Command Seminar 
Stardate 10509.24 1700 
Conference Room #Command 
Hosted By: Captain K’Beth  Commanding Officer of the USS Arondight

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

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles at the ensign::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::nods:: K'Beth: Afternoon Captain. ::Antennae perk up::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
How are you Ensign?

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: I'm doing just fine, and yourself?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I'm good...thank you.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the time:: We'll give the others a few more minutes to join us and then begin.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::nods and takes a seat laying out his PADD's and setting down his raktajino::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Self: Now where is that command PADD?

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Self: Ah found it.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::limps to the front of the stage and sits down on the edge looking towards the ensign:: So...seems that you are my audience tonight. ::grins::  Makes it nice and informal.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
:grins:: I think I can handle that.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Well instead of me just throwing words at you....why don't you ask me some questions and I'll see if I can answer them for you.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::sips raktajino:: Would you care for a drink Captain?

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::notices Captain Durron's arrival::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::holds up her coffee cup:: No thank you, Ensign.  Just got a refill.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::looks at chronometer and clears throat::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::nods to K'Beth::

Capt_Durron says:
::mutters as he enters the room looking at his PADD in a very annoyed fashion::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::waves the newly arrived Captain over:: Come on over, Captain.  We're going to have an informal Q&A since there are only a few of us.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: Well I've watched and observed Captain Shras and he tends to lead a little different than the Captains you read about.  Does every Captain use their own style of command?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: Without a doubt they do.  Which, for the crew, is a good thing.

Capt_Durron says:
::walks over to K’Beth::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: And why is that?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Let's say that you are assigned to a ship with a CO who's style grates on you.  No matter what you do...you cannot get with his or her program.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::nods and continues to take notes on PADD's:

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
This would reflect in your ability to do your job which would not be beneficial for you or the ship.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: Understood

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: And how would you classify your style of command?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But a reassignment to a CO whose style you do understand and can work under...that would not only allow you to do your job...but also become a top officer which would benefit you and the ship.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles again:: My style?  Oh...I am mean and terrible...grumpy continuously.  I am rumored to hide a whip under my chair in which I flog failing officers.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: Feisty, something this Andorian enjoys.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: Who, of your previous CO's, has been your biggest influence? And what do you tend to emanate from them?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
I've been a CO for so long I think I've developed my own style.  But I will tell you who influenced me the most.  My father.  You may have met him...an old, beat up one eyed, one legged Klingon captain that teaches flight at the academy.  Captain Khar.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: I've heard of your honorable father.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
:: realizes he is late and apologizes::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::notices Ensign Polo's arrival and sips his raktajino::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::waves the ensign over to the rest and then grins at Quinnis:: When my father bellows at an erring cadet, it would be hard NOT to hear him.

Capt_Durron says:
::leans against a nearby wall and eyes listening to the conversation::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::wonders why Ensign Quinnis is sipping his Raktajino and not the one he has in his hands::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks over at Polo:: Ensign: We are having an informal Q&A.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: That is a very good point though.  Style of command.  how important is it?

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Durron: Captain Durron, how would you classify your style?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Beth: Oh great Captain, I was trying to help my Xo with her console. So I am sorry I am late

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Some CO's believe that their crew should be kept at arm's length.  Nothing personal.  While some believe that they should behold them as an extended family and become very intimate with them

Capt_Durron says:
::smiles at the Ensign:: Quinnis: I haven't had the time to make up a style yet.  I just got promoted.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: Congratulations Captain.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Durron: Understood, congratulations.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Durron: Who has been an influence to you?

Capt_Durron says:
::nods to the other captain:: K'Beth: Thank you.  Quinnis: Thank you.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Then this new Captain will be going the same road that all of us have.  Defining his style.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Excellent observation.

Capt_Durron says:
Quinnis: An influence?  Well I'm not that sure on who you would call and influences.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
One thing that you can't do is go in with the idea..."I am going to act this way and that way and do this and do that"  Because it doesn't work that way.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: So your saying planning on it and actually doing it are totally different

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Correct.  Let me give you a quick rundown on some of the issues a CO has to face.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
All: this seems a perfect case of learning by doing. But you need feedback and a lot of insight I believe.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::nods::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::sips raktajino::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Correct, Ensign.  What you do may well effect the lives of hundreds if not thousands of people.  That is a grave responsibility.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: What is your feeling about civilians and children aboard a starship?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: A huge one, but as Kirk used to say, you make a difference down there.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
What happens if you have to choose between upholding the Prime Directive or saving an entire planet from an asteroid?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
It's very easy to say that upholding the Prime Directive is the utmost responsibility now...but try saying that when you know that thousands if not millions of beings will die...simply because they don’t have warp capable ships yet.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: You uphold the prime directive.  It is the foundation of Starfleet.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Beth: You try to save the planet without violating the prime directive.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Again...what you state is true.  It is one of the cornerstones of Starfleet.  But there will be times when you have no choice...uphold the directive... or save lives.  It' not so easy out there ::points up::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
let me give you a scenario and let's see if that can't help you understand a little more.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: How do you feel about having civilians and children aboard a starship?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: no it's not, I presume, but at least this way if you try as hard as you can, you may be a less haunted captain.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::smiles:: Considering I grew up on a Klingon ship...I have no objection to it.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
K'Beth: Even if that means constantly endangering their lives?

Capt_Durron says:
::thinks about the situation for a moment::

CO_K`Vas says:
:: walks in using his newly acquired cane and takes a seat near the front at the isle ::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::chuckles:: Quinnis I am Starship child too  ensign:: sees K’Vas in and "hums hail to the chief"::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks over at her old CTO and grins:: K'Vas: Welcome Commander.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: So let me throw this scenario out to each of you.

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
Polo: I am also a starship child.  I grew up on my fathers ship and there were days I wished I wasn't there.

CO_K`Vas says:
:: growls slightly at his crewman, then snaps to attention:: CO: An honor to see you again captain

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::nods to K'Beth::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::waves to K'Vas:: At ease, commander.  Come join our discussion.

CO_K`Vas says:
:: does a cross chest salute out of habit and sits down, trying to hide his cane :: CO: Thank you captain

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::looks at chronometer:: All: Oh my, I must be leaving.  My apologies.  K'Beth: Thank you for your insight.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::turns back to the rest:: 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. 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. 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?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::waves goodbye to his ensign friend::

CSO_Ens_Quinnis says:
::grabs PADD's and empty cup and heads for the door::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to the ensign as he leaves::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
All: Do you see how sometimes the choices you are given will cause loss either way?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Beth: Does that other ship have any runabouts?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
No

CO_K`Vas says:
K'Beth: It is the duty of any Starfleet officer to give their life, an honorable way to die.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
True, Commander.  In a cold calculated way you sometimes are reduced to weighing the cost of so many lives against the cost of so many other lives.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: If I had to choose I would choose for delivering the vaccine, but I am sure I would try hard to find a way to save both before giving up

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
But how do you do that?  Is one Starfleet officer worth a thousand civilians?  Is one civilian child worth a dozen Starfleet officers?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ensign: That is a given that you would try to resolve both.  And even after you make your choice...which...I would also drop off the vaccine first also...but on the way to the planet I would keep after my crew to find a way to save the other ship also.  Never giving up.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: I  think Commander K’Vas is right, and the other ship will be the first to tell me to go on. They are officers after all.

CO_K`Vas says:
Ensign: Do not agree with me because I am here, it only dishonors whatCcaptain K’Beth is doing.  Speak your mind not mine

CO_K`Vas says:
K’Beth: Forgive me captain I had no idea I would be disrupting your lecture

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
And that is exactly what I would tell another ship if I were in that same predicament.  I would tell them to rescue the planet first.  But that still is a choice that you have to be prepared to make and live with.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Vas: I was agreeing with you because that is what I would do if I was in command of the other ship. Not because you were here sir.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles at K'Vas:: Relax Commander....your ensign has conducted himself well and has been a tribute to your ship during this conference.

CO_K`Vas says:
K'Beth: Thank you captain your words mean much to me.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth : And to me as well, I am honored.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::sees that the lecture hour is almost over with and that they are the only ones left.  Grins over at Polo:: So tell me Ensign...how has this large boisterous commander been treating you and your crew?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Beth: Believe me, I have never been more happy to see a Captain limp again in my life. He is tough but fair I must add. 

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::raises an eyebrow:: A limping Klingon Captain...what is this fleet coming too?

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::tries as hard as he can not too smirk::

CO_K`Vas says:
::growls :: K’Beth: A temporary condition if I have my say captain

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Beth: Did you ever read Moby Dick Captain?

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
K'Vas: Good...I had heard the Triton had taken damage....but not that you were injured.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Ensign: I never read it but I did see an old Earth vid on it.  It was well done.  Captain Ahab was played by an actor that use to play a captain of a futuristic starship not unlike our own.

CO_K`Vas says:
K'Beth: Had it not been at the hands of saboteurs it would have been a glorious battle.  But I could not let myself die at the hands of lo Be'vos

CO_K`Vas says:
:: Laughs :: Both: And before you ensign stands the scourge of the Romulan empire.  One small warrior and an aging Excelsior class yet we returned mission after mission

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::chuckles:: I'm afraid I was the aging one, Commander.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K'Vas: Sir, the deeds of Captain K'Beth are legendary. The Federation has been lucky to have her.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::shakes her head:: All: No Captain is better than their crew.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at her chronometer:: And it is time for us to end this lecture.

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
All: My grandfather used to say that is not the dimension of the warp core, but the heart of her crew that makes a great ship.

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
Those are very true words, Ensign.  I'll be giving one more tomorrow that you are all free to attend.  But in the meantime...Ensign Polo...there is a very good OPS seminar being given in #Ship_Operations by a very experienced OPS officer.

CO_K`Vas says:
K'Beth: Thank you for putting up with my crewman.  ghIj qet jaghmeyjaj ... my old captain.  :: said without voice just mouthed 'my friend'::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
K’Beth: I was going there with your permission ma'am.

CO_K`Vas says:
:: uses his cane to get to his feet and get ready to leave ::

Host Capt_K`Beth says:
::doesn't say anything...just looks at K'Vas for a moment and then says softly as if to herself but allows K'Vas to overhear. :: One of my finest achievements...I couldn't be prouder. ::steps back and heads to the table with her PADDs and notes::

Ensign_Rico_Polo says:
::leaves after his Captain::

CO_K`Vas says:
:: smiles at the words of his friend, then putting on his stoic Klingon face salutes then leaves the room ::