Checking on the Captain ( Cale / T'Aral )

[T'aral 0]

T’Aral felt a slight shift in the Dover Castle’s hospital pod. A check on a terminal confirmed that the ship had come out of warp long before schedule. Contacting the bridge, she found that the ‘Castle and the ‘Creek had exited warp by a minor, uninhabited system to adjust their course. There was so much pirate activity in the area that it was decided to pause for a moment to plot a safe course rather than to push ahead further.

 

This was opportune, as T’Aral had a small matter to deal with. Arranging for a transport back to the ‘Creek, she made her way to the Captain’s ready room. It was 19:32 ship time … the Captain would be going over the daily reports. Making her way to the Captain’s office, she chimed the door lightly. “Captain - can you spare a minute?”

 

Calestorm toggled the communications access on her desktop and verbally acknowledged the chime. “Aye Doctor, door’s open.”

 

T’Aral stepped in, methodically waiting for invitation before settling into the chair opposite of Cale. “I will attempt to be brief; it has come to my attention that you have been barred from fighter duty for the immediate future …” That T’Aral was aware of this development should come as no surprise to the Captain. Among the medical staff there was only one thing that spread faster than an unknown virulent disease, and that was a juicy rumor. “While this is a minor matter, it has become rather a pattern. Given that you have only recently been re-instated as ship’s Captain, I felt that it would be appropriate for us to discuss your more … rebellious tendencies.”

 

Calestorm set aside the digital data slate she’d been perusing, folded her hands calmly and regarded TAral through her new specs.

 

It was true that the Captain had a long standing love affair with fly bys: control towers, listening outposts, border watch forts, starship bridge modules...if it was there, she’d buzzed it. As Cale had gotten older and settled into CAG* and command positions, the fly bys had dwindled and she’d cleaned up her act. To a point. Sort of. Maybe.

 

What she said was, “Doctor, I’m not rebellious.”

 

T’Aral’s eyebrow raised slightly. “Captain, I do not believe that we need to go over recent history. While the crew is pleased that sanctions have been lifted and you have been returned to the center of the bridge there are concerns that you will not be remaining there for long, and your behavior has done nothing to address those concerns. In most intelligent species there is a period of time after disciplinary action has been received during which the individual attempts to be on ‘best behavior’ in order to avoid further disciplinary action. This time allows all parties involved an opportunity to relax and re-evaluate their positions.” T’Aral stared directly into Cale’s eyes, watching to gage her reactions. “You have not followed this pattern, but have instead violated regulations at your first opportunity.”

 

“...okay, fine, I can have my moments. But I’m mostly loveable.”

 

“Indeed, Captain …” even behind disciplined Vulcan restraint, T’Aral’s amusement at Cale’s response was undeniable. “... however, I must note that Starfleet regulations bear no regard for the amiable nature of the subject of an inquiry. Regulations regarding maintaining distance between flight vessels are established. You are well aware of them, have been repeatedly reminded of them, and yet you choose to disregard them. Starfleet expects their command officers to enforce their regulations, not violate them.”

 

Crash held her hands in the universal gesture of surrender. “Alright, I’ve been rebellious and went crazy with the fly bys!”

 

T’Aral nodded in agreement. “A tendency which has consequences.” She settled back in the chair. “Crews look to their captain to set the rules for the ship. The respect you show towards regulations, or your disregard of them, will be reflected by your crew. A certain level of decorum is expected of the captain, both by the crew and by Command.”

 

“Ah admit I can be free spirited and was having a little fun is all. These past several weeks I’ve been feeling...good about the reinstatement. And, if you can’t buzz your own command, what’s the point?” She gave the Doctor an easy smile.

 

“Captain …” T’Aral’s voice softened, not so much in meter but in tone. “... it is my hope that you understand my intention. I do not seek a confrontation over this, for you are correct - it is a minor matter. I have served with you for some time, during which time I have sought to understand you. In this situation I see nothing of importance; your behavior is not out of character nor is it particularly erratic. It is consistent with your character.”

 

T’Aral’s shoulders eased slightly. “I am making this inquiry in the event that the incident prompts inquiries from Command. Should I be approached, I can now report that I have performed a initial psychological evaluation and have found no cause for concern. Humans have a phrase for this: ‘covering one’s assets’, or something phonetically similar.”

 

“The covering one’s assets is acceptable for polite company.” Calestorm smiled. Leaning back in the desk chair, she continued speaking. “The inquiry is appreciated, but there should be no inquiries from Command. As for the crew? I’ve no true concerns even with my little fly by as examples. Yes, we’re loose with the discipline but most realize myself or the Commander will swoop in like demon wraiths should a situation really get out of hand.”

 

“As for my usual character?” Cale paused, leaning back in the desk chair and twirled a stylus pen in between her fingers. “Admiral Coyote recently expressed that she was worried I seemed to be behaving too well. Aside from that, I’m pleased with a particular officer’s response on the matter: Lieutenant Honor-Scar.”

 

“Pleased?” T’Aral’s face appeared to lengthen. “Perhaps the Captain would like to elaborate on the experience. It was my intention to speak with Commander Wesley regarding your lead pilot and her views regarding superior officers; according to rumor, she not only reprimanded you - she dressed you down.” Noting that her posture was stiffening, T’Aral forced herself into a more eased pose. “I would be concerned if I had to be the one to remind the Captain of the need to respect the chain of command, even - or more to the point especially - in those circumstances where a junior officer is called upon to reprimand a senior officer.”

 

Calestorm interjected, “I swear rumors spread faster on this ship then infections at a speed dating convention. Let me clarify: the Lieutenant didn’t dress me down. We had a discussion, in private.” And I’m surprised the kid didn’t spontaneously start shedding right there in the office, but she chose not to relay that information to the doctor.

 

“That is reassuring, for respect for rank is necessary in any military organization. If that respect is lost, then discipline among the ranks is lost.” T’Aral settled into her chair to examine Cale’s reaction to her carefully. “I believe you will agree that we have already had sufficient experience with such circumstances.”

 

The Captain shook her head in the negative. “There’s no need to speak with the Commander. As lead pilot, Mister Honor-Scar handled the matter with respect.” She emphasized the word, then continued, “She’s our CAG and told me to cut out the bridge fly bys. The lead pilot is the lead, don’t matter their age or rank; that’s her job and it’s my job to listen to her if I expect to fly a starfighter.”

 

T’Aral raised an eyebrow. “Ship’s Captains are generally known for making their own rules, which tend to include minor infractions of Regulations. Often it is seen as the Captain establishing themselves as the final authority on board their vessel. I take it you disagree with this position?”

 

“Doc, in the fighter pilot and shuttle pilot professions you’ve different egos, personal backgrounds, and skill sets. Some people - and non-Humans - are born pilots. Others are no nonsense, fly ice cold and make no mistakes. Some blossom in training and find a particular specialty such as search and rescue, reconnaissance patrol or providing close air support for ground operations that they’re good at. Me? I’m a good pilot, not a great pilot. I chose to retire from combat flight status ‘cause you need to be aware of your limitations and that knowledge comes with age and experience.

 

“With that said, some of the younger vacuum riders are frisky as they work out their place in the wolf pack, or in our case the black sheep herd. Veteran pilots such as Lieutenant Honor-Scar maintain order and she’s a good CAG.”

 

The older woman paused and then continued speaking. “A concern is that she’s in a position that has a high burnout rate provided she doesn’t set clear parameters. Such as letting your pilots, all of your pilots,” she pointed a thumb at her own chest to illustrate the point, “know what you expect and don’t expect from them. I’d say her response to me was right on the mark.” She cocked her head to one side, the gesture coming across as mischievous.

 

“... except that you are not her pilot; you are her Captain.” T’Aral straightened slightly. “The only authority she has over you is that which you permit. This is something that must not be forgotten, and will tend to be forgotten by one who is biologically and psychologically conditioned to be an Alpha-personality. Grant her leniency in this matter, and you will eventually lose control.”

 

“Doc, the Lieutenant is not that sort of officer to allow this matter to cloud her judgment. An Alpha personality? That’s a unique term to use. Are you referring to her as a Felinoid or her personality in general Doc?”

 

T’Aral straightened, preparing her dissertation. “The ‘Alpha’ term is derived from studies of canine-species mentality. When creatures of a similar species operate as a collective, a leader typically arises. This leader tends towards considerable levels of self-confidence and a predisposition towards aggressive, though not necessarily violent, behavior. These individuals are seen as leaders because they tend to solve problems and address issues which trouble them directly. Traditionally the term was ‘alpha male’, but has been expanded more generically to refer to an individual without gender bias. Lieutenant Honor-Scar has the personality traits of an Alpha; the result of both her biology and her experiences.”

 

“You were not there for the interaction between myself and the Lieutenant. Alpha female or not, it took a lot for her to approach me and a mark of a good officer is being able to know when to say something and when not to.”

 

T’Aral frowned slightly. “Not necessarily. Alphas tend to look at such situations as opportunities. They are eager to engage in confrontations where they are clearly ‘right’ in order to establish or expand their authority.” Her expression then eased. “Please keep in mind: my concern is for the well-being of all involved and the good order of the ship. The Lieutenant must never develop the opinion that she can second-guess you. She is the lead fighter pilot; her function is to obey your orders. She does not know the greater picture and she is not supposed to - contemplating greater issues than the immediate creates delays and distractions. A simple question for you, Captain ... were you in complete control of the conversation with the Lieutenant?”

 

“That was my intention, yes. Honor-Scar was pretty dang wild when she came to this assignment and has since ‘grown up’ in the intervening months. Let’s say I’m doing for her what was done for me a long time ago in similar circumstances.” Crash however, did not elaborate further.

 

“Commendable, Captain - but in the process you are compromising your command. By virtue of disciplining a superior officer, Lieutenant Honor-Scar has engaged in insubordination. This conclusion is unavoidable; she has acted as your superior officer, not your inferior. Insubordination is not an action to be taken lightly - it requires conditions of an extreme nature that cannot be overlooked.” T’Aral fixed Cale with a steady stare. “Examining the situation logically, you have established a no-win scenario for yourself.

 

“If the ‘fly by’ was as we discussed, it was a minor matter and did not warrant an act of insubordination by a junior officer. By accepting disciplinary action you compromise your authority, indicating that your junior officers may feel free to second-guess your orders if they feel that you are acting rashly or unwisely.

 

T’Aral turned a hand slowly. “If, on the other hand, you insist that Lieutenant Honor-Scar was warranted in her actions, then you are indicating that the ‘fly by’ was not a minor or incidental matter - calling into question your judgement. This indicates to your junior officers that they must evaluate your decisions, and they may feel free to second-guess your orders if they feel you are acting rashly or unwisely.” She settled back in her seat. “In either case, you have logically compromised your command at a time when it is vital that you re-establish your authority with your crew. This is not advised.”

 

Calestorm’s jaw tightened and she squinted her left eye, her gaze intent on the Chief Medical Officer. “You’d be a hellion on an intergalactic debate team, you know that Doctor?”

 

T’Aral’s response was a simply raised eyebrow. “Vulcans are prohibited from participating on Academy debate teams.”

 

“Doctor, I’ve not compromised my position and I expect no problems from Lieutenant Honor-Scar or any other officer. You do make valid points and yeah, I will and need to pull back on the flybys especially after coming off probation.” Still twirling the stylus pen in an easy manner, the thin object moved easily up and over her knuckles in check with the easy body language as well; Calestorm was comfortable despite the heavy topic conversation.

 

“The probation was necessary and there were several factors involved that I’m not at liberty to discuss at this time...”

 

She’d never had any patience for politics and political maneuvering....but it was what it was and she made the call regarding Grayson. Didn’t regret it. Regretted politicians, some of ‘em - not all - had never even seen action on the front lines....

 

T’Aral straightened slightly. “Captain - you know that I am bound by medical oath not to divulge matters discussed under my function as medical officer. I am trying to assist you in reviewing your recent decisions with the intent of establishing healthy patterns of behavior. In pursuit of that end, it would be helpful if I were properly informed. You can be assured that anything shared is held in the highest confidence.”

 

Calestorm nodded her understanding, but continued forward with the conversation. “You know I lead by example, TAral. My parents were both ‘by the book’ officers. They led by example and I was taught that as well. I can be very ah, exuberant? and throw the book out the airlock? But I’m still mostly loveable.”

 

T’Aral’s face stiffened momentarily, then relaxed. “There is no doubt that your crew adores you, Captain. That is not at issue. I am not suggesting that you reduce your number of eccentricities, nor that you increase them. I seek to help you see your actions and their consequences from a different point of view with the intention of developing a consistent pattern of thought and behavior which will strengthen your authority.”

 

The Captain flashed a brief smile and then leaned forward to place the pen down and fold her hands together on the desktop. “Command of this vessel remains with me and Doctor, I’m aware of what I’m doing. If I show a tendency to put this ship and crew in danger, Commander Wesley will not hesitate to remove me from command. The day I cut myself off from my people, don’t fly side by side with them, don’t accompany an Away Team into the unknown and become distant? I retire or I’ll be dead, whichever comes first.”

 

T’Aral nodded slightly. “Command remains with you; whether or not the authority of command remains with you depends on your approach. It would be my preference that the results prove favorable to all concerned.”

 

“....I’ve been told I’ve a unique approach to command.” Crash offered a brilliant smile, all teeth.

 

“Indeed ...” T’Aral held herself deathly still for a moment, suppressing the inner sigh all Vulcans felt in the presence of humans at one time or another. “I have expressed my concerns; I appreciate the time you have spared to listen. Does the Captain have any concerns regarding me?”

 

“Actually, there is a report...” Crash reached for a digital slate and quickly thumbed through the updates and personnel reports to glance at the file,” from Dr. Drass. He indicated that it was a minor incident that you handled regarding Medical Technician Senekt?” She raised her own eyebrow in a good imitation of a Vulcan. “There something going on there with him I should be informed of Doc?”

 

“Nothing of importance. Technician Senekt was suffering from a minor medical issue. There was concern that one of the pathogens had broken containment; though that concern was swiftly dismissed as in error.” T’Aral’s expression remained perfectly calm, having reported nothing more than what humans would refer to as ‘the common cold’. It was a time-respected technique to report just enough truth to satisfy curiousity without delving into details.

 

She rose from the chair. “There being no further matters to discuss, I will take my leave with your approval.” A casual gesture from Cale was enough to allow her exit. As she returned to the Medical Bay T’Aral pondered her conversation - what went well, what could have gone better, and how to improve in the future. Common thoughts for a Vulcan ... it was only logical, after all.

Edited April 5, 2013 by T'aral