Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Joseph Rainns (Incoming Chief of Security) in Trenton meeting with Rainns

Posted by Cadet Ashlyn Trenton (Security Officer) in Trenton meeting with Rainns

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Joseph Rainns (Incoming Chief of Security) in Trenton meeting with Rainns
Posted by… suppressed (19) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Cadet Trenton finished her last report for the evening shift and stretched in the chair to relieve some of the built-up tension. The evening had been uneventful but educational and Cadet Ryan was still cracking jokes with her even as she was disarming at the armory. “Have a good morning Ryan.” Ashlyn was on her way out when the other Cadet got in front of her. “Hey Trenton, wanna head to that tavern program on the Holodeck and get to know each other off duty?” Trenton maintained her professional smile as she formed a response. “No can do today, I’ve got an appointment with the CSO.” Ryan blinked clearly off guard with that response, “How come? Did you do something stupid?” Trenton laughed at the young cadet and shook her head, “Someone’s got to report your jokes, they murder the crowd every night.” Ryan puts a hand over his heart and groans lightly, “You wound me, but alas, I shant make you late to your appointment.” The cadet moved out of the way and allowed Trenton to move on. She would have to deal with him again later.

Outside the office, Trenton took a moment to straighten her uniform up and checked her PaDD. Still five minutes early, this was acceptable, she pressed the chime on the door.

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton.

Rainns surveyed his office, he would need to bring in his personal items so that the room was more reflective of his personality, but he would have time for that later. He simply sat in his chair with a glass of water, waiting for Trenton to arrive on time. While he was patient by nature, he didn’t like being kept waiting in the dark, and so he was relieved when his chime rang at the agreed upon time. “Enter” he exclaimed from his desk, taking a sip of water and awaiting the cadet’s entrance.

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

Cadet Trenton entered the office, her expression schooled into a maks of neutrality, void of emotion positive or negative. She carefully stood behind the chair opposite Rainns and waited for further instructions. “Cadet Trenton reporting for our appointment sir.” In her right hand, the Cadet held a PaDD neatly cradled but still allowing her to maintain her position according to Starfleet Regulations. She’s clearly here to make an impression of some kind, be it good or bad is yet to be seen.

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns took a sip of water from his glass and motioned to the chair in front of him. “Take a seat Cadet.” When Trenton had made herself comfortable Rainns followed up sitting back in his chair with his hand together above his knees, “What can I do for you on this fine morning Ms. Trenton?”

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

Trenton moved around carefully and sat down in a controlled manner. “I am aware of your promotion to CSO, so I thought I’d help you get the initial stuff out of the way. Help you understand who I am and what I contribute while giving me a chance to understand your expectations. I hope by doing this I can assist your change in responsibility and give you a better impression as I’m aware our first encounter was off duty and probably not the best.” The cadet held the PaDD up to show to Rainns, “Do you mind if I take notes?”

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns shook his head, “Not at all, please help me understand the kind of person of you are.” He was very curious to see what the cadet had to say, and he himself would also be taking notes, mental, of course, but he listened with extreme attentiveness to what Trenton had to say.

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

Cadet Trenton took a calming breath and began to explain herself. “I come from Makoa III, one of over a thousand refugees. My upbringing was interrupted by terrible circumstances and if not for Starfleet, I would be dead. I joined for two reasons because I wanted to make something of the life that was saved and I want to reach a position where I can institute real change. My ultimate goals are to join Starfleet Intelligence as either an Investigator or Internal Affairs. I earned my position in the Academy through an academic scholarship so I’m willing to put in detailed work. Additionally, I major in Information Security and Anti-Intelligence and hold a minor in Xenoarcheology. This means I’m well versed in the protection of information and more than capable of handling dignitaries with respect for their culture. I’m also an adept survivalist having excelled during the survival training and holding four years of personal experience with survival tactics in a hostile environment.” The cadet took a moment to catch her breath and give the Lieutenant a chance to process the information before she continued. “My weakest areas are physical strength, I’m just not built to be that strong. Also, I struggle with trust in others due to past experiences and regularly attend sessions with a counselor to help correct this issue, it is still a work in progress. Do you have any questions or would you like me to expand more on a given topic?”

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns listened very closely to what Trenton taking in the information she provided and analyzing what she was saying to him. He picked up his padd, one of the only things on his desk, and pulled up the Cadet’s personal files. “Cadet Trenton, I have found honesty to be the best policy when it comes to serving with others and simply coping with different people I interact with. I see no reason not to continue this policy right now and so I’m going to be very direct with you. “I have read about and seen your behavior up close, and I find it extremely disturbing. Not only do you seem to act erratically to the smallest stimuli, but your propensity to rely on self defense and preservation mechanisms in situations where they are not required can make the chain of command quite difficult to keep intact. ” Rainns paused for a second to consider his next words carefully, “For example, if I give an order to you that you disagree with, based on your nature, how can I be sure that you will follow it? given your clear inclination that everybody around you could be a threat, what if you decide that a fellow crew member, or superior officer, is a threat to you?” Rainns put the padd back on the desk, “do you see my quandary here cadet? I cannot tell, based on your behaviors and attitudes if you are actually helpful to my security staff. However, I do have some good news for you, this is an academy ship and you are a cadet, so I expect you to ease my anxieties over your service aboard the ship and give me confidence that you can make a fine officer.” At this Rainns demeanor changed from one of neutral observers to slightly agitated aggressor, he leaned forward on his desk, putting his elbows down on it, while maintaining a respectful distance from the Cadet he began to speak again in low tone that was almost a growl. “But, in the event that you cannot perform your duties aboard this ship by proving you cannot to protect your ship and crew, the first and only duty you have to Challenger. And instead put this ship and crew in greater risk, then I will have you yanked out of starfleet faster than you say conspiracy theory, I hope I make myself clear to you Cadet.”

All that said, Rainns leaned back in his seat once more, a smile returning to his face. “I trust and hope it won’t come to that Cadet Trenton, you have a lot of potential to be a an outstanding officer one day as long as you can correct your attitude and behaviors, you have the makings of being an excellent Security Chief. Now do you have any questions for me?”

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

Cadet Trenton made sure to annotate all the information she could into her notes and took a moment to review them after the Lieutenant asked if she had any questions. “Just to be clear so that I don’t misunderstand something, your expectations are for me to change my behavior and attitude, follow orders, and protect the ship and crew. Am I correct in my understanding of the expectations?” Even after the scrutiny and aggressive posturing by the lieutenant, Trenton still maintains her neutral mask.

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns nodded his head, “Protecting your ship and crew are bi-product of those other responsibilities but Yes, that is correct. If there is anything I can do to help you in some of the areas you are more than welcome to ask for help.”

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

The Cadet took a moment to review her notes again and asked another question. “To better keep track of my progress, can I ask for specific examples of when my erratic behavior was witnessed or reported during my on-duty activity? This way I can get the appropriate help to analyze the situation and seek out better approaches to not repeat the situations you describe.”

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns nodded, “There have been moments, that I have been both been told about and witnessed, where, for example, somebody were to surprise you, you subsequently take an extreme defense posture. While that is fine on a away mission, on board Challenger we cannot have moments like that unless the circumstances are extreme.”

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

The cadet made a note on the incident in question and added that the action was considered acceptable while on an away mission. “I am aware of the incident that you speak of, it happened at 0713 in the Gymnasium during the Mok’bara class. I was in deep meditation reflecting over the records of the other attendees of the class when a new arrival that I didn’t know or have a record of tapped me on the shoulder. I admit that my reaction was extreme and disruptive to the class to which I did apologize. How do I maintain an acceptable level of alertness while in a state of meditation?” The unusual question was in fact genuine, though her face remained neutral the curiosity in her eyes was still clear.

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

“Cadet, you need to take into account the context of your surroundings, just because you don’t know everybody on this ship does not mean you have to go and memorize their files. Also keep in mind that you are on a federation starship, nobody here is going to be attacking you in an exercise class in the holodeck.” Rainns responded, “ there is a fine line between being alert and being paranoid, and you need to find that line.”

LT JG Joseph Rainns- COS

Ashlyn clenched her jaw, desperate to explain herself but being unable to didn’t help her cope with what the department head expressed. “With all due respect sir, I asked a Counselor how best to deal with my lack of trust in others and they suggested I get a starting basis of information on them before my interactions. Reviewing personnel records is how I best know how to cope with trust difficulties. I apologize if this is in any way inappropriate and am open to suggestions.” There are cracks starting to appear in Trenton’s mask, but she still appears mostly neutral though her eyes are reflecting a deep sadness.

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

As Trenton continued talking, Rainns could feel a strain in her voice and her expression was slightly shifting, he began to feel the suspicion that Trenton was hiding something from him. “I’m not saying you can’t research your fellow ship mates,” Rainns began. “ Heck even I do that from time to time. But my issue is that on a ship this large, with a crew changing as often as it does, you will inevitably meet someone you have not researched. When that moment comes you cannot be as defensive as you have been, I’m not saying you have to trust them, but you can’t become belligerent.”

LT JG Joseph Rainns- COS

Cadet Trenton made a few additional notes on her PaDD, “I agree, perhaps my current method isn’t sustainable given the environment. I have made an appointment with the Counselor to discuss how to better deal with my trust issues and temper my reactions to surprise while onboard the ship.” Trenton made a few more annotations on her PaDD and took another calming breath, reestablishing her neutral mask. “I must apologize sir, but the incident we just discussed took place at 0713 and I was off duty by 0600. I asked for specific incidents that took place while on duty. The reason I ask this is that the duties and tasks I am responsible for generate better control results for my attitude and behavior than when I’m off duty and have less to keep myself in check with. If this is no longer the case, I need to know so I can take corrective action.”

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns sat back, “Cadet, I believe, and I think you would find that off duty behavior has the potential to bleed into on duty behavior. Because you have not been put in an unfamiliar situation while on duty, you have not been forced to confront your natural suspicions of others due to the controlled environment. Now if you can assure me that your behavior when you do encounter an unexpected situation in duty will be different than what it is when you are off duty, I shall give you the benefit of the doubt and believe that.” Rainns looked at Trenton. “I’m using your reaction to surprise off duty to evaluate what your reaction on duty would be. If you can assure me that your behavior will be different, then I will respect that .”

LT JG Joseph Rainns- COS

Trenton made a few more notes on her PaDD, then set it into her lap. “With your permission, sir, I would like to speak freely on some observations if I may?”

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

“Go ahead,” Rainns replied. He Waited patiently to hear what the cadet had to say.

LT JG Joseph Rainns- COS

Trenton took a deep breath and prepared herself mentally for the backlash she was sure she would receive after she finished. She tapped on her PaDD to send off a message to the Lieutenant then began, “When I conducted my research, I believed you to be a skilled professional with experience to share and knowledge to teach. I approached you as a professional and requested this meeting as one professional to another. I sent you some files regarding Federation species that react poorly to aggressive posturing and excerpts from Academy Leadership Training that explain when aggressive posturing is and isn’t appropriate. I believe your threat to throw me out of Starfleet was unwarranted and unprofessional. You are judging me entirely on two minor incidents, one of which warranted at most a suspicious activity report. Both incidents being social in nature should be between myself and the counselor unless they show a direct impact on my job performance. Since my arrival on board, there have been no work-related incidents nor any reports of my behaviors impacting my ability to perform my duties. Yet you are choosing to ignore these facts and stick to the two incidents in question. I ask myself why and the only conclusion I can come to is that someone not involved in the incident came to you personally to say the incident bothered them and rather than investigate, you chose to persecute. I’d ask why, but I don’t think I’m going to get an answer. In the end, all I can say is that I am sorry that is the impression you have of me.”

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton

Rainns took in what Trenton was saying and sat in silence for a few moments after she concluded her dialogue. In several moments he filed through the various responses he could put forward to the Cadet, in the end, he decided to respond in the most polite way possible, despite the fact that he had felt disrespected by what the Cadet had just posited. “Cadet, I would vehemetly disagree with several assertions you have made. First of all, you sought this meeting out, and asked what the expectations were. I laid out my expectations for you. I expect you to prove yourself to be worthy of a promotion in the very near future, as I said earlier. I also voiced my concerns that you may not be able to reach that bar due to some behavioral habits which I acknowledged can be changed. My comment about your expulsion was simply an extension of that expectation. You are not unique in this Cadet. The policy of either proving your functionality in Starfleet or not making the cut is the reality of all cadets who serve aboard this ship. If you found my convictions when it comes to policy were too aggressive I apologize. Second of all, as for your remark about persecution, I plan to do nothing of the sort accept sit back and observe your performance. I’m not going after you in any way, or adding any additional requirements for your success. I have my concerns about you, but I have my concerns about anyone whom is attempting to join starfleet, particularly in the field of security. Lives will be in your hands one day Ms. Trenton, and I want to make sure that they are capable hands. Go out there and show me that they are, I believe you can.” Rainns stopped for a breath. “I was not going to discuss any of these private thoughts to you, but since you approached me as a professional and showed honesty, I believed I was obligated to do the same to you. I hope you can understand that. This is nothing personal, but one day you will probably be sitting on this side of the desk, and it is my job to make sure you are qualified to do so, because if I fail at that job and you are not, I will be jeopardizing lives.”

Rainns leaned forward onto his desk again as he had done before, but his demeanor was much different this time, there was no veracity in his voice or eyes, only calmness. “If you ask me an honest, professional question, I intend to give an honest, professional answer. My tone when discussing a potential dismal that I do not believe will ever happen was simply to convey how serious I am about safeguarding this ship and crew.”

With that, he leaned back in his seat, “I hope you find that answer satisfying cadet. It’s the most authentic I can give.”

L.T. J.G. Joseph Rainns- COS

Trenton was stunned for a long moment as she processed everything the Lieutenant just said. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped, closed it again, considered things, then tried again. “I am horribly sorry sir. I’m a terribly clueless novice who drew the wrong conclusions for this entire conversation. I am such an ass.” The mask of neutrality Trenton had maintained was gone, her own stress and tension blowing her bearing away like dust in a windstorm. The cadet buried her face in her hands and groaned. “I’m gonna regret this for…a week.” Trenton ran her hands through her hair and took a deep breath in, “I apologize, I was completely off base sir. I misinterpreted your tone and non-verbals as accusatory and judging only to actually be accusatory and judging. I…am a moron. As Ryan would put it, here’s the shovel, it’s not getting any deeper. Gods his jokes suck.” Trenton was being very expressive, her emotions of shame and embarrassment clear on her face as she leaned her head back, “I’m so lame, there is no way I’m starting today over is there?” Trenton lowered her head to look at the Lieutenant, eyes full of pleading and regret.

• Cadet Ashlyn Trenton