Command Seminar 
Stardate 10509.25 1100 
Conference Room #Command 
Hosted By: Captain K’Beth  Commanding Officer of the USS Arondight

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LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::walks into the seminar room and looks around::

Capt_McKnight says:
::enters the seminar and sits in the back::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::sits next to McKnight:: McKnight: Hi. ::smiles::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks up from her notes and smiles:: All: We'll begin in a few minutes.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
INFO: The lights in the audience dim and as the lights on the stage rise a little an older, slender and short half-Klingon female limps up to the podium.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::sets her PADD down::  Hello, I am Captain K'Beth - Commanding Officer of the USS Arondight

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Welcome to the Command Seminar.  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:
Tonight 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

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::smiles::

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

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.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And a really cool coffee mug with your name on it.

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

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::thinks, I could go for that one...::

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:
::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 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.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Everyone ready?

Capt_McKnight says:
::nods::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You are observing a planet that is just on the verge of their first long distance space flight.  You have been hidden behind the moon for days.  Suddenly a Romulan warbird decloaks and there is a fire fight.  After you drive the Romulans away, you realize that the entire fight had been picked up by the radars and satellites of the planet.  They are trying to contact you and have trained their nuclear weapons at you.  What do you do?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Leave the system.

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks about the situation::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But they already know about you.  Should you just leave that knowledge with them?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Wouldn't it violate the Prime Directive if you contact them, though?

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks about the prime directive and knows what he would do, but not sure if it's the right thing::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: I would just leave and let them figure out what we were.

Capt_McKnight says:
McKnight: What if he tried and cover it up

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Once they get to space, they'll be ready to know.

Capt_McKnight says:
K'Beth: What if we try to cover it up with false sensor readings before they get to space

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But isn't the Prime Directive already broken?  Plus...they were just about to test their warp drive....so would that still be violating the prime directive?

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks about that and thinks back to how many times there were grey areas in the prime directive::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Not if you told them anything. If we'd just been watching and no communication is exchanged, wouldn't be alright to just leave the system?

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks about what the Lt. said::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Actually you are correct, Lt.   That is the best thing to do.  Just leave the system.  But first, it you need to try and access their databanks and purge the data.  This can be done remotely or if not...then by an away team.

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks of K'Beth's answer and his solution to the situation::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::thinks about the last time they did that, it ended in disaster::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
SO the Prime Directive should be keep at all costs...correct?

Capt_McKnight says:
::shakes head a little::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::points to McKnight:: You don't seem to agree, Captain.

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: If we don't want a court martial. ::smiles::

Capt_McKnight says:
K’Beth: What if a whole entire planet's population depended on our interaction with them?

Capt_McKnight says:
K’Beth: Maybe Billions of lives just because we couldn't bend the directive?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Describe 'bend' the directive.  Because when it comes right down to it....you either uphold it fully...or you don't.

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
McKnight: It wouldn't matter. We can't really help them.

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: What if we could? K’Beth: 'Bend" in my vocabulary is to find loop holes in the directive to help them as much as we could

Capt_McKnight says:
::worries that if he said too much he could be court martial::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But there are no loop holes.  So then...you have to make a decision.  Do I uphold it...or do I break it.  That is something that every Captain needs to face at one time or another

Cmdr_Iza says:
:: Chad enters the room ::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Sometimes that is very true::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at the Commander that just entered and goes back to the lecture::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: and it can drive you nuts

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ayep. ::grins:: What I'm trying to get at is that with this responsibility...there is no "squirming" out of the repercussions.  And that is something you have to decide.

Cmdr_Iza says:
::smiles back and took a seat in the back ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But let's take an example from what the Captain said.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Hopefully this will illustrate that it is not an easy decisions and that sometimes you have to come to a crossroads.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
You are tracking a large asteroid that is heading for a uncharted system when you suddenly find that in the path is a planet with a developing society.  The inhabitants are just entering their industrial age, but have not discovered space flight yet. <c>

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
The asteroid is easily moved with a tractor beam, but moving it will create  chaos in another system.  Destroying it would still bring large meteors onto the inhabited planet.  What do you do?

Capt_McKnight says:
::dreads the decision::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: What is in the other system? Another civilization?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Yes....a larger civilization that is not as advanced though.  They are just entering their renaissance age

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks about the pros and cons::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: We are not miracle workers, who is it to tell what we make of the chao theory

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So your answer is to do nothing?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Doing nothing would be the best thing because if meteors are going to hit the planet anyway, then there is nothing we can do to stop it unless we sit there and destroy all the meteors heading towards it.

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: maybe, needs more pondering

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around the room:: Would destroying it break the prime directive?  At least it would give some of the people a chance for survival.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Could we tractor the asteroid elsewhere?

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: ::grins:: I'll hate to be the one to make that choice

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
McKnight: Yes you could but the gravitational shifts would destroy another system

Capt_McKnight says:
::nods::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: I think it's a lose or lose more situation

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: This is what I would call a "pick the best odds" decision....not so much a lose or lose situation ::smiles at the commander::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: I would shoot it. It would give the civilization a chance for survival.

Cmdr_Iza says:
K'Beth: ::smiles:: well, if you put it that way, it sounds less of a failure

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: I would destroy it. Who knows, maybe if this civilization survives, they might be helpful in the future

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But what about the prime directive?  We would be interfering in the natural development of a civilization.  After all...that planet was slated to be destroyed by the asteroid.  natural selection...right?

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Maybe the asteroid was artificially created?

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: The directive is only so logical on paper

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Let's say nothing indicates that it was altered, moved or directed on that path.  It was a completely natural occurrence

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: Then we let nature take its course

Capt_McKnight says:
K'Beth: If I were on the planet, I would wish that someone will help

Cmdr_Iza says:
:: laughs ::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: The Prime Directive wouldn't apply because they wouldn't know a thing about us

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Iza: But then what about our responsibility  as a higher technologically advanced society to use that technology for the greater good?

Capt_McKnight says:
::nods::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: did anyone help us when we were in trouble from nuclear war?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Like... oh... I just don't think it would apply. We as Starfleet Captains have to uphold life in all situations and destroying the asteroid wouldn't violate the Directive.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Lt: Technically it would still apply...because we would be interfering with the natural evolution of the planet.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::grins:: All: It's not an easy answer is it?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: If the asteroid was destined to hit the planet and wipe it out, then we must have been destined to break it up and the pieces hit the planet. It would still alter it.

Capt_McKnight says:
::shakes his head::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: ::joking:: Let's just say we screwed up and go home

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Lt: Semantics, Lt....but that will be a good argument for your defense.

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: not everything can have a happy ending

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So let's take it further.  The planet is not that primitive.  In fact they are on the verge of space flight themselves.  There are over a billion people on that planet.  After observing them, you realize they are a peaceful people who would help the Federation once they achieved warp capabilities.  Would you save them then?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
Iza: Indeed.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: If I get a court martial for breaking it up, then I will still feel good about it that I gave that planet a chance to survive. It's still natural that an asteroid hit, but in pieces

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: the hell with the prime directive

Cmdr_Iza says:
::laughs::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: I would still destroy it. The pieces would break up in the atmosphere and if some hit the surface, it would only wipe out a couple million or so. They could rebuild.

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: It seems rather cold to say that, I know, but... ::shrugs::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
So you would rather break the Prime Directive, expose yourself and quite possible some of your crew to a court martial.  Ruin your life and the lives of your families....is that correct?

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: I would do the same thing

Cmdr_Iza says:
K’Beth: did anyone help the dinosaurs before they were all destroyed? You'll never know, they might have been peaceful

Capt_McKnight says:
::laughs at the Commander's joke::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles::

Capt_McKnight says:
K'Beth: I would give my crew the chance to object first

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks around at each of them:: But where does it stop?  What about if you could save ten lives by breaking the Prime Directive?  Or a hundred?  Or one small child?  Why have the Prime Directive at all if we are going to break it?

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: Then why do we have it?

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
Iza: We have it so we don't cause chaos in the galaxy.

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: Emotional attachment sucks

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Because it is necessary.  Because it keeps us from playing god.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: As Captains, it's our jobs to uphold it whenever possible

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: Correct.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: But the whenever possible part is the iffy part

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
There is no one right answer to this.  It all depends on each commanding officer.  How much they are willing to live with.  How much before they say...enough is enough and they break it knowing that they will have repercussions later.

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: Does it really keep us from playing the god gig?

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Those are the decisions that will makes us go insane one day

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks serious:: But don't break it on a whim.  You may decide that ten lives were worth your career...but...once you became a seasoned officer...how many more lives would you hae saved in the future?

Cmdr_Iza says:
::joking:: maybe it already has

Capt_McKnight says:
::nods::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: i did not join Starfleet to save lives

Capt_McKnight says:
::looks at Commander::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the commander curiously:: Then why did you join Starfleet?

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: to explore of course; saving lives is just a minor side thing

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: because we give a damn; sorry about the language

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: You must be assigned to a science vessel then.

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: damn straight

Capt_McKnight says:
::laughs::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the rest:: And exploration is a very important part of Starfleet also.

Capt_McKnight says:
::nods::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: wasn't our soul purpose?

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: So is the lives saving part. We like to be heroes

Capt_McKnight says:
::smiles::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: It boosts our egos

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But, with the commander's  pardon, I am but a humble patrol Captain who's complete career has been assigned to upholding the safety of the federation.  ::grins::

Cmdr_Iza says:
::smiles back::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: so how many people did you save? because we killed almost a whole population

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Commander, in a perfect place and time we would all be explorers.  But unfortunately...this isn't a perfect place and time and there is still a need for a few old warhorses like me.  Regretfully that is the truth.  But hopefully one day I can retire my phasers and pick up sensors.  You see...I too started out as a CSO...and yet..

Capt_McKnight says:
::looks at Commander::

Cmdr_Iza says:
::looks back at McKnight::

Cmdr_Iza says:
::looks back at K`Beth:: K`Beth: But that was classified

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::her jaw tightens:: I've been a Captain longer than most and I've lost many...but I hopefully have saved many also.  It isn't a numbers game, Cmdr.  It is trying to make the best decision at the time with the information you have...at that time.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Then think about regrets later

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Cmdr: Then I suggest you not mention it ever again, understood, Commander?

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: ::joking:: mention what?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at her chronometer::  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.

Capt_McKnight says:
::nods::

Cmdr_Iza says:
::nods::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::nods, glad that she joined Starfleet to save lives and not "as a minor side thing"::

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.

Cmdr_Iza says:
::laughs::

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

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Well it appears that my time is up.  I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming to this seminar and participating.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Thanks for giving it

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: It was a pleasure

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::nods::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles and stands up, limping back to the podium to pick up her notes:: All: It was my pleasure.

Capt_McKnight says:
::lingers behind in the crowd and makes his way to the podium::

Cmdr_Iza says:
:: stands up and walks to the podium::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: I want o personally thank you for everything you went over. I've been recently promoted to Captain and all those decisions are hard

Capt_McKnight says:
::notices that Iza also walked up::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::stands up and goes to the podium with the other men::

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: i just want to say, you must be one hell of a Captain.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks up at the officers approaching her:: McKnight: As I said, it was my pleasure. ::leans against the podium::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Oh, one more thing, I want you to meet my first officer, Cmdr. Iza::

Capt_McKnight says:
::smiles::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
McKnight/Iza: Oh, you both are together...

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: As you can probably see, with him around, my decisions are harder

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Iza: You'll have to ask my crew that...especially in the mornings before I've had my coffee.

Cmdr_Iza says:
::extends hand for an handshake::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
McKnight: You'll find that a good XO is harder to find than a good spouse. ::grins and shakes Iza's hand::

Cmdr_Iza says:
::laughs::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: ::laughs:: You lecture has given me a lot of things to think about

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: same here

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Well, it was a pleasure to meet you and you're always welcome aboard my ship anytime

Cmdr_Iza says:
K`Beth: again, nice to have heard from you. See you around sometime Captain

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: who knows, maybe we will meet again out there

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
McKnight/Iza: Good luck to you both and I'll pray that you don't have meteors cross your path. ::smirks::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
It's a small galaxy.  And it will be my pleasure

Cmdr_Iza says:
::walks towards the exit with a smile on his face::

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: thanks

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: It's a pleasure to meet you too Lieutenant

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::extends her hand:: McKnight: Same.

Capt_McKnight says:
::notices that his XO left without him::

Capt_McKnight says:
::shakes Kimura's hand::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
McKnight: The Perseus...what class is she?

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: She's a Nova Class Variant assigned to the 7th Fleet

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: My first mission as her Captain didn't go too well, but it makes it harder that I can't talk about it

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
McKnight: Captains are so secretive. ::smiles::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: There's no one to discuss with if I made the right decision or not

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: yes we are. ::smiles::

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: I can't even discuss it with my own crew. The Admiral said I did a good job, but I'm not sure

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
McKnight: Have you tried discussing it with your XO?

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Wanted to, but we can't because of the classified thing. It makes it harder that a SI agent is assigned to my ship for my second mission

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Dr. Kazue Kimura, USS Geneva. I really gained a new perspective on Captainship. ::smiles and extends her hand::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth/McKnight: I've got to go.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: I've a few of those myself. ::smiles encouragingly:: I guess the only thing you can do is look yourself in the mirror and ask...did you do the best you could.  And if not...figure out what you did wrong and don't do that again.

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: Nice to meet you

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to Kimura and shakes the Lt hand:: Thank you Lt.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Kimura: I'm glad you could make it to the seminar

Capt_McKnight says:
::thinks about K’Beth’s advice::

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
K'Beth: Me too. Good day, Captains. ::smiles::

Capt_McKnight says:
Kimura: Good day

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: Well my XO left without me and he's my ride back. I hope that I will see you again in the future.

LtJG_Kazue_Kimura says:
::turns and leaves the room::

Capt_McKnight says:
::salutes the Captain and wave goodbye::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods:: Yes...I need to get back to my ship also.  This was the last seminar for the conference and unfortunately I'm without an XO right now...

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Thank you, Captain and good luck.

Capt_McKnight says:
K`Beth: I have some possible candidates, but they like to stay in the 7th fleet::

Capt_McKnight says:
Anyway, thank you again Captain and good luck to you too.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Understandable.  Oh well...I'll muddle through.  I have some older seasoned senior officers that are exceptional.  have a good day Captain.

Capt_McKnight says:
Thanks, you too.

Capt_McKnight says:
See you again sometime

Capt_McKnight says:
::heads towards the door::

Capt_McKnight says:
::leaves::