Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in “So I know that you’re the boss, but…”

Posted by Civilian Revna Freya McKenzie (Diplomatic Attache) in “So I know that you’re the boss, but…”

Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in “So I know that you’re the boss, but…”
Posted by… suppressed (8) by the Post Ghost! 👻

Revna had left Mike to do something having to do with laying tracks and engineering. In other words, his music, and that made her incredibly happy. He had a gift and though there was a strong part of him that would identify with the image and ideals of a punk rocker the man could sing or create anything. She was taking a few hours out of the week S’Tek had given her and getting acquainted with the ship and crew. She spent several minutes with the duty officer at the dock getting herself checked in and approved to board the ship. She wasn’t moving any of her things, yet. She’d stay with Mike as long as she could get away with. She stopped first at her quarters and looked around. She wandered the space, hand trailing across desk, chairs, table and sighed. It wasn’t home, home was with Mike, but it would be home away from home. It was slightly bigger than her quarters on Atlantis. =^=Computer where is Captain Cochrane?=^= She waited for the answer and then headed in that direction.
Revna, Diplomatic Attaché

=/\= Captain Cochrane is in the Ready Room. Security clearance required for bridge access. =/\= the computer responded.

Computer

Revna blinked once, and then sighed. Right not Star Fleet anymore. She reached for her combadge and paused. The computer had her registered as McKenzie now, but Cochrane may or may not know that depending on whether the report had made it to his desk or not. She’d sent the updated file after they had met with the magistrate. Gods this should not be that complicated. =^=Edman-McKenzie to Cochrane. I was hoping to make an appointment with you now that the ship is docked.=^=
Revna, diplomatic Attaché

Cochrane listened to the call and grinned. “Not even on board and already throwing wrenches into files… and her own, no less!” and he chuckled. He thought about making her sweat, but then just shook his head.

=/\= Mrs. McKenzie… your updated record has been sent by the Ambassador’s office. Congratulations to you and the groom. And of course. I’ll clear you to come to the bridge. See you in five. =/\=

Cochrane, CO

=^=Thank you, Captain.=^= Four minute later Revna stepped onto the bridge and paused while the security officer double checked she was actually supposed to be there. It was very strange to be standing there and have no idea who the officers were. But a practiced eye told her the quality of the crew. Then at the officer’s direction, she made her way over to the ready room and pressed the chime.
Revna, DA

The door sliding open was prompted by a voice saying “Enter.” The office beyond was a testament to the occupant. Two bookcases on one wall stood with book shelves behind their glass doors. Pictures had been mounted around the room, and various odds and ends graced places here and there. Displayed prominently, however, on a shelf by itself high up on the wall directly behind the desk that sat opposite the door, was a lone figure of a gold Ox. Lighting had been directed so that it drew the eye of anyone who came through the door almost immediately. Two chairs faced the desk, and a couch sat against the right wall as a person came in.

Revna took the room in, the way a person decorated their space said a lot about their personality and what mattered most to them. Too many years of seeming to remain passive meant that her eyes didn’t focus on the gold ox but that it was noticed from her peripheral vision. She took note of the pictures and bookshelves and the order to the room. Such a contrast from the last CO’s ready room she’d been in. She liked this one better.

Cochrane looked up and then stood up with an easy smile. “Mrs. McKenzie, good to see you. Please have a seat. And… congratulations, by the way. The Ambassador was adamant we updated your file as soon as possible. Would you care for a drink?” he asked as he went to the replicator. Cochrane’s voice had a slight British accent now that he was speaking directly to her.

Cochrane, CO

Revna moved over to a chair and sat down, ankles crossed and tucked slightly underneath the chair. “Thank you captain.” A bright smile crossed her face and her eyes danced. She had no problem with the captain knowing how happy she was, she had no reason to high. She was sure the Ambassador was quite adamant, after that congratulation letter they had gotten. “I had the file sent over as soon as it had been updated, but often such things get lost in the constant data transfer. A Shirley Temple, please.”
McKenzie, DA

Cochrane orderd her drink and a water for himself. Setting the drink down in front of her, he seated himself and said “So. To what do I owe the pleasure? I had expected you to be enjoying a honeymoon right about now.”

Cochrane, CO

Revna picked up the drink and sipped at it. She’d much rather be with Mike. “A bit of practicality. Since I needed to check in with the doctor I figured it would be a good time to officially meet you while I was on board. I also know from experience that the first two days at dock are usually the calmest.” She sipped the drink again and then set it down. “I am here, on your ship, at your discretion. You’re an expert in first contact protocols and have had a great deal of success in your career. You requested a diplomatic attaché be posted on Manhattan. So that begs the question, why am I here? What is it you feel a diplomat can provide to your crew? And please don’t say ‘just do your job’ that’s a given. As I said before, we’re partners, I would prefer to work as such. And partners work better when they communicate.” It had taken several back and forth questions to get a semblance of expectations out of the Ambassador. She hoped Cochrane was more forthcoming. She knew quite well he couldn’t order her around nor could she do that to him. She had no intention of attempting it. But he wanted someone on his ship in this position, which means there was a reason. That reason would give her a better idea of how she helped him and his crew.
Revna, DA

Cochrane leaned back and said, with a tone that conveyed almost disappointment, “I would have thought would be fairly obvious, Mrs. McKenzie; but I will explain as you asked. We are a Federation vessel very far from home exploring a section of space we have very little knowledge of; but that we know is home to many species and civilizations. As the lead ship of the Federation’s presence here, does it not make sense to have a Federation representative aboard?”

Cochrane, CO

Revna almost grinned, “Of course it’s obvious, Captain. But when assumptions can cause grievous errors between people who are well known to each other, they can be deadly between species. I make it a point to never make assumptions on the obvious. Educated guesses, hypothesis, I will make based on the information I have.
I will even act upon those if necessary. But if I have the opportunity to ask an obvious question to confirm what I think I know, I’ll take it.” She leaned foreword slightly, “Because captain, one wrong assumption on the obvious by me and that means the possible lives of your crew, and I take that very seriously.” He’d get the impression that she was evaluating him as surely as he and S’Tek had evaluated her.
McKenzie, DA

Cochrane looked at her and inclined his head slightly. “Agreed… but asking obvious questions without the frame work of clarification can sound remarkably like oblivious as well. And that is far more dangerous than assuming and acting in error. Wouldn’t you agree, Mrs. McKenzie?” and he lifted his water and took a drink.

Cochrane, CO

A faint smile touched her lips, “It does indeed. When building the framework for a partnership, usually the partners will express what they need and what they bring to the table. But the more direct I put the question, ‘How do I help you?’ the more you and Ambassador S’Tek clam up. As if I am to be privy to all the details of a top secret classified meeting but not allowed to attend. So I shall tell you that I being to this partnership people skills. Very good ones, I am very good at identifying what people want and what they are willing to do or not do to get it. I am very good at diffusing dangerous situations without the need of threats or ‘conditions.’ I can, given enough time and the right circumstances, make the parties involved believe it was their idea. I have a deep compassion for people, not organizations. But what I need is an understanding of how you intend to use me, my skills, my position to make your mission successful. I have no authority over you or you over me,” there was some grey area of course but Revna wasn’t talking about that. “So that when you find you have need of me we both know what to expect. There will be enough surprises once we get out there.” She waved toward the window as she picked up her glass and sipped from it.

Now the rumor was Cochrane had a sense of humor, she was about to find out. “Of course I can always use the back up plan. Wine, dine, and entertain them till they are so drunk, full, and distracted the agree to anything we want.”
McKenzie, DA

Alex leaned forward and interlaced his fingers and set his hands on the desk. He looked at her directly and said “We need to clarify one thing before we go any further. I have authority over every person on this ship… you included. Now I have no say over how you do your job, or any say over what agreements you offer or agree to… provided those don’t include this vessel or her crew. And I am willing to help you by listening to requests for destination needs, providing space for dignitaries, and anything else I can to be of help within reason. But this ship moves and the crew works at my discretion. That may sound like I am drunk with power; I assure you that is not the case. I am very well aware of the responsibility I have for each and every person on this ship… including you. I will not set you up to fail, and I will not handicap you in your efforts.” His head cocked to the side.

“But I will also not allow you, by deed or by word, paint a target on this ship. You may be the face of the Federation at the negotiating table… but this ship is what people see first. You need to remember that. I am not the only one responsible for this ship and crew now. You are as well, Mrs. McKenzie. And if you screw up… all of us could potentially pay for your mistakes. So the question before us isn’t ‘What do I expect?’. The question is ‘Why should I trust you with my people?’”

Cochrane, CO

Well now she was getting answers, but she’d pushed a button she hadn’t intended to. “Captain Cochrane,” she held her hands palms out, “I have no intention of painting a bulls eye on the people that live and work on this ship, in any way, shape, or form. I want to be your partner, work together to pave the way for the Federation in this area.
As I said before a mistake or misunderstanding on my part can be deadly to this ship and those that live here. I don’t intend to do that, I understand the weight of those lives. I have lived my life that crew: be that civilian, officer, enlisted, exchange, is family. And I have and I will give my life for my family. Now does that tell you if you can trust me? I have no idea, I don’t know what measure you use.” She met his gaze, relaxed, but honest and earnest, “But if you chose to let me work from your ship I promise you I will make sure you will be able to judge me first hand.”
McKenzie, DA

Cochrane was silent for some time before he said “Trust is earned, as I am sure you well know. I am, however, willing to give you the opportunity to earn that trust, Mrs. McKenzie. All I ask at this time is you allow us the same opportunity. But I do appreciate your candor. And I think that, given time to work on our dialogue and communication, we will find ourselves working together quite well. Time may not always be on our side, but I hope that we can meet some during the Manhattan’s dock time… without interfering in any marriage-related plans, of course. One thing we have learned being so far out is that time with those we care for is mostly limited… and that time should be cherished and enjoyed when we can get it. So please, if you have time and wish to discuss plans, feel free to reach out. I will happily adjust my schedule as much as I can to accommodate.” and he stood up and held out his hand.

Time was precious, and Revna knew it all too well, and she liked Cochrane all the more for realizing it. She hoped he took his own advice, but she wasn’t his counselor and so she refrained from the advice. “Thank you, Captain. I will try to make time,” she grinned, “but I won’t make any promises at the moment.” She shook his hand firmly but briefly. She had much to prove to the man, but a battle of grips wasn’t going to do it, and that wasn’t her way.

“Welcome to the Manhattan, Mrs. McKenzie. I honestly do look forward to working with you.”

Cochrane, CO

“Thank you Captain, as do I. Thank you for your time.” And she turned and left the ready room, heading straight for sickbay. She was ready to have her check up finished and get back to Mike.
McKenzie, DA