The Shield

[Crash Calestorm 0]

"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." - Jim Rohn

 

This log takes place immediately after the events in the 08.27.12 Sim…

 

CaptCalestorm: Doctor, you need to do whatever you think is right.

T'Aral: Then I must stop you.

- 08.27.12 Comanche Creek Sim

 

Not exactly what Calestorm wanted to hear right now. She’d already gotten theproverbial third degree - understandable - from the senior officers when she’d announced that she’d committed resources and personnel to the Grayson situation, and a secondary confab with the CSEC as further tactical concerns had been voiced.

 

There it was though, the loaded phrase said right out in the open. Private conversation, sure, but word would spread; it always did. The usual rumors or discussions that always seemed to pop up when a mission hit too close to thePrime Directive.

 

“Is the Old Lady really going to go through with this?”

 

“Why are we helping these people?”

 

“Remember what happened to Captain Archer on that one planet?”

 

Cale knew the usual questions; she’d participated in a few mission speculative conversations like this herself over the years. Did she ever straight up challenge a commanding officer? Not really. Probably should have challenged the USS San Pablo Exec during the Dorthan Engagement, but it was best to leave those ghosts in the past.

 

How in the hell….

 

The Captain stood there for seconds, mind latching onto random thoughts or feelingswhile silently fielding several responses to the CMO’s statement.

 

The answers would not work very well within polite company. Thank you to Mama and Daddy for the proper upbringing.

 

In her younger ‘set the universe on fire’ days, a roundhouse punch would’ve beenthe immediate reaction. Thank you to maturity and common sense for avoiding that mistake now.

 

The emotions were there: annoyance, weariness, disappointment, along with a somewhat random urge to bang her head against a wall. These emotions would not be allowed to show and Crash shielded them as had CO’s before her. And a concussion is never a good option, mind you.

 

Diplomacy, engaged. “Doc, ah really don’t think you have a verrah good idea there…"