The Art and the Science - Part One

Posted on 22 Jan 2016 @ 4:55pm by Lieutenant Wilhelm Von Haeften
Edited on on 22 Jan 2016 @ 7:48pm

1,093 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 10 - Symposium
Location: USS Galileo - Chief Science Officer's Officer
Timeline: MD 36 - 1658 hours

ON:

Lieutenant Junior Grade Wilhelm Von Haeften checked his shoes once again for scuffs. He had taken his ‘good ones’ out for this moment, with their leather heels and full leather uppers, rather than corfam. One would think he was meeting a Fleet Admiral, but quite the opposite; he was instructing a mere cadet today. Wilhelm always thought that it was important to show a professional appearance to subordinates as well as superiors.

Wilhelm knew he was on the roster to teach young Mister Paragon the basics of science, along with every other member of his department; let no one say that cadets do not get robust training on their voyages.

Wilhelm had taught at the Academy prior to his assignment here aboard Galileo, but was all but certain he never had encountered the young cadet he was to meet. Currently the German CSO was debating with himself whether to be a “real person” or to slip back into professor mode...then the door chime rang.

“Come.” Von Haeften said, noting the chrono.

A shy, blonde haired and dark-eyed young man shuffled in. He looked uncertain in many ways, carrying himself in a manner as if he would prefer to run and hide. “Cadet Paragon reporting for instruction,” the young man managed to choke out. Certainly, he was looking forward to learning something new. And it wasn’t the class ahead that caused the young cadet’s behaviour, it was simply the matter of meeting someone entirely new. Someone unknown to him, someone he hadn’t dealt with before in one form or fashion, or another.

“They still salute at the academy, don’t they Mister?” the German said sternly. Inside though, the CSO smirked. He remembered well when he was as nervous as the younger man was now.

Wintrow straightened a little and nodded. “Y-yes s-sir,” he stammered, producing a somewhat nervous salute. This was certainly a first time, especially since he’d mostly been dealing with NCO’s who did the teaching.

Wilhelm returned the salute. Once the young man had dropped it, the German couldn’t bring himself to be the stern professor he was debating on being. No, this young cadet needed to see that officers were people, just like himself.

“At ease.” the CSO ordered.

The boy relaxed a little and exhaled a sigh of relief. He didn’t look up to meet the CSO’s eyes, instead keeping his eyes on somewhere just beyond the man. He waited for the man to continue, to explain what today’s lesson would be about.

“For God’s sake relax.” the German said, a laugh coloring his otherwise authoritative tone.

Startled by the laugh, Wintrow shifted his gaze, briefly meeting the German’s before looking down. “Yes sir,” he murmured, willing himself to relax more. Any more, and he’d be dropping to the ground, he felt. “I don’t know what we’re doing today sir,” he added softly, “I didn’t get a curriculum for today.” It was an unexpected call, even though it gave today some purpose and he preferred to have something to do, over having nothing to do.

“That’s because there is no curriculum today mister; today I’m going to talk to you about a more abstract concept: leadership.”

Wintrow almost choked as he heard today’s topic. “But….” he protested. “I’m no leader…” Certainly not, and he’d never even led the wing before, let alone lead a department when he graduated. He just wanted to fly… “I thought we were having a discussion about something...you know...science…”

“First lesson about leadership: adapt to new circumstances.” the older man said. “When you wear that uniform or a variation of it, it identifies you as a leader, whether you like it or not. Now, I don’t know who sponsored you to the Academy, but they must have seen some sort of leadership potential in you. So, you want science? How’s this mister: the scientific evidence all points to you being a leader?”

Wilhelm could sense the young man’s unease with his statement.

“You disagree? You may speak freely.”

“My prior commanding officer did, after it was shown I had talent to fly. I’ve been flying in a wing before transfer to the Galileo,” Wintrow stuttered, feeling increasingly uncertain and afraid, “but I’m no leader sir...I’m scared too easy...and afraid to talk to people. All I want to do is fly sir…”

Wil let a small smile come upon his face to show the young man that this was a friendly chat.

“Have a seat son.” Von Haeften said, motioning to a seat across from him.

The teenager all but fell into the offered seat, breathing fast. He could sense no duplicity, but he was still wary. “You think I’m a leader sir? How…”

“Son, no leader is born. I’d like to think I’m a pretty good leader, but I wasn’t always so. It took my years of training to learn how to do it right, what to look for, what to nurture in my subordinates, and how to overcome my own fears. At the very least, YOU deserve a chance.” Wil said.

“If you think so,” the younger man answered humbly, “but how do I do that...when I’m afraid of so many things?”

“Well, I’m a scientist, not a counselor, but my theory is that the quickest way out is through. I think the best way I can think of to do that is to expose you to leadership challenges and see how you do.” the CSO stated.

Nodding, Wintrow drew in a deep breath. “If I don’t try, I won’t know, right?” he mused, shaking his head. “What do you have in mind sir?”

“Don’t worry, most of them will be simple, and I’ll be there right alongside you with guidance as needed; you’re not going in alone Mr. Paragon.” Wil said.

Again, the younger man just nodded, though he was still nervous. Until now, the subject of leadership really had never come up. In truth, he had never even considered it, and really, still didn’t think he would be suitable to lead. But, like with all things, he had at least to try. “Alright,” he finally spoke up, “I’m ready.”

To be Continued...

OFF

Lieutenant JG Wilhelm Von Haeften
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

&

Cadet SO Wintrow Paragon
Support craft pilot
USS Galileo
pnpc Tyrion

RSS Feed