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

Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in The Advent of New Directives

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

(snip)

Cochrane looked at his schedule and said “Ship’s calendar, every Tuesday from 0900 to 1100. My briefing with Command is at 1300, so that will give us all time to get on the same page. And the Mess, 1900 hours of that works for you?”

Cochrane, CO

Shedda took a micropadd out of the pocket of her uniform jacket and made note the day and time for the meeting and slipped the PaDD back in her pocket. “1900 will be fine. I doubt there will be a line at my door today.” Here she actually grinned slightly, “Right now the speculation and rumor is more interesting.”

Mal’athar, XO

Cochrane’s brow scowled slightly in confusion. “What speculation and rumor would that be, Commander?” he asked curiously.

Cochrane, CO

“About my more colorful and awkward escapades as a science officer. I’m sure the stories aren’t confined to the bridge crew. And I have yet to meet a crew that doesn’t speculate about a new officer on board, especially command staff. Eventually, someone much like the bridge crew out there, will get curious and want to know the real stories.”

Mal’athar, XO

Cochrane’s confused look intensified. “Commander… I don’t know what ever you are talking about. From my perspective, they simply introduced themselves and were the consummate professionals I have known them to be. Did you experience something else?” he asked.

Cochrane, CO

Shedda’s expression altered subtlety looking perplexed. She was aware Cochrane was poking fun and perhaps making another point. She wasn’t bothered by it. “Of course not. I was quite impressed with them. It was a long trip, nothing some fresh air and sunlight won’t fix. You and my predecessor have managed to build a crew unlike any other.”

Mal’athar XO

Cochrane’s look faded and he smiled slightly. “Commander, some advice… ok? Non-judgmental, we just met after all. But one thing I want you to keep in mind going forward… the Manhattan is family. We are all we have… far from home… and way past the sign on the map that says ‘Here there be dragons’. I applaud your professionalism and dedication. Those are some of the reasons you were in my final selection of three candidates. And trust me… there were hundreds of potentials out there. You stood out, not just because of your record… but because of what people said about you. And I believe you as an individual would be one of the best fits. And not belittle an exemplary record… but I would have picked you if your record hadn’t been as stellar.”

Shedda took all that in with a nod. Far from home was a personal reason she put in for this post. Career wise it was incredible, but personally, she felt it would be as well. The fact she was his final choice and the reasons why were humbling. She knew how the process worked, Captain’s got their choice, usually, but were required to have a back-up choice. This position on Manhattan wasn’t the first XO spot she’d put her name in for, and when she’d gotten it she’d been more than a little stunned. Shedda knew she was more than qualified, but her career had been a long line of ‘chances’ to prove herself. The Dark Sea was like that, a family, and Shedda was sure she would find that here, she just needed to find her footing.

He leaned forward and looked at her intently. “I know it will take time… but let yourself be comfortable here when you can. We are a hard-working ship… probably harder working than you have experienced. But that has to be tempered with an certain level of… ‘informality’. Now, if you want the boatswain’s whistle to sound when you walk on the bridge and the crew to snap-to, you have earned that right. Just know that it will take time for the crew to adjust to that. Me, I don’t stand on rigorous protocol. I’m called ‘Skipper’ probably as much as anyone calls me Captain. And among the lower ranks I know I get called ‘The Old Man’ a lot. And I don’t mind that at all. Because the less they worry about coming to attention, the more they focus on the job… and this will unlike any job you have ever had. And you know it is more than exciting? It’s fun. And we get to do it all day everyday. So once you get your feet under you… once you have your rhythm… make sure you have fun, Commander. Because if you aren’t having fun and enjoying what we do… then what’s the point?”

Cochrane, CO

At the mention of the boatswain’s whistle, Shedda looked absolutely horrified. Shedda preferred to avoid such strict protocols for the very reasons Cochrane mentioned. “I can’t imagine ever being that unpliable in adherence to protocol. It wouldn’t make me very approachable as an XO would it?” And that was part of Shedda’s duties, to be the go between for the crew and whomever. People wouldn’t talk to her if they thought she was more worried about rules than them as people, but at the same time she was the example. It was a fine line to walk, but one she was sure she could handle. “Thank you, Captain, I will. I do enjoy what I do. You’ve obviously spoken with Cpt. Sh’elle, so you know sometimes I enjoy my work a little too much. I have no doubt I’ll enjoy this posting just as much.” Her tone was sincere and truthful, and a hint of laughter at herself. Shedda was poking fun at herself a bit, but she did enjoy her work and that got her into…interesting situations some times, but she loved it.

Mal’athar, XO

“Good.” Cochrane said with a smile. He stood up and said “Go get settled. If you have any issues, Mr. Darach will be able to help you. Dinner tonight, Officer’s Mess. No uniforms, just getting to know one another. Sound good?” and he stuck out his hand.

“Welcome to the Manhattan, Commander. I hope you find it a good spot for you.”

Cochrane, CO

Mal’athar shook his hand and nodded firmly. “Yes, Sir. I’ll see you then.” She was sure that she would be speaking with Mr. Darach fairly soon. “I’m sure it will be.” Having been dismissed Shedda left the ready room and finished making her rounds of the bridge crew, clarifying or exaggerating tales of her escapades as she went. Then and only then she made her way to her quarters to attempt to get settled.

Mal’athar, XO