USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana blinked in confusion. She couldn’t do anything to help her? That seemed rather unjust. If Yito was able to experience those emotions, the fact that she couldn’t get assistance in resolving them felt heinous. She’d look more into it when she could.

“Alright, well, at the very least, I’m here for any questions you might have or if you would like to talk about anything,” Xiana offered, raising from her seat. “I’ll try to schedule another one-on-one after this evening’s meeting when you’re available. Is there anything else I can help you with in the meantime?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.1125

“Of course counselor,” Yito replied as she stood and moved to the door. “A follow up meeting is ok. But no, I don’t need any further help.”

Leaving the counselor’s office Yito checked on Araiza’s location. She’d been planning on working in the Weapons Lab, but he was there so she went to the Holodeck instead. She’d be on duty as soon as the meeting was over with and until morning shift came in. So for the moment she had time to spare.

The battle simulation came online and she worked at seeing how many Borg Drone’s she was able to eliminate before the ship was overwhelmed.​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2000

Walking into the Conference room with Dr. L’Sa, Commander Reeves took a seat at one end, followed shortly by Ensign Yito Seja who sat on one side. With her Bajoran Ear ring swaying slightly with her motion Yito sat quietly as she looked around. A symbol of religious faith it wasn’t just decorative. It also carried significance for her clan, her caste, her family. If she’d actually had one.

She wasn’t allowed to wear it on duty due to Starfleet regulations, but for the moment she was off duty, and it seemed to provide her with comfort.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Let us begin so we don’t have to stay longer than needed. I know after today most of us will appreciate a good night’s sleep or a peaceful evening,” Xiana said as she walked into the room. Still in her on-the-clock attire, the hours of making up the work thanks to their latest adventure had tired her. She was more impatient than she had hoped. She was practically daydreaming of her mattress.

The woman placed a stack of paper and an array of pencils at the center of the table’s surface. In a best-case scenario, she’d be trusted enough to lead the group conversation. In a worst-case scenario, her colleagues would at least pretend to be interested while doodling on some sheets.

Stopping at the head of the table, she placed her hands on her hips and looked around the room, the frames of her glasses highlighting her tetchiness. “Is everyone present? I'll begin once everyone is seated."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Captain Hora stood in the conference room, radiant in her uniform, the dark green color of her skin gleaming with the unmistakable afterglow of recent photosynthesis. She looked like she was in good spirits.

Beside her, Lt. McLeo was in a loud Hawaiian shirt that clashed with the plain decor of the room, chatting animatedly to the captain before the meeting began. Their conversation drifted across the room in fragmented—“stoked,” “gnarly,” were heard. “I’m a kook and a goofy-foot,” Hora declared with a grin. McLeo countered with a laid-back “I hang ten,” as if they were swapping war stories from the waves.

Then Dr. Marlowe called the room to order and asked if anyone was missing.

Hora and McLeo with surprising synchronicity, sliding into their seats and turning their focus to the front.

"Everyone is here, except Dark Fire, although he is listening in" Hora informed Dr Marlowe.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Everyone seated, she waited for a natural hush to come over the crew. “Okay, I’ll explain and set some rules that you are expected to abide by, consequences included,” Xiana began.

“I can’t force you to speak, nor do I want to, so if you’d like to refrain from answering a question, that’s your right. I don’t want to interrogate anyone; I’d simply like to reduce the preventable hiccups we keep encountering. It’s normal for groups of people, even if they’re working towards the same goal, to not always be in sync, but goodness, there comes a point.”

Although visually frustrated, Xiana didn’t do as much as raise her voice. In fact, she was eerily composed, radiating the same feeling as when you confronted someone that already knew you were lying to them. She met the gaze of each person before her.

“We are all adults here. When somebody is speaking, you will wait for them to finish thoroughly before you speak. Every time you interrupt, whether it is verbal or done by sounds or any other action such as insults or segues, or are rude to others, you will be expected to volunteer an hour of community service around the ship. This could be assisting any cleaning or food service department, excluding a location that serves alcohol or paraphernalia or is in the Red Section; helping in factory-produced assembling; or in entry-level substitutions, such as giving the night off to a security guard and taking their place.”

She pulled two pieces of paper towards her, a pencil in each hand as she always did. “You will not be allowed to wear a disguise that conceals your identity in doing so because these are not shameful lines of duty. Nor will you try to work at a forbidden location with some childish loophole. Understood?”

She didn’t wait for them to respond. “Good. If you fear you’ll forget what you have to say, I have provided pen and paper that will be destroyed to assure anonymity. Finishing our talk, if you have anything you wish to disclose to someone anonymously, you may do so by telling Dark Fire and adding that it is on behalf of Dr. Marlowe in regard to my GT Archive Number 83. Dark Fire will display them and has been instructed to get rid of them upon request of the receiver. If you receive a message, it is not up to you to respond so as to avoid retaliation and render the entire point of not being hesitant to voice our thoughts. Dark Fire is not allowed to disclose who sent it, as this would be a violation of privacy. No one, myself included unless in extreme circumstances, will have access to any messages not written by us or not written for us. If you yourself would like to disclose you sent something, well,” she shrugged, “that’s at your discretion. Keep vagueness in consideration.”

She raised her hand as if to halt something. “And before you consider it, harassment will not be tolerated. If you choose to say something cruel or derogatory, Dark Fire will detect it to the best of its ability, in overwhelming doubt will forward it to me, and I will make sure you face repercussions. You should know by now the difference between being constructive and being unkind. Not a single one of us here is above constructive criticism or faults. If you cannot set your ego aside for the sake of growth that benefits us all,then I truly, truly recommend you find a field where thousands don’t rely on you. As a living being, you are expected to feel. As a leader or person of high rank, you are expected to be mature.”

“Let us begin then,” the counselor declared, her hands beginning to write. Neither were in sync. “The order in which we go is not important as long as we all attempt to answer. We’ll commence with this.” She looked up. “What are three things you feel are basic changes that could make your experience in your position easier? It doesn’t have to involve someone at this table or an exact experience during the latest mission.”

“I, for example,” she offered, “wish I had been taught how to use a phaser prior to having access to one, been more familiarized with intergalactic law, and endorsed teamwork more thoroughly. These are all things that are realistically fixable.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora listened to the counselor with a polite, if slightly furrowed, expression. The pencils—ancient relics of a pre-digital age—seemed odd, as did the counselor’s threats for compliance. It felt unnecessary. Still, Hora kept her thoughts to herself and turned her full attention to the question at hand: What three basic changes could make her experience as captain easier?

She cleared her throat and leaned forward.

“Well, I guess I’ll go next,” she began, her voice steady but warm. “First, let me say—I believe I have the finest crew in the federation. Everyone at this table is exceptional. You’re brilliant, brave, and often far more patient than I deserve. I wake up every day determined not to let you down.”

She paused, then continued with a hint of vulnerability.

“That said, I sometimes feel emotionally out of sync with the team. I joke to defuse tension or lighten the mood, and it doesn’t always land. I suspect part of that is cultural—being Orion, not human, means my instincts don’t always translate. So, one thing that would make my job easier? Real-time emotional guidance. A translator for intent, maybe. Or just someone who can whisper, ‘Too soon, Captain,’ before I crack a joke during a crisis.”

“Second, trust. We face everything from silver parasites to temporal wormholes. Commander Reeves and I can’t monitor every subsystem or every decision. We need to trust you—and you need to trust us. Most of the time, we do. But for me to lead effectively, I need to know you well enough to trust you instinctively. That takes time, and honesty, and shared experience... give me time and honesty”

She leaned back slightly.

“Third, speak up. I ask for feedback constantly—on plans, on protocols, on my questionable taste in marshmellows. But I don’t always get responses. And I want to be clear: I’ve never punished anyone for offering a different perspective. If you disagree, say so. If you’re confused, ask. Silence doesn’t help us survive.”

She glanced around the table, her gaze steady.

“I hope that wasn’t too blunt. But I’d rather be honest than misunderstood.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2005

Commander Jordan Reeves:​

“I find that any that any changes I would request to make my experience in my position easier are of a more personal nature and not viable for a forum.” Reeves admitted reluctantly. He wasn’t one to air his problems or opinions publicly, unless required to by protocols, or a direct order.

****

Dr. Leshu'sa'atix T'Sai'ker T'Sai-Gahv'n:​

Dr. L’Sa T’ker T’Gahn Reeves:
“Three basic changes that would make my job easier? One: Alteration of the Environment controls in my lab to conform to my native environment. This would result in me not being cold, or being uncomfortable due to the lighter gravity.”

“Two: More emotional control of the people that I interact with, and deodorant.” She added after a slight pause.

“Three: If more resources could be alloted to the Xenobiology division while we are in this Galaxy to facilitate the identification and categorization of the new species we will be encountering.”

****

Ensign Yito Seja:​

“I believe we need more communication. Although our Command Officers are highly skilled and capable of giving precise orders I think they lack in actually.. talking to people.”

“I don’t know how but our efforts should fail based on lack of communication and cohesion, but unfortunately it all works. So no effort is made to correct the instability. And sooner or later the mission will fail and I’d rather not be on the mission that fails, or deal with the psychological or emotional fallout of the failure. And I kinda-like the people I work with and would prefer to not lose any of them.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The counselor’s attention was directed at whoever spoke at the moment. Her notes looked more like scratches at best, but she had enough experience for them to be legible for her. She filled a couple pages without hesitation. “I appreciate your contributions. I understand some things you might want to address personally, and of course, that is at your discretion.”

Finally setting the thin instruments down, which had quickly become blunt, Xiana read over her jottings. “Let’s address some of the more accessible requests first and foremost. Naturally, I can only make suggestions.”

“Captain,” she said, facing the woman, “I’m not quite sure of the realism of a room-reading interpreter, considering how reception of jokes can vary depending on the audience. An interpreter that isn’t a linguist,” assuming they existed, “wouldn’t be a priority to have around most of the time, either. I think learning about reception might be the best idea. Every species seems to be unique on this measure.”

“Your efforts to help everybody relax are appreciated; I hope that isn’t looked over,” she added. More often than not a brief distraction could be soothing, depending on the time and place. “I can prepare a reading list for you that could break down varying cultural behaviors to simplify your decision-making. Alternatively, becoming familiarized with the crew’s humor, priorities, or attentiveness could help.”

“And if the crew is willing,” Xiana shrugged, looking over the others before returning to Hora, “we could also make an effort to express when it is or isn’t the time for certain behaviors.”

“Feedback-wise…. I’m unsure if this is already ongoing and I’m not aware of it, but setting time to discuss performance in detail and allowing the crew the privacy to give feedback could be helpful. I understand we all have varying schedules and responsibilities, so not everyone might have the time or, on the note of confidence, interest in giving feedback. However, it is also our responsibility to voice our concerns. The Captains can’t read minds.” That she was aware of, anyway. “She is correct in that silence will not lead to any resolutions.”

The blonde returned to her notes. “We can touch back on team building and confidence shortly. I hope it shouldn’t be a problem to modify the doctor’s lab. I think the least we can do, especially with the elevated importance of the lab as of recent, is offer a comfortable area to work in. Historically speaking, better conditions offer better performance.”

“I trust the two of you will see if this is possible,” she directed at the captain and the commander. She wondered if it would be more on the captain, as to avoid accusations of favoritism, but that wasn’t for her to maneuver if so. She resisted a chuckle at the deodorant topic. “On hygiene… this ship is too high of a caliber to not be on top of your hygiene by choice. Please take care of yourself, for the sake of others if anything. If you are experiencing physical or mental hedges that make it difficult to care for yourself, please feel free to schedule an appointment with a medic or myself.”

Resources weren’t her forte, although the ensign’s concerns were. “Prior to moving onto communication and cohesion, i.e., social territory…. Captain, is allotting more resources to xenobiology an option?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“The environmental settings in Dr. L’Sa’s lab can be adjusted, but only with consensus—or at least a compromise—with her colleagues. Alternatively, she could schedule her work during off-hours when the lab’s empty.

As for additional resources, I understand her reasoning, and frankly, I agree—it’s a high priority right now. That said, we allocate resources according to our standard protocol, which means pulling from another team. Commander Reeves and I will review the situation and make a decision.

Does that sound reasonable to you, Dr. Marlowe?”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana shook her head. “As I mentioned previously, I can’t make decisions for anyone. I can only suggest or give an opinion. Whether or not it is truly reasonable is at the discretion of the involved parties.”

Placing one of the sheets of paper on the table, she looked down momentarily. “Moving on to social dynamics…”

She looked up. “An unfortunate reality is that trust is rarely given; rather, it is earned. Everyone’s unique experiences define how fast it’s built, how it’s built, or how realistic it is and if alternatives are better. There are also varying degrees. For example, I trust everyone present is reliable laborally, because you all earned your positions. I trust you’re familiarized with your responsibilities and can execute them. It’s a logical assumption. However, I wouldn’t trust most people present with my personal details or anecdotes, as I’m sure you’d do the same. Why would you? We seldom know each other, and we’re asked for collaboration, but not a relationship.”

She was doing her best to avoid sounding too soulless in an already grim topic, but her exhaustion made the feat difficult. “The type of trust we look for determines how we get it. If you become certified in coding, then I’d trust you to code. But someone’s mere proximity isn’t a reason to trust enough to provide personal opinions.”

“Ultimately, Captain,” she closed, “the type of trust you’re looking for has to be defined. Very few leaders can have both forms of trust, and rarely does it end well. Now I’m not saying you’re destined to be on your own when it comes to amity, and you shouldn’t be considering other employees at your level, but you do need to be careful when it comes to power dynamics and having to maintain respect.”

A few seconds passed while she added some extra sentences to her notes. She observed the others, trying to make out how they were taking in the conversation. She was thankful everyone seemed respectful of each other, but she wondered if it was due to only touching on the materialistic requests. She feared that going deeper into personal dissatisfaction would be disastrous. Mostly, she feared she’d be too peeved.

“…Before going into ‘emotional control,’ I’d like to expand on communication issues, because I agree with the Ensign. Captain, I understand your urge to apologize for being blunt, but I won’t.” She didn’t raise her head; rather, she looked over the top of her glasses at both Hora and Reeves. “I think it was incredibly nonsensical for you, Captain, to depart from the group in a foreign location without so much as someone to cover for you. You cannot encourage others to speak up but not advocate for yourself. Perhaps I’m not at your or the Commander’s rank or have your experience, but it takes very little to see it was irresponsible. The Ensign and I took it upon ourselves to see if we could find you after we noticed you deserted your own team. Then, you left us again in the canteen when the last thing we needed was more attention.”

“And now that we’re on that topic,” she continued. A trace of displeasure had faintly entered her tone. “Commander, I know your job isn’t to account for every whereabout of the Captain—she’s a grown woman after all—but surely taking more action on her disappearance would’ve prevented both concern and risk. I’m happy to be more active in this crew. I want to learn more and provide more, but it shouldn’t have been the Ensign and me out there on our own. Had something happened because of my lack of experience, I never would have forgiven myself. Had something happened to the Captain, I’m sure none of us would’ve. We don’t leave men behind, and you were our leader. I couldn’t care less if she could take care of herself—we repeatedly keep learning that anything can happen, including to the best of us.”

Her frustration was evident, albeit aimed solely at the two of them. She adjusted her posture. “You don’t have to answer this here. You don’t have to discuss it among yourselves at all. But if you can, ponder on this: what happened to the two of you? These are not the two people I was impressed by when I first boarded this ship. Enough with acting like martyrs when we don’t need one and enough with hesitance when we need instruction. I will not hear any demands of responsibility or respect unless you are ready to lead by example. Though I will make only one demand of my own to you both: figure it out. If not for each other, then for the rest of us counting on you.”

“I concur with the Ensign. Chalk it up to self-glamorizing or manifestation or anything as much as you wish: we have been lucky. People don’t survive on luck. Long-term goals aren’t completed with luck. We’re realistically overdue a disaster. Sooner or later, we won’t just somehow slip out of trouble. Sooner or later, the happy-go-lucky sentiment will be replaced with struggle, especially at the expense of soldiers or lower-ranked individuals, and it will be because we had been too indulged in our own complacence. Ask yourselves if you want to be a decorated airhead or a rational figure.”

She gestured to herself. “Me personally? I’ve had enough close calls in my very short time here to live in my own naivete. That was something I could maintain before I realized the sensitivity of the events on board. Ignorance disguises itself as gratification.”

Shutting her eyes, the counselor took a deep breath, her hands back on the surface of the table. She wondered if she had gone too far by practically scolding the two. She wondered if her abrasiveness would make the others think less of her influence. Mainly, she wondered if anything she was saying would be absorbed or result in yet another deflection. Her heated palms found comfort in the coolness. “Alright,” she murmured, opening her lids. “Any comments, questions, or concerns before we continue?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2015

Commander Reeves:​

“I allot time daily for any potential meetings that may arise between performance reviews. Although The Captain is in charge of all the Officers and I deal with the Non-comms and Ensigns. But I will set up a protocol for voicing concerns or questions without being identified unless they wish it.”

“And I’ll put out a ship wide address concerning the hygiene problem. This is a closed environment, having unsightly odors is unacceptable.”

****

Dr. L’Sa:​

When Counselor Marlowe spoke about relationship, Dr. L’Sa raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Possibly she was thinking about the Captains… relationships.

****

Commander Reeves:​

When the Counselor spoke about the issues on planet The Commander didn’t reply, but he did cast a look at the Captain. And he was thinking about the number of times he’d been over ridden on his suggestions and reminders of protocols.

“I’m sure the Captain and I will have a great number of things to discuss when this meeting is over with, but for now I have no comments, questions, or concerns, Counselor. Please continue.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora fought to keep her temper in check as Dr. Marlowe’s critique of the away team mission veered into a personal attack. The doctor had been there—had said nothing on decisions she was involved in/with.

Still, Hora knew better than to let her frustration show. She had a mask of professional calm, her posture listening, her expression neuteral. The team might learn something from the doctor's observations.

“I have no comments, Counselor,” Hora said evenly, her voice smooth. “Please, continue. I'm eager to hear more”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

In pursuit of optimism, Xiana nodded. She’d consider that conflict pending, but she could only do so much. “Okay, we’ll close with emotional control.”

She gave a look at each attendant present. “I do want to apologize for my behavior when we first encountered the harbor master. I maintain my opinions, but being so confrontational and impatient did not do any favors for anyone. If anything, it led to more frustration. I apologize to you all and will work on it. I will abstain from such missions until I’m confident I have a more productive grip on my distaste.”

“Emotional control is hard, but it’s crucial. If everybody acted out of the impulse and impatience that comes from distraught emotions, society would collapse. Urgent coping mechanisms are important. Now, this can vary per being. For example, self-soothing in humans tends to look like breathing exercises or short, personal distractions, such as counting or identifying objects. Try to have a method on hand for when you need to calm down. It should be something you can do on your own, anywhere, and that does not disrupt anyone or any space.”

Taking the pages with writing, she began to tear them into multiple pieces. She would incinerate them on the way to her quarters but wanted to avoid curious readers in the meantime. “This concludes the topics at hand. Unless you’d like to talk privately, then you are free to go.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2030

“I find meditation helps when dealing with uncomfortable emotions,” Dr. L’Sa commented. “Most Vulcan’s used it precisely for that, amongst other things. Controlling oneself allows one to control the environment.”

“I am willing to assist anyone wishing to learn, or gain a better understand of, Meditation. And self-control. You my also find it beneficial in coping with interpersonal interactions with others.”

“It has been my experience that many species, in particular, this crew, is very skilled and talented in their own field of expertise. But dealing with other individuals outside that expertise is difficult.”

“I agree with the Doctor, Meditation has proven beneficial to myself when dealing with situations on the bridge of a stressful or potentially uncomfortable situation. It allows me to disconnect from the emotional aspects and think more logically, without the emotional confusion.” Commander Reeves said.

Speaking up Ensign Yito said, “I’m willing to work in Xenobiology. It’s not my field, but I can put samples on a slide, and I’m willing to learn more. Though Astrometrics might be better for me. And it would get me out of engineering.” And away from possible interaction with certain individuals. She wasn’t running away from him. She was just obeying orders. At least that was her excuse.

Looking at the Captain, Reeves waited to see if she had anything else to say before he stood. After all she was the Captain.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I have no additional comments. I want to thank Dr Marlowe for holding this feedback session. I think it has been enlightening and I for one will be reflecting on what was said. Everyone is free to return to their duties” Hora said. She however, remained at the table, in case someone had something private to said to her.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana shook her head as she gathered the items before her. “Not feedback. Had I wanted to only give feedback, I could’ve easily sent a message through Dark Fire. I didn’t want to solely voice my concerns: I want change. And I want everyone to feel like they can implement it as well.”

With a stack of materials pressed against her chest, she gave a respectful nod to the remaining staff and stepped out of the room.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2035

After Dr. Marlowe left Ensign Yito left followed by Dr. L’Sa at Reeves nod to her. Once The Commander and Captain were left alone he looked at her. “Well, that was interesting and informative.”

“I have a suggestion for the Xeno Department. If we reassign Xenobiology and Astrometics swapping out people and assigning Vulcan’s and other heavy worlders to Xenobiology we can move the others to Astrometrics. Alleviating any discomfort for the Vulcan’s. Of course it will be on a volunteer basis.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“It must be voluntary,” Hora replied to Commander Reeves’ suggestion. “And for the record, there is no hygiene problem on this ship. Human hygiene tech has been flawless since the 21st century. It’s the reason Vulcans and Humans are best buddies, soulmates now. Orions are green with envy—literally. You’re married to a Vulcan, for stars’ sake!”

She punctuated her declaration by letting her forehead drop onto the table with a soft but definitive thud.

“I can’t win with our ship’s counselor…” she muttered to the tabletop, now mere microns from her nose. “I gave her three ideas. Three! And she still claimed I didn’t provide input. I think she had a core meltdown over the word feedback. Like I triggered some trauma. Just tell me what term to use—‘emotional telemetry’? ‘Feelings upload’? but instead she storms out of here.”

Hora groaned, a sound that vibrated through the table.

“Any suggestions?” she asked, voice muffled by table surface. It was unclear whether she was addressing Commander Reeves or the table itself—though the table, to its credit, remained silent.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2040

“There is a hygiene problem on the ship, just not from the humans. I believe it’s the Bolians, the Klingons, the Therians, and several other species that have decided Starfleet protocols are not required. And it’s coming from the red section through the ventilation system.”

“And by Vulcan legal terminology I am Mate-Bonded to her. It’s more than a marriage.” Reeves corrected as he watched her bang her head on the table.

“As for suggestions. We need better communication between the two of us. Also Starfleet has regulations for a reason. Henceforth, both of us may no longer go on the same away mission if it’s potentially into hostile territory.”

“And a security officer will attend all away missions. Just in case. Especially concerning this galaxy and it’s various factions. This Empire may prove hazardous. And the Scarrans are definitely a hostile force.”

“And the Counselor is definitely the right choice. She’s forcing us to think and change. She’s right we’ve been running on luck for far to long. We’ve made mistakes. Illogical mistakes.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora lifted her head from the table, her eyes rimmed with tears that hadn’t yet fallen. She hadn’t meant to corner the Commander, hadn’t intended to put him in a defensive stance. All she’d wanted was a conversation—just a simple, honest exchange about the meeting that had happened. Not a diagnosis. Not a fix.

But now, the air between them felt tense. She needed to stop. She needed to rebuild the bridge between them, before it collapsed.

“I’m sorry,” she said, and she meant it. “You’re an exceptional XO. And our ship’s counselor is more than capable. If I implied otherwise, that was my failure.”

She drew a breath, steadying herself.

“The missteps on the planet—the flawed team composition, the poor decisions—they’re mine. My leadership. Or lack of it. it’s all on me”

She looked at him directly now, voice quieter.

“What do you think is the problem with our communicate?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2045

“Your assessment of the flaws would be inaccurate, Captain. We are both responsible. I should have been more insistent.”

“Our communication problem is that we don’t. You make decisions, I counter, you override. And instead of arguing the point I concede to the Captain’s decision. Which logically I should do. I don’t have the authority to override you, and my position dictates that I offer you alternatives, but that I don’t argue with you.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“Well, let’s start communicating now.” Hora suggested. “Here is what I heard you just say. My assessment was inaccurate… because if you had been more insistent... the mission would have gone perfectly.”

So… you made no errors on this mission, accept not being insistent enough?

Perhaps some more introspection on your actions is need. Or let Dark Fire tell you what you messed up.

On the second statement you made, here is what I heard, that “our communication problem is that we don’t communicate. I make decisions, you counter, I override you.”

“Let see… clearly, we do communicate. So, I think you just said that for effect. But what I think you were trying to say was I don’t agree with you all the time. I don’t like the words all and never, etc, but do I agree with you sometimes? Well, clearly yes. Let’s see how often I do agree with you.

Looking at the past

• Visiting the main planet or an outpost… I followed CDR Reeve advice
• I suggested cloaking the main ship, using a shuttle…. CDR Reeve agreed
• CDR Reeve suggested a promotion for Lt McLeo… I followed CDR Reeve advice
• Dr Marlowe suggested simulations… I followed her advice
• I selected the away team and asked for input
• Several people were recommended to join the team, MACO, security, Ens Yito I pushed back on MACO, Security and accepted Ens Yito. Not sure how to score this… Hora over ruled two, Dr Marlowe followed
• Lt Sol was not recommended… I agreed
• CDR reeve recommended CO and XO not go together, I pushed back and said in this case we should both go. The value was worth the risk. However, I also said “You could push back if you felt strongly against” Hora over ruled
• Followed CDR Reeves gravity changes
• Encountered several problems (dock master, Luxan encounter, translator problems) on the planet, for the most part handled as a team.
• I suggested staying in one place to allow translators to work better… over ruled by CDR Reeves
• Dr L’Sa recommended going to market… we followed her advice
• CDR Reeves advised staying together… then agreed to allow Ens Yito and Dr Marlowe to scan ships
• ENS Yito recommended going back to the space port… followed her advice
• People recommended getting clothing… followed their advice
• I recommended we check out the admin building
• CDR Reeves recommends splitting into two groups… followed his advice
• CDR Reeves recommends everyone into the bar group… followed his advice
• 
  
• The totals are:
• Hora over ruled someone = 3
• Followed other people’s advice = 14 the bulk of these are from Commander Reeves

So, we don’t communicate because I over rule you all the time. However, the data shows I agree with you 82% of the time. So what is the real problem with our communication?”