Posted by Captain Rende Asam (Commanding Officer) in Forging Partnerships

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Forging Partnerships

Posted by Captain Rende Asam (Commanding Officer) in Forging Partnerships
Posted by… suppressed (34) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Rende had been on board roughly three days. She’d met her yeoman and the First Officer. She was as impressed as she had been told she would be. She had yet to have a sit down with Alden though. She felt it was necessary if they were going to be an effective team. So she invited Alden to have a meal with her. Gorshin was exceptional and eager to please, though she refused to let him create grand meals that he seemed so eager to prepare. This was meant to be more a casual thing than formal, so she had Rand bring the food to her quarters. She was picking up a few untidy things before Alden was supposed to arrive.

Asam, CO

Roman showed up exactly on time, in a perfectly spotless uniform. He was not good at “not formal”. He rang the chime and stood at what might as well have been attention. He was a little uncomfortable with this meet being in her quarters. Couldn’t it be in the conference room? Then again… That brought up thoughts he didn’t need to think about right now.

~ Alden, XO/CSO

Rende opened the door. She was immaculate in her uniform and still moved and held herself like a Marine. Well if she was honest, like the battle hardened mercenary she had once been. The uniform brought her a great deal of pride though. “Cmdr Alden. Thank you for agreeing. Please come in.” She stepped back and waved toward the more public space of her quarters. “I suppose the conference room would have been more convenient, but I hated to ask Rand to abandon it. That ‘office’ of hers isn’t big enough to breath in.”

Asam, CO

“It’s all the room they could spare on a ship this size. Lucky she has one at all.” Roman said, stepping in. “It’s all about what’s preferred by you, Captain.” He added. “Might I ask what the purpose of this meeting is, Captain?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

The captain nodded, Alden was correct. There wasn’t much room to spare, but for all the work a captain’s yeoman did, there wasn’t nearly enough room. She would have to figure something out. “Well Commander, we, the two of us, are the command team of this ship now. I would like to get to know you better - as an officer and as a person. It is foolish to think that simply because we hold these positions we will get along and mesh well as a team. That takes work and it won’t happen if the effort is not made. Is that agreeable to you?”

Asam, CO

Little did the captain know Rand often worked out of their quarters. It wasn’t as large as the conference room, but she had more space than in the office. “Of course, Captain,” Roman said. The last two command teams hadn’t been that good, mostly due to lack of communication. “What do you want to know?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Please have a seat.” Rende moved toward the table and sat. “I know you are a science officer. My background is tactical and security. I tend to look at every situation from that perspective. How do we keep the ship safe, how do we keep the upper hand, what is the best way out if we can’t win. What dangers are inherent in the current mission. Those things are strengths, but they are also weaknesses. How does your background shape how you approach the command chair?” The purpose of the question was that Rende wanted to know how they might approach things the same and differently. It would also allow her to see where, as a team, they might have holes in their approach to things.

Asam, CO

“My background is in science, I’m a biologist and zoologist and I specialise in the studying of new alien worlds.” He listed off several qualifications and achievements relevant scientifically. “My focus is exploration and scientific discovery, as should be expected of any science officer.”

“That being said, in command, the safety of my crew is of utmost importance. Nothing matters more to me than keeping everyone as safe as possible regardless of the situation.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rende was glad to see they agreed on that. “What if our orders are in direct conflict with that priority?”

Asam, CO

“I hope I am never placed in that situation, because I cannot guarantee my actions would be acceptable to Starfleet Command,” said Roman with certainty.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“I’m glad we agree on that.” She picked up her cup and drank from it. She understood the need for this type of question and answer, but she was hoping for a more free conversation. “What do you like about your work, Cmdr? Why biology and not say… astrophysics?”

Asam, CO

“I’ve just… always liked biology, Ma’am,” Roman said vaguely, not wanting to get into it. That was part of his history he didn’t talk about. He might’ve told Rand once. “My work history will prove I am quite passionate about the field.” And officer safety. He had a reputation for being by the book with a great many safety protocols.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rende nodded, “You’ve won quite a few awards in your field and made some impressive conclusions with your research.” She had of course read his file. “What do you find the most tedious part of your job?”

Asam, CO

“The paperwork,” Roman answered without hesitation. Anyone who knew him knew that. “I’m lucky your yeoman is partial to helping me out, or I’d be perpetually buried. Not at the expense of her regular duties, mind you. She’s very efficient.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rende smirked, “I’ve noticed. Tell me about her.” Rende tempered the request. “I’m not asking for gossip, but everyone seems to sing her praises, even at command and on K7. To hear the stories, it’s like she has super powers.”

Asam, CO

“It’s not a super power, but a lot of raw talent,” said Roman, his voice crisp with his accent, but also full of… pride, perhaps. “She has an amazing memory, she anticipates the needs of those around her. She’s an efficient worker and she likes helping people. Likes to be helpful. If you ever have an event that needs planning she can do that too.” Just don’t ask her to participate in it. He didn’t think Rand would appreciate his mentioning her anxiety so he kept it to himself.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rende could sense the pride in his voice. “I’ve seen her moving about the ship the last few days. Is she truly that busy or is it all for my benefit? I know junior officers like to make an impression on the senior staff.”

Asam, CO

“She is that busy.” Roman confirmed. “Things are still a little hectic, as they always are during a changeover of Captains.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Hopefully we get a routine going easily.” She picked up a piece of bread and tore off a piece. “What questions do you have for me, Cmdr?” Then she ate the piece of bread.

Asam, CO

Roman fiddled with his ring while he thought, but no questions came to mind. “No, Captain. For having lots of questions about life forms in general, I have few to ask actual people.” He said, making a joke about his being a scientist.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Well if you think of any, feel free to ask.” She sat back and regarded him for a long moment. “I’m married. My husband serves as chief engineer on the USS Monroe. We have a home in Ireland which we intend to return to, eventually. My first posting wasn’t as a Star Fleet officer, but as a MACO, on the SS Bonaventure.” Rende let that sit for a moment and see how the Cmdr took that piece of information.

Asam, CO

Roman chuckled lightly. “Starfleet hasn’t used MACOs since before the Federation was founded.” He stated. “The Bonaventure…” He struggled to recall his history. “Wasn’t that a United Earth vessel?” He gave the captain an incredulous look. She wasn’t a Vulcan. And even if she were, she’d be old by now. “Are you messing with me?”

~ Alden, XO/CSO

Rende met his gaze steadily, “Yes she was, and no I am not. I am not human. My people are called El-Aurians. We are extremely long lived. Star Fleet is aware of this, who I am and my people. But it is something I don’t like to advertise unnecessarily. However, I want to be completely up front with you.”

Asam, CO

Roman nodded slowly, eyes slightly narrowed. “Are you going to… inform Rand?” He asked, still processing the information, but not wanting to have to keep a secret from his fiancée.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

There was something in his voice about it, but she couldn’t place it. A bit of disbelief maybe. “I had thought to do so. She and I will be working rather closely. Do you think I shouldn’t?”

Asam, CO

Disbelief and a bit of suspicion. “No, no, you should. That is something she should know.” Not just because they were dating, but because Rand worked closer with the Captain than even he did sometimes. Why would a long lived alien from a species he’d never heard of want to serve in Starfleet? “Aren’t you worried if you need medical treatment? Our doctors might not know how to help you.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Not at all. Other than our longevity our physiology is compatible with humans. I intend to have a similar conversation with the doctor as well, however. It is not exactly a secret, and in the end if the whole crew knows,” she shrugged, “Then they know. I would prefer it, but command seems to think people can’t handle it.”

Asam, CO

“Time to process it, perhaps. Can’t handle it? Not this crew.” Roman said, seeming to regain his usual self. “So why command a ship?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rende smirked at his answer. She liked it and his confidence in the crew. She sipped her drink and made a ‘hmmm’ sound as she did. “That’s a good question. I have experience leading others, and when one joins an organization such as Star Fleet, leadership is a natural progression. Perhaps not command, but leadership. Not to say that I didn’t pursue command. I am at a point in my life where I believe that I am good leader, but wise enough to know I am not always the right one for every situation.” That had been a hard won truth. “I believe strongly in what the Federation is trying to do. To foster cooperation and peace amongst the civilizations of the galaxy. If my skills and knowledge are useful in such a position then I am honored to do so.”

Asam, CO

Roman nodded, it was a sensible answer. “Any other earth shattering truths to share?” He asked, suddenly really wanting a tea. Then something else she’d said registered with him. “Your husband is stationed on the Monroe? That ship isn’t close.”

~ Roman

As if Rand had anticipated his want, his tea was sitting on the table along with the meal Asam had requested. “I’m sure there are many truths, but where to start. Nothing earth shattering I hope. Except maybe for when it happened and where I have been.” Rende sighed and nodded, “No, it is not. He loves his work though. He’s chief engineer. The last time we both served on a ship together was on the Bonaventure. The Monroe and the Dublin patrols were close.”

Asam, CO

Roman was quiet. Not even his tea was sipped. What if he and Rand were given separate postings, and they didn’t see each other for years? He didn’t know what he would do. “I’m sorry you’ve been apart so long.”

~ Roman

“Thank you, Cmdr. It is hard at times. That doesn’t mean we haven’t been together. We just haven’t served together. And given our longevity we are able to take long breaks between. Many people assume because we are so long lived, that we need the time apart or we would grow bored with each other. That is not the case. Perhaps Eldorin and I are just lucky. What about you, Cmdr? Do you have anyone in your life?”

Asam, CO

Roman was quiet for a couple moments, sipping his tea. “I do.” He said at last. It was better she hear it from him, but he worried she’d tell him to break up with Rand. Or just transfer him or her.

~ Roman

Rende nodded. “We all need someone. When was the last time you got to see them? I have been contemplating some shore leave for the crew. You all have gone quite awhile without any leave. Perhaps you could arrange for them to meet you.”

Asam, CO

“She’s… She’s on board, Captain.” Roman admitted at last. “Next shore leave we’re getting married. In Scotland.” There were three Scottish people on board, and only one of them was a woman. Rand.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rende watched him for a moment. She knew immediately who it was. That explained who the mystery man was that distracted Rand the other day. “Congratulations, Cmdr. I hope you will both be very happy. If you don’t find it too forward, may I offer a suggestion?”

Asam, CO

“Of course, Captain,” Roman said, just glad her reaction had been positive. “What’s the suggestion?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO