"An Unexpected Pep Talk"
(Previous post: Sabrina's "Wandering")
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Stardate: 60324.1022
Setting: USS ANUBIS, COs Ready Room
The young woman finished her rounds and ended up in the second to last place she seemed to want to be. The first place she was avoiding was the bridge and the COs chair. For whatever psychological reason, Captain Sabrina Rikar had not fully accepted the fact that *SHE* was now in charge of the crew and this vessel.
The Ready Room was empty except for the standard issue chairs and desk. Due to the circumstances of the change, the new CO had not had time to personalize this room. Reluctantly, the red-headed officer slowly walked around the desk and sat in the chair that was rightfully hers.
Captain Rikar rubbed her tired eyes and thought about the situation for a moment. She decided to voice her thoughts by making her first personal log entry as the CO of the ANUBIS.
"Computer, begin personal log, Captain Rikar, note the stardate," she ordered.
[/\] Unable to comply. Access to that log has been denied. Beginning holoprogram [/\]
"What is happening ...." Sabrina said in surprise. Before she could finish her question, a small holoprojector rose from the center of her desk. A 3D image started to form and when it was finished, Sabrina smiled.
"Admiral Simmons, still looking over my shoulder?" she asked.
The program was non-interactive, so the image of Admiral James Simmons, previous CO of the ANUBIS began speaking without acknowledging the question.
[/\] Greetings, Captain. You are into your second day of the mission and this is the first time you made an personal log entry? First word of advice from one ship's captain to another, use your personal log. You have always been a verbal person, so use your personal log as a sounding board.
Next, I wanted to congratulate you on your promotion. Protocol demanded that I leave the bridge as soon as the change-in-command ceremony was complete. Also, the preparation for your present mission kept us apart. However, there is a tradition among starship captains that this message will fulfill.
The tradition is when a CO gets their first ship, the previous CO is entitled to one last advice session. In this case, the message is more personal and direct because we have served together for so long. Here goes nothing. You need to lead, Sabrina. Sit in the COs chair. Do business from the COs chair in the Ready Room. Command the Observation Lounge. In short, be the CO.
One of the greatest and hardest lessons any CO has to learn was taught at the Academy. The mission was from the ENTERPRISE-D when Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher were investigating some planet for Federation membership. They were captured by a hostile faction and implanted with devices that allowed them to read each other thoughts. During the escape, they couldn't read the map provided to them. Picard looked around and said they should go 'this way' in his usual command tone. Dr. Crusher replied 'you have no idea where we are going.' Picard remembered the implants and answered 'you are correct. When you are in command, you must command even if you have no idea if you have made the correct decision.'
This example illustrates my final bit of advice to you. Lead. Lead like you know what you are doing and the rest will follow. Don't try to figure out how I would do things. You are now the CO of the greatest crew and ship in starfleet. You do your job *your* way, let the crew do theirs and great things will follow. Mind the paint and I'll welcome you back to base. Carry on, Captain. [/\]
The holo-image saluted and then faded away. His last duty as CO performed.
[/\] Personal log of Captain Sabrina Rikar now open for access [/\]
"James, you are a sneak without bounds..." the CO began her log with a smile gracing her pink lips...
========== 2005 post #280
Michael Reed {doriengard@ma.rr.com}
Commodore James T. Simmons
Strategic Operations Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
