A step in the right direction

Posted on Wed Dec 18th, 2024 @ 9:52pm by Commodore Finchley Kerr & Commander Alec Hunter

1,332 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: The 'Eagle continues.
Location: Ready Room, USS Blackeagle
Timeline: Current.

The time had come to meet with Alec, Finchley had a question for him that he hoped would have a positive outcome.

Tapping his COMM badge he said, "Kerr to Lieutenant Commander Hunter, can you come to my Ready Room please."

Alec was on the bridge seated at flight control when Kerr's page came through his combadge. "Yes sir, be right there." He answered crisply as he rose from his seat and motioned for the relief flight control officer to take over. Then making the short trip to the captain's ready room. He straightened his tunic and wiped invisible dust away before he pressed the door chime.

Inside, Finchley looked up and said, "Come."

The doors opened to reveal Alec standing there, "Come in Commander, take a seat please."

Alec entered the room and took the offered seat. "Captain." He said respectfully, All the while wondering if he was being called on the carpet and the captain wanted privacy when he did it.

"Firstly I wanted to tell you how well you did on the mission there, your computing skills came in very handy and you handled the Romulans very well" Finchley said, "Out of curiosity, how did you personally think the mission went, feel free to be completely honest, I'm a big boy, I can take any criticisms you have if you wish to air them?"

"Thank you, sir. I was glad I was able to assist in the successful completion of this mission." Alec replied. He paused when Finchley asked him how he felt the mission went. "Overall, the mission was a success. Admiral Picard can bring his rescue fleet in and millions of Romulans will be saved. Hopefully this will lead to better relations between the two powers. We also brought about the downfall of a corrupt politician. So, that is a plus as well. Additionally I think it shows the Romulans we can police and punish our own. Criticisms? I think the flow of information could have been handled better. It seems we were left out of the loop on some of it. I refer to Dr. Dex and her role in the mission. Not being properly informed leads to mistakes, deaths and mission failures." Alec replied firmly.

"I also feel you had a good grasp on the ever-changing aspects of the mission and handled it well. You may have been abrupt and curt in some situations but nothing severe. As you said you are a big boy and everyone on that mission is an adult and sometimes being curt and abrupt is what is needed to get the job done."

"Yes, the situation with Doctor T'ghann-Dex will be looked into and sorted, believe me, that'll never happen to us again" Finchley replied, "As for me being abrupt and curt, you're correct, when I feel it's required then that's how it is. There is one other thing I wanted your opinion on, and that's the role of Executive Officer. In your opinion, what are the main attributes someone needs to fill the position?"

Alec was surprised by the question but hid it well. *I thought Isabelle was the XO.* he thought to himself but nonetheless answered the question put forth to him. "Sir, I see some of the attributes an Executive Officer needs are loyalty to the CO, but not blind loyalty. An Executive Officer should be able to voice his opinion even if it is different than the CO's. Yet to follow the captain's decision. Of course, the safety of the crew is figured onto any equation. In addition, sir, a first officer should never disagree with the captain in front of the crew. They should present a united front. Any difference of opinion can be discussed privately. One other thing a first officer must also feel that the captain trusts his opinion and that he can voice that opinion openly and freely."

"That's true, and I'll always listen to an Executive Officers opinion and weigh it up against what I think and feel" Finchley replied, "however, when I make a decision, regardless of whether that Executive Officer agrees with it or not, I expect them to carry out my orders, I will not ever have those orders questioned in any way shape or form. "

Alec was silent for a moment before replying. "Of course, sir. That is certainly a reasonable request to ask and expect from an Executive Officer." He pushed on, "So discussion is acceptable up to the point you make your decision?" He wanted clarification on that topic though he didn't know why as he was second officer.

"I'm going to let you into a little secret Alec" Finchley replied, "Captain's are fallible, same as anyone else, we're not always going to get everything right all the time every time. Having a discussion with the ships second in command is what prompts us to see an all round view, it also helps us see things from a different perspective. We don't always follow that up, sometimes we act on gut instinct, sometimes we just know what's right and what's wrong, but having another view point is always appreciated...though not all the time, sometimes we just expect our orders to be carried out no matter what. So, it's time I let you know something. Commander Savette and I have spoken and she would like to just carry on onboard as the ships Chief Counsellor, so is stepping down from her Executive Officers role, how would you feel about taking that position on?"

Alec listened as the captain spoke, giving him some insight as to how the captain thought and made his decisions. He kept his face as neutral as possible, but surprise still registered on it when he was informed Isabelle had stepped down as Executive Officer and he was being offered the position! He hesitated only briefly in giving his answer. "Yes sir, I'd like that. I think I can handle the position and the kind of job you expect."

"Good, then that's settled then Commander, you'll be the ships new Executive Officer, plus it comes with a promotion for you to full Commander rank along with all the rights and privileges that go along with it" Finchley replied. He stood up and walked around his desk, holding out his hand, "There's a new level of responsibility coming your way Alec, I'm sure you'll be up to the task, if you have and doubts, problems, question and so on, my doors always open."

Alec gave a short, confident nod. "Yes sir. Thank you, sir. I look forward to the new responsibility. Thank you for asking and believing I can do this." He held out his hand and grasped the captains in a firm, confident grip.

"Good, now, your first job's going to be making sure Isabelle's ok with your new position onboard, I realise you're both close so I wanted you to be the one who gives her the news" Finchley replied, "If there's nothing more, you can go and tell her now if you'd like."

"Yes sir, thank you for letting me tell her and yes we are close. I hope she is okay with this. I think she will be. I better go before she hears it through the ships grapevine."

"Nobody will hear anything Commander, this room is sealed and checked for bugs every two hours, the only people who know about this conversation are you and I, and I'm certainly not going to tell the Chief Counsellor before you do" Finchley replied, "but you best get going."

"It meant it as more of a joke sir." Alec explained. "Thank you for allowing me to speak with Commander Savette Sir, I appreciate it." Alec replied, "And I am on my way." He said as he exited the room.

Finchley turned round, walked back and sat in his chair, both situations had now been resolved and it was time to get the ship back to Base One.

 

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