Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in The Advent of New Directives

(snip)

Cochrane’s eyebrows raised and he nodded slightly. “A solid goal. So let me say this up front. I do not intend for any XO I have to remain an XO. I want to see you move to the center chair. I will support that move as long as you do a good job… not… an exemplary job. Anything less and that chair is better suited for someone else. I’m not expecting perfection. But I am expecting intelligence. Compassion. Honesty. And Courage. Is that fair from your perspective?”

Cochrane, CO

Mal’athar didn’t hesitate. “It is, Captain. I’m not arrogant enough to say I won’t make mistakes, but I do learn from them. Experience is the ultimate teacher if you listen, but I will not hesitate to ask for help or advice if I need it. Cpt Sh’elle was fond of reminding us a hit to our ego is better than a hit to ship or crew.” Shedda sipped her drink briefly. She wasn’t afraid to ask for what she expected. “So in that vein if I am to achieve my goals and serve Manhattan to the best of my ability, I expect you will be critical but fair of my performance, to be part of a team, I learn best by observing and doing. So I imagine I may drive the departments crazy at times. Who better to learn from than the on board experts.” And now some hard truth, for her anyway, “I have had, and still struggle at times, with a chip on my shoulder that manifests in strange stubborn ways. I am aware of that, I didn’t get this far by leaving it there, and though I hope I am past that part of my youth, I would like to ask that you tell me to ‘can it’ if necessary.”

Mal’athar, XO

Cochrane looked at her and said “Okay… a chip about what, if I may ask?”

Cochrane, CO

It wasn’t common knowledge but it wasn’t something Shedda would lie about. “My mother. She is a very, very successful Syndicate Boss. She helps perpetuate the lies that Orion women are smarter and more capable than the men. She enslaves men and women, Orion and otherwise. She controls her entire existence through pheromones, s€%, drugs, and control of life essential necessities. She continues to promote the lie that women can only be powerful through those means. I despise her. I am aware of this and how it affects my motives, choices, and perspectives. I have matured through my career and I have managed to leave the anger behind, but I will always carry that with me. That chip makes me very critical of myself. I am very…driven to make sure that my actions, words, or behavior are not, even on accident, to reflect the way she would do things.”

Mal’athar, XO

Cochrane gave her an appraising look for a long moment and then said “Tell me Commander… have you read my file?”

Cochrane, CO

Mal’athar met his gaze, it didn’t make her uncomfortable but she did wonder what he saw when he appraised her. She knew she’d worked hard and earned this chance. Command wouldn’t have allowed her to be promoted if she hadn’t. The passing similarities of their familial situations was not lost to her, but she hadn’t known until after she’d submitted her name for the position. She’d wanted the opportunity no matter who the captain was. She gave a short nod, “I have, Cpt.”

Mal’athar, XO