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Ryushi:: Yes Lt?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: I would be interested to know how the crew who actually had to deal with this handled the situation, Sir.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: They formed a raiding party that transported outside of the hostage area.  While the Captain tried to open negotiations one last time, the tactical team overtook the building and led the hostages out to where shuttles were brought remotely and transporters were workable.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::whispers to Andrews: Andrews: You got a great idea there.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Unfortunately, half of the rescuing crew, along with the Captain and his party, were caught behind the inhibitors and pinned down overnight before another shuttle could save them.  Only half of those survived.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::takes a sip of coffee and looks around again:: Let's try a simple one, shall we?

Ens_Andrews says:
::whispers back:: Polo: Thanks

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::nods and folds his hands in his lap::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
A strange ship decloaks off of the port bow and fires damaging your ship inflicting casualties and creating a hull breach.  Your shields and weapons are still on-line but failing.  What do you do?

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::raises his hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Falor: Yes, Ensign?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Self: if she mentioned a tactical pod explosion I would have screamed.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::raises a hand::

Ens_Andrews says:
::thinks how familiar that sounds::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
K'Beth: The first thing I'd do is try to hail them, in an attempt to figure out why they're attacking.

LtJg_Burton says:
:Raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: that would be the first step.  ::points to Ryushi:: Yes Lt?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: I would consider backing away from the fight to gain time to gather information and begin repairs.  A retreat is often one of the strongest tactical maneuvers.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: But isn't that cowardly?  I mean a mighty starship captain running away?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to Burton:: Yes Lt...you had a suggestion?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Raises hand:: K'Beth: Anything that buys time is useful in this case it seems. look for place to hide and regroup for instance. No retreat is coward. 

LtJg_Burton says:
K'Beth: I concur with Lt. Ryushi, retreat to a safe position while hailing them.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::laughs:: Good!  All of you.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Retreating is not a bad thing.  Too many ships and crews have been lost by false bravado.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: Indeed, Captain, it may seem so to many, but what other option is there that gains you time, the ability to gather information, contact your superiors, and, most of all, protect your ship and its crew?

Ens_Andrews says:
::raises her hand:: K’Beth: I'd also contact Starfleet and research the archives to see if there are any records of these type of ships

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to all of them:: So the first thing you would do is hail the attacking ship.  If anything to gain you some time while you see what propulsion you have left.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: I think there are different priorities here. The first is to save your a.. sorry… your skin, the second is find a good strategy to counterattack, but if you are floating in space you cannot do that.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Of course...we can probably say without a doubt that any ship that attacks unprovoked is really in no mood for a chat.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::nods in agreement::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But yes, ::nods to Polo and the others:: removing your ship from the situation is the next option.  Whether you go back or not...that will be up to Starfleet command and also what type your ship is.  A medical or science vessel is not geared for direct combat.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at her chronometer and sees there is just enough time to wrap it up and leave some time for questions::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: Of course ma'am we would be commanding a Sovereign class vessel. ::smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles at Polo and stands up:: 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.

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.

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
::quietly slips in and takes a seat at the back::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans against the podium again:: Now...it appears we have some time for questions.  Anyone? ::looks out over the audience::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::notices Ryn join him and Turok and inclines his head toward her::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::tries to think of something to ask::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::raises a hand::

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
::waves quietly Ryushi and Turok::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Lt? ::points to Ryushi::

Ens_Andrews says:
::can not think of anything to ask as she finishes typing the last scenario into her PADD::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: I have a question not entirely related to this topic, but somewhat... Can one hold the rank of Captain while not holding the position of Commanding Officer, on a starship?

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: Yes they can.  "Captain" is not only a rank but a position.  Even a commander who achieves the position as CO on a ship is often referred to as Captain.  Officers with the rank can be departmental heads, civilian positions, administration...the only thing is that they cannot be a junior officer under a chief that they outrank.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes Lt? ::points to Burton::

LtJg_Burton says:
K'Beth: In the first scenario was it the CO's choice to run the rescue or just how to implement it?

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::nods::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: It is always the CO's choice to do something.  And that is where the ultimate responsibility lies.  Others may design, suggest, create solutions and scenarios to achieve a goal...but the last word is always the CO's and they are the ones that need to sift through the options and try to pick the best and hope that they can live with the results

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.  I will have a few others with different scenarios to explore.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And of course I suggest that you attend many other seminars of different topics throughout this conference.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
We have several extremely talented and knowledgeable officers who have volunteered to give seminars on their topics of expertise.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you again for attending and I hope to see you back at some of my other seminars.  ::smiles and steps back as the lights go up again on the audience::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Falor/Andrews: Wow, great conference, don't you agree?

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::smiles:: Polo: Yes, it was.. its given me a lot to think about.

Ens_Andrews says:
::gets up:: Rodos/ Polo: There's another seminar starting in few minutes, care to join me.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Andrews: Sure, the more the better I believe.

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
Andrews: I'm going as well.

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
::goes over to Turok and Ryushi:: Turok/Ryushi: Hey guys. ::smiles::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
::gets up, nodding to the other Apache-ites, and walks up to the stage, extending a hand toward Captain K'Beth:: K'Beth: Captain, Lieutenant Junior Grade Ryushi, Operations Officer, USS Apache.

LtJg_Turok says:
Ryn: Greetings.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
Andrews: Do you know where it is?

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
Turok: I guess I got my timing off... Learn anything interesting?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::shakes Ryushi's hand:: A pleasure to meet you, Lt.  You had some very interesting insights.  All of you did.

Ens_Andrews says:
Polo: Yeah, the room is #Lessons

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: Thank you, sir.  I enjoyed the seminar very much.

LtJg_Turok says:
Ryn: Very informative.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ryushi: My CTO recently transferred from the Apache.  Lt Grey-feather.

LtJg_Turok says:
Ryn: Off to another seminar now.

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
Turok: Where are you going?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
:: leaves the room to go to the next conference::

LtJg_Turok says:
Ryn: Another command seminar.

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
Turok: Oh, that other one. Cool. See you around then, Turok. ::smiles::

Ens_Rodos_Falor says:
::leaves as well, on his way to the next command seminar::

Ens_Andrews says:
::leaves the room::

LtJG_Rynia_Solaa says:
::leaves the room after waving to Ryushi::

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: Ah, yes indeed, sir.  Lt Grey-feather has been missed on Apache.  Our new CTO, however, is promising.  Ensign Solita Ramor, a young half-romulan.

LtJg_Turok says:
Ryn: Good day now. :: Leaves for the seminar::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ryushi: Well then we are lucky to have two good CTO's.  Because we can't do without Grey-feather, he has become an integral member of our crew. ::leans in and grins:: Even if he does like to blow things up.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
:: nods, agreeing:: K'Beth: Well, if you'll excuse me, Captain, I must get back to Apache.  ::holds up a PADD with Operations works on it::  A pleasure meeting you.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::sighs as she looks at the PADD she was holding:: And I too have never ending paperwork.  Give my best to Captain Storel.

LtJG_Ryushi says:
K'Beth: I shall, indeed, Captain.  ::nods to her and excuses himself, exiting the room::