Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Cochrane (XO) in Taking a long over due self guided tour (Open to all)

Posted by Ensign Trax Elbrun Suder (Medical Officer) in Taking a long over due self guided tour (Open to all)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Cochrane (XO) in Taking a long over due self guided tour (Open to all)
Posted by… suppressed (13) by the Post Ghost! 👻
[snip]

“Young man. You will apologize to Dr. Suder immediately. And then to your teacher. And then you will explain to me why your running about this ship with plant samples that are to be kept in the arboretum.” and he looked intently at the boy with his hands clasped behind his back.

Shuffling his feet a bit and looking down Charles pouted a bit at the command to apologize. Then with a sigh he muttered “..S…sorry Doctor Suder..” he said.

Then looking to the XO he said, “..I was just having fun sir. No other reason..” he said.

“Your ok Charles?” as he tried to defuse the situation. “There are other ways to have fun, my dear Charles.” as he spoke softly to the child with no raised voice. “Maybe you can stop by later and we can play some board games or card sometime maybe go to the holodeck.” Trax offered a better solution. “No apologies are necessary from you my dear teacher and you Charles we all need a way to have fun on occasion but we can all can do it a better way. I know there was no ill intent from the young man’s actions but I will let this slide this time but we can do more if you like. after your classes. And as long your grades don’t slide. But it’s up to the xo here and the teacher if they are going to punish you but there was no harm done and all is well by me.” Trax said sincerely.

”..I’m ok sir..” Charles then said nothing else then really obviously knowing when he had done something wrong and gotten caught he just idly rubbed his foot in the hallway floor on his heel.

Cochrane smiled inwardly at the diplomatic approach of the Doctor, but kept his face stern. Once Trax had finished, Alex looked at young Charles and said “I’m not sure I agree with you, Doctor. Removal of specimens from their designated storage areas without proper permission could be considered a significant breach of ship’s rules.” and then he waited a moment to let his words process in the young boy’s mind. After a few moments, Cochrane knelt down and put a hand on the boy’s shoulder and said “Young man. You are a part of the crew of this ship. You are part of my crew. As such, there are certain things that you simply must do. Paramount amongst those is obey the rules. I know you were just having fun and letting off some pent up energy, but there is a time and place for that. During classes and instruction is not that time.” and he stood up. “The holodeck, on the other hand, is just such a place. So instead of running off with specimens and making your teacher, the good Doctor, and myself take time away from our duties to corral you, perhaps we could plan another field trip?” he said and glanced at the teacher. “Why don’t you consult with the parents of Charles and his classmates, and see if they would allow the class an hour on the holodeck next week with me and few of the other Command Staff? I have a great program, historically accurate, on late 18th century Earth sailing vessels…” and he looked down at Charles, grinned, and said conspiratorially “… complete with pirates!” and looked back at the teacher. “With your approval, of course.”

The boy’s eye slit up a bit at the idea, but looked to the caretaker then, “..Hmm, I suppose it might be useful to reinforce our recent chapter of history in that time period. What was the program called again Commander?” she asked

Cochrane said “The Last Stand of Edward Teach.” he said in reply. “An accurate accounting of the last battle of the infamous pirate know as Blackbeard. I can, of course, modify it to a more suitable level for the children. Less colorful language and such.”

”..Yes, that would be preferred, Commander” She said.

GM CockRoach

“Then it is done.” and he looked at Charles. “Behave yourself, young man. And I will see you next week.” an then he turned to the doctor. “Shall we continue, Doctor Suder?”

Cochrane, XO

“Very well! Xo” Trax said as the intermission was over. “Where shall we go from here? Sir?” Trax asked casually.

Ensign Trax Suder Jo Doctor

“Lead on, good Doctor. I am but a leaf on the wind.” he said with a smile.

Cochrane, XO

“As you wish Sir!” He was still not comfortable with calling the xo by his first name. As the quietly finished of deck 38 as they made their way through ship deck by deck section by section As the took the lift to deck 23 As they strolled through the tertiary computer core control room and transporter room 5 and their final stop on the deck was the schooling facility and nursery 3. As they took a brief look from the window into the classrooms and the nursery checking things out nothing more as he watched the teacher teach a class in Astronomy. “What do you think of having families on starships? I know there have been a lot of debates of this issue lately. I was just curious about your opinion Sir?” Trax asked casually to the officer as he continued to observe more of the class.

Ensign Trax Suder Jo Doctor

Cochrane’s brow furrowed a bit, but his tone was calm. “I believe that depends entirely upon the ship and it’s mission. A ship such as ours, I don’t see having families and such aboard as a bad thing in most circumstances. It gives those serving a tether to a more stable environment. And, should something threaten the ship itself, it gives the crew something to fight for. A good morale boost. I also believe that families and civilians aboard some of the more… shall we say ‘aggressive’ ships… would be a distraction to the crew and Command Staff. So in that circumstance, I believe it best to not have them.” and he paused as he watched the class.

“What about you, Doctor? What are your thoughts on the subject?”

Cochrane, XO

Trax noticed the change in the xo’s state. It might have been a subject that should not have been raised but too late now. “I am sorry sir for bringing up such a difficult issue.” Trax fell quiet for a minute before he finally spoke. I guess the answer is not an easy one but there are plenty of benefits and issues with having families aboard. from as you stated earlier morale, mental stability with longer voyages there is a more sturdy anchor to help ground officers to keep them from gaining mental issues. loneliness, separation issues. etc. A place to feel more like home and more relaxing for the families and officers not to worry as much if they’re together then apart and light years apart. Granted there are pluses about not having families like not worrying about possible loss of them from battle or a disaster. Able to work in an environment that is professional and able to deal with family and other issues by subspace is a bit easier.” As Trax let out a sigh. But I guess the benefits are more helpful with family here than not. even if there are danger and threats from everywhere some seen others unseen especially till it’s to late.” Trax said calmly to his xo. As he turned away from the classroom as he moves towards the nearest turbo lift quietly as he tapped the call button. As he waited for the xo and the car to arrive.

Ensign Trax Suder JO Doctor

Cochrane shrugged off the doctor’s concern. “Not difficult, per se, but certainly an issue I have heard discussed in rooms with people with a lot of gold on their collars.” he said with a chuckle. “It’s long been a point of contention between many of the higher-ups. And I doubt that there will ever be a true consensus on the subject. Tell me, Doctor, would you prefer to work on a ship with or without civilians?”

Cochrane, XO

“Actually I am open either way. sir! but I guess I would like a companion around. I am not one to be a loner or being alone all the time. I guess that is partly being Betazoid since were a sociable race.” Trax commented as the car arrived and the doors opened as some crew got off the car as they entered after the way was clear. “maybe we should take time to have some lunch then we can continue on? What do you think sir?” Trax asked the xo. “18 forward? or we can wait till we get to deck 18? We only have three decks to go since were on deck 23 right now?” As the lift waited for a command.

Ensign Trax Suder Jo Doctor

“Splendid idea, Doctor. Lets. And Forward is fine by me. Nice views by the windows.”

Cochrane, XO

Trax and the xo finished going through the other odd decks quietly as the tour as they arrived onto deck 18 as they calmly made their way forward. “I agree there sir there are some nice views from the windows. ” Trax commented with a small smile as they walked to the doors of the 18 forward as they opened to a bustling activity. “Here we are, sir? Time for lunch.” Trax said calmly. “as the doctor ordered.”

Ensign Trax Suder Jo Doctor

“Indeed.” Cochrane said with a slight smile. He took a table by one of the windows and sat down. “I do recommend the shrimp and avocado ceviche. Earth dish, very refreshing.”

Cochrane, XO

“It does sound appealing. I think I would like to try it? Sir!” Trax said calmly to him. “whats a good pairing for the meal?” Trax asked with interest.

Ensign Trax Suder JO Doctor

“There is a nice green wine from Vulcan that goes well with. And with a nice steak, if you are interested.” Cochrane replied. “Once we order, I have a question for you Doctor.”

Cochrane, XO

“Sounds interesting. What is your question Sir?” Trax focused on the xo as he waited for him to ask his question. As he waited on the waiter to arrive to take the orders. Trax was wondering with interest on the question he was going to ask.

Ensign Trax Suder JO Doctor.

The waiter arrived and Cochrane ordered bangers and mash and a pint of dark beer.

After Trax ordered and the waiter left, Cochrane looked at Trax and said “Ensign, why did you choose Starfleet? If you don’t mind me saying, it seems that all of this - ” and he waved his hand at the ship in general “- is a bit outside of your comfort zone. And please. Do not take that as a criticism. Just an observation.” he said with a friendly smile.

Cochrane, XO

“Well, sir! I joined star fleet for one to get away from mother. She is rather imposing on all things. But the one main thing besides mother. I wanted to the galaxy and with my medical and counseling techniques I hoped I would be an asset to Starfleet and this ship.” Trax commented calmly. “Also maybe someday to find the love of my life. ” Trax did not say much more as he started thinking of his life and lack of love in it.

Ensign Trax Suder JO Doctor