Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]

Posted by Lieutenant Eulailia Dacascos (Chief Operations Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]

Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]

(snip)

Shara’s brows lifted and for the moment she didn’t say anything. Instead, she gestured for Laila to sit with her at the dining table. Shara settled into a chair and folded her arms on the tabletop, her foggy blue eyes searching the younger woman for… something.

“Why me? Surely there are others you know better who would do so?”

~Shara Calloway, CIO

Eulailia took a deep breath, her determination was firm despite the uncertainty in her eyes. As she sat across from her at the dining table, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Shara’s question lingered in the air, and Eulailia knew she needed to choose her words carefully.

“Well, Commander,” Eulailia began, as she coughed slightly, trying to steady her voice “I’ve observed how you lead the crew with a balance of decisiveness and compassion. You understand the importance of each member’s role and the dynamics aboard the Asimov. I believe that your support would carry weight when proposing such a transition to Captain Kiernan. I’ve been studying the ship’s protocols, the past incidents, and emergency response procedures. I want to be an asset in anticipating potential threats and dealing with them effectively.” She hesitated for a moment, then continued, “And besides, you’ve been in my position before, rising through the ranks. Your experience and guidance would be invaluable as I navigate this transition. I’m not looking for an easy path; I’m looking for an opportunity to prove myself and contribute more actively to the ship’s operations.”

There was another pause, then Eulailia pressed on, “I understand the gravity of the responsibility I’m asking for. It’s not just about me; it’s about the entire crew. I want to contribute to the Asimov in a way that makes a real difference. If you vouch for me, I’ll work tirelessly to earn that trust every single day.” She clasped her hands together nervously as she waited for Shara to respond.

Lieutenant Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)

Arms folded on the table, Shara nodded slowly. “I would be very cautious comparing the progression of my career to anything else you know, Laila. I had to do a lot of things that most people don’t want to and can never hear about, and as a reward, I got promotions. I never asked for it though, not once. I don’t care about my rank. It’s meaningless, for me. I also want to caution you not to frame this change as making more of a difference. It’s insulting to every person in Starfleet that isn’t doing a job where they are in the limelight of action. It smacks of privilege and naiveté. Everyone contributes in important ways. Without operations officers, nothing functions and we need each and every one of them. So you’re doing a disservice to yourself and everyone else in the department by speaking about it that way. Language matters. Take that lesson and apply it,” she said firmly.

Drawing a breath that filled her lungs, Calloway expelled in an audible breath. “That being said, I do understand the compulsion to doing more. To feeling like there is more in you that you can tap into. And that is nothing to be ashamed of and I’m glad you’re listening to that inner voice. But I’m not going to sit here and feed you platitudes about being able to do anything. You my dear have had a very sheltered and pampered life, even in Starfleet. You know it and I know it too. It’s not going to be just about working hard. You need to really shift your perspective about what service means. Find some more humility. Then I truly believe you could be a great officer. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to let go of what everyone in your life has crafted you to be and to actually stand on your own two feet and fail hard, if that’s what happens? Because I guarantee that at some point you will.”

~Shara Calloway, CIO

Eulailia listened quietly to Shara’s words, feeling a mix of emotions within her. Shara’s honesty cut through the air, stripping away any illusions she might have held about her own readiness for this next step. She swallowed hard, her throat feeling tight as she absorbed the weight of Shara’s words.
Shara was right. Eulailia had been sheltered, her path within Starfleet smoothed by privilege and the expectations of others. She couldn’t deny it, nor could she ignore the truth in Shara’s words about the importance of every role aboard the Asimov. Her desire to make a difference couldn’t come at the expense of diminishing the contributions of others. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Eulailia nodded slowly, her gaze on the floor at first then she met Shara’s eyes. “I hear you, Commander,” she began, her voice steady now, timid but determined. “I understand that true service requires humility and a willingness to face challenges head-on, even if it means failing at times. I’m ready to shift my perspective, to embrace the wise words you’ve shared with me today.”

She paused, letting the gravity of her words sink in before continuing. “I’m committed to standing on my own two feet and earning my place, not just for the sake of rank or recognition, but because I believe in the mission of the Asimov and the importance of each person’s contribution. I’m willing to work hard, to learn from my mistakes, and to grow into the officer that the crew deserves.”

Eulailia’s heart pounded in her chest as she finished speaking, hoping that her sincerity and determination showed through her words. She knew she had a long journey ahead of her, but she was ready to take the first step, guided by Shara’s wisdom and the lessons she had learned today.

Eulailia allowed herself to envision the responsibilities and challenges that lay ahead. It seemed daunting and overwhelming, but one she intended to embrace.

Lieutenant Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)