Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Cassidy Abrams (Chief of Security) in Security Office - Meeting with the CoS

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Stephen Stous (XO) in Security Office - Meeting with the CoS

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Cassidy Abrams (Chief of Security) in Security Office - Meeting with the CoS
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snips)

Well, it wasn’t an interview but some people preferred that approach at times and it wasn’t like Cassidy couldn’t find something to ask. “How do you view the security department and what are your expectations as first officer of me?” Better to get that out of the way sooner rather than later.

Abrams, COS

He thought for a moment, two fingers lightly holding his chin. “Well, I suppose security’s the most interdepartmental department, in a way. In my time I’ve noted a lot of problems that were avoided not by a security officer performing an assignment but by a security officer noticing something that could go wrong before it did.”

Cass snorted. “An understatement on this ship, I think.”

The CoS’s comment was noted into Stephen’s thoughts as a potential thing to watch for. All ships could have some amount of danger, but it was still good to pay an extra bit of attention to common safety practices where possible.

Stephen, too, noticed the interview-like feel of the meeting. It didn’t bother him much, either - had to happen in some way. “So, same goes for you, I suppose. My main expectation is that you keep an eye on the other departments and keep me up-to-date on anything important. I don’t need to hear everything - trust is important. But if you’re in doubt about anything at all, can’t hurt to ask.”

She simply nodded. Range had trained her well, and she was a scientist by original training, so being methodical was in her nature.

He offered another small smile. “Anything else?”

~ Stephen Stous - XO

Cass flashed him a smile. “I don’t know, what else should I know?”

Abrams, COS

He thought for another moment, this one shorter, his fingers not even having time to make it to his chin. “I don’t plan on changing much in the day-to-day - not really my job to do that. “I did mention I was here to get to know the senior staff. You’ve been on the Europa longer than I’ve been an officer. So please,” he leaned back in the chair, trying his best to appear more comfortable and in control than he was. “Tell me about yourself and anything you think I ought to know about the ship.”

~ Stephen Stous - XO

“Well, I started out in science, though I had tested with high aptitudes in security as well at the Academy. I science for years until different incidents made me feel like I was ready for a change. I was approved for the shift to security and I studied under the Chief of Security. He took me under his wing, so to speak, and I excelled. After his departure, the captain promoted me.”

Cass leaned forward again, resting her arms on the desk. “You see, Commander, I’m a lot like this ship. You think you’re getting one thing, but reality is really different,”she said with a grin. “We’re a science vessel and that is what we do, but far too often our adventures have strayed else into other realms. Sometimes quite literally. So what you need as first officer is to be prepared for the unexpected. And in between those times it’s quiet. Sometimes unnervingly so.”

Abrams, COS

“Quiet I’m used to. The other stuff… that might take some practice.”

Stephen had of course read Abrams’s file, and was at least partially aware of the background of her switch to Security. Her description of that background was not all that descriptive, though it was remarkably revealing how little she talked about it. Still, she was clearly qualified, and Stephen of all people could appreciate a varied and diverse experiential background.

“I appreciate the candor, and I will do my best, though it is my hope that our first venture will be into one of the less dangerous realms.” The smile that followed this quickly faded, and Stephen leaned forward again, clasping his hands.

“Last thing, I promise, then you can get back to your work. I imagine you’ve read my file, as I have yours. I know I always liked knowing what I could about my command staff, and you seem experienced. So in all honesty, what do you see me struggling with the most?”

~ Stephen Stous - XO