A chance to talk

Posted on Fri Nov 10th, 2023 @ 6:15am by Lieutenant Commander Savin & Commodore Jacob Kane

Mission: Character Development
Location: Bridge
1153 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Savin was pleased to find his original captain back in the command seat as he stepped on to the bridge. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder what happened to his temporary replacement. He stepped down towards the command center and circled around to directly face the man. "Good morning captain," he greeted pleasantly, "you must be glad to be back aboard the ship?"

Kane pointed to the rank insignia on his collar as the counselor appeared. "That's Commodore, Mr Savin. Things have changed in the last few weeks." He straightened his uniform and glanced around the bridge, which was on skeleton crewing due to the extended stay at Spacedock. "I'm pleased to be returning to a place that feels like home. What about you? Not taking the time for shore leave?"

"I apologize commodore, I had not been informed of your promotion. Congratulations sir." The Romulan shook his head. "No not right now. Perhaps in a few hours, I wanted to check in with you first, if you would indulge me? I do hope that the current state of the Athena will not reflect badly on Captain Lance? She did the best she could under the circumstances she was given. I missed the opportunity to offer my support to her, before she departed."

"Indeed. I spoke with Commander Lance myself. From the reports it sounded like she pulled things through in the end. Which is why I made sure she was assigned to a more suitable posting. I'm sure she'd appreciate your sentiment, though," Kane nodded.

"And how are you doing Commodore?" The counselor continued, pleased to know that Lance was given a suitable posting, "given the circumstances. Especially since they gave you a promotion, after nearly sending you to prison."

"A complex issue," Kane nodded. This was turning into a counselling session, which since they were on the bridge, felt a little less than appropriate; but he was coming to expect it from this particular counselor's approach. "I'm just glad that the truth was brought to light and justice was done. At least in a manner of speaking. So, in answer to your question, I am fine. I trust the crew is as well."

"Insofar I have been able to determine yes," Savin answered, "personally, I am relieved to see you back here. I do not believe anyone here ever believed that you were guilty. You are an honourable man, that is my personal and my professional opinion. And from a personal opinion as well, I am proud to serve here, with this crew."

"I'm...relieved to have been able to inspire that loyalty," he nodded. "Honestly, it's made me re-evaluate the typical distance I've held with many of my senior staff; that they would go to bad for me was a reminder that trust and respect doesn't have to be quite so...stoic."

"There is nothing wrong with entertaining friendships among the crew," Savin advised, "or perhaps entertain closer acquaintances?" He arched a single eyebrow at the man. "Do you ever mingle with the crew, after your shift?"

"No." Kane said it firmly, but with an acknowledgement that he was open to changing his mind. "It's something I intend to adjust over the coming days." He glanced over. "On my own terms, at least. Before you assume that I'm in need of your help to engage in social occasions. Commander Zora and I have already discussed the rather 'overt' relationships between members of the junior staff."

"Of course on your own terms," Savin agreed, "nor do I believe you need my assistance in engaging in social interaction. I recommend only that you do what you feel is comfortable, do not exceed your comfort zone too far." He smiled politely. "As far as overt relationships, I am not certain I understand what you mean."

Kane snorted. "Honestly Counsellor, I'm amazed you even have to ask. Our lower decks have a...reputation. For interpersonal relationships beyond simple platonic work colleagues." He rolled his eyes. "Suffice to say, I had hoped Commander Zora would have been able to resolve things, but I don't think she can work miracles in quite that way."

"Ah... Yes I am aware of some forming relationships, the ones of a more... serious nature at least. However, what they do on their own time, is that not their own affair as long as it does not affect their duties?" He studied the man in the center chair for a moment longer. "You do not approve of people forming relationships? Surely, you have engaged in romantic relationships in your career?"

"My relationship history is none of your concern," Kane corrected. "And lest you forget, this is a Starfleet vessel, with a chain of command. Not a leisure cruise for some first-year cadets on vacation. Romantic entanglements may well be fine in off-duty hours, but eventually that starts to bleed into their work and results in unprofessional behaviour." He shook his head. "Call me cynical, but that would be an unacceptable breach of my expectations."

"I was not enquiring after your history," Savin explained calmly, "and if romances are restricted to off duty hours and does not affect one's performance, then there is no issue. When it does I am certain that I will be called to discuss matters with the person in question. I do agree that allowing a relationship to affect one's duties is unacceptable, but as far as I am aware everyone who has signed on, agrees that duty and the ship come first in any circumstance." He paused. "I am however, looking forward to see how you intend to improve on your own relations with the crew, more notably the junior staff. You are a role model to some, they should be able to get to know you better beyond 'the man up in the center chair'."

"I said I was re-evaluating my position," he noted, "But that only extends to my senior staff. My point, Mr Savin, is that in my experience, over-familiarity in the ranks can lead to a compromise of judgement. So while I will allow my department heads a little more access, that doesn't apply to everyone on board. Not for the moment, at least."

Savin had no real answer to that as his own experience with romantic endeavours was extremely limited. "Then they will have to prove that they are professionals," he finally suggested.

"Indeed," Kane nodded slightly. He suspected his standards were a little higher than his counsellor's, but for the moment, that acknowledgement would do.

The counselor smiled politely. "I will leave you to your thoughts sir," he finally said, "but I do expect a formal appointment from you soon." It was a requirement after all, traumatic events did require an appointment with the counselor, and a trial such as this had been, was to be considered such. In his view anyway. "Good day commodore," he added before walking away.

END