All Things Considered

Posted on 05 Apr 2022 @ 2:20am by Commander Marisa Wyatt & Commander Scarlet Blake

1,321 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 18 - Cold Station 31
Location: Blake's Office
Timeline: MD07 1130

ON

Marisa decided it was best to set an appointment with Commander Blake to ensure she would be in her office and have time for a chat. The science officer was concerned about the crew and the acting captain's ability to lead them effectively.

She paused in front of the Executive Officer's door and rang the chime.

"Come in!" Blake called out, frowning as she sipped her coffee, a padd in her other hand. She had thought to catch up on some of the reports she'd ordered while waiting for Marisa, but it was hard to keep her mind focused with a number of other concerns pulling at her. She set the padd down as Marisa came in, to give her proper attention. "Sandoval, come and join me. Would you like some coffee?" she pulled an empty cup closer to the pot that was sitting on her desk.

"No, thank you," the science officer said. "I'm...concerned about the acting captain." She hoped that was a sufficient opening. This visit was more of a concern than a complaint, but there was plenty of both on her mind.

Blake let out a heavy breath at the opening gambit, but nodded gently. "I see. Then I will take more coffee," she poured it carefully, taking the moment to clear her mind, wanting to give her the full attention she deserved. "What are your concerns?"

One side of Marisa's mouth twitched up in a smile at the commander's response. "I do not apologize for my bluntness. I believe that in this case, it is preferable to obfuscating." She paused for a moment. "Most of my comments come from observation and my limited interactions with the acting captain. It is my opinion that she does not fully comprehend what it is to be a commanding officer, or how to lead by example. She would not take in account that the crew had been on a long and traumatic assignment to the Latari System and were in serious need of shore leave. When shore leave was cancelled in the middle of the night on day four, she decided that Mimi falling asleep on the bridge indicated that we were all undisciplined and mandated the ninety-minute daily PT. While I do not condone what Ensign Mimi did, the circumstances should have been taken into consideration.
She has shown no understanding of how to relate to or work with scientists. Nor does she trust us to do our jobs.

"It is therefore my opinion that she's trying to prove to everyone that she's a tough, no-nonsense commander and is therefore trying too hard. The end result of all of this is that she is alienating the crew and causing undue stress to several of the crew members."

Blake let her talk, uninterrupted, wanting to allow her the time she needed to voice her thought processes. She sipped her coffee carefully, mostly to give herself some additional time to break it all down. "I don't disagree with some of what you say," she said quietly, setting her cup aside. "I expressed some of the same concerns about the crew rushing into another mission. And that if it was something we had to do, then I felt it wasn't wise for us to do it under a commander who wasn't familiar with the crew. However, Starfleet Command chose her for this mission, and it's their choice."

"It is, yes. And I will follow her orders. That doesn't mean I'm not concerned both with the crew and with the acting captain. If there are consequences to her actions, I will be filing a formal complaint. Whether it does any good or not will be up to command, but so far she has shown a marked lack of understanding that I believe will negatively impact her future as well." She paused, wanting to make sure she was clear. "I am not talking about the mission itself, or what we may encounter. I agree with the necessity of sending us out. But it is my opinion that she is, by her actions, adding to the stress the crew is currently under by her untimely attempts to shape us in her own image."

Blake let out a long sigh, looking to the viewport for a long moment, her pale features tight as she rubbed the back of her neck slowly. "Again, I don't disagree with some of what you say," she had to reply honestly, meeting her eyes. "I don't agree with all of her methods. And I don't share what seems to be a lack of trust in this crew. But we are where we are. She has been placed here as the commanding officer, and she has the right to command as she sees fit. Our jobs as senior staff are to offer our advice in line with our expertise. And hope that it is heard," she took her coffee, wrapping her hands around the warm cup. "I also appreciate your concern for your colleagues. I like to know that my people have each other’s backs. We will continue to look out for each other."

"Yes, ma'am," Marisa said, respecting the commander's forthrightness. "That's all I have to say." She'd voiced her concerns and that was what mattered. the commander would do what she felt best.

Blake nodded firmly in acknowledgment, appreciating how well she had articulated her concerns. "I feel better," she said quietly, watching her for a long moment. "Knowing that I have such attentive and considerate officers here. The way the acting Captain has been working so far has been...abrasive for some. I need everyone to keep offering their advice in their specialist roles, to show her who we are and what we're capable of. And to be this alert to how we're all performing under these changes."

Marisa nodded. "I believe that the crew will rise to the challenge once we reach our destination. It's the journey that concerns me." She smiled. "I'll continue to monitor those I associate with and let you know if there are any problems."

"Thank you," Blake nodded quickly to her, already knowing from what she'd said that she'd do a good job of it. "Personally, I believe one of the biggest barriers happening here is trust. I don't...think that she trusts us yet. But she barely knows us. So, we'll do our best to rise to the challenges she presents us."

Marisa chuckled. "Aye, we will. We always do." She could tell the acting captain didn't trust them, but she wasn't as sure as the commander that they'd gain any respect. But if all went well, it should only be for this task, then they could go back to Regula I and finish shore leave.

Blake nodded gently at the agreement, a small smile ghosting over her lips at hearing the same confidence from Marisa. "In the meantime, feel free to come and speak to me whenever you need or want."

"I will. Thank you." Marisa had worked enough with Blake to know she could trust the other woman. She doubted she'd ever get to that point with the acting captain. "Thank you again." She gave the commander a half-bow. "With your permission, I'll return to my department."

"Of course," Blake nodded to her with a small smile, standing to see her out, resting her hands at the small of her back. "We'll get there, 'Commander, mark my words."

Marisa nodded. With the crew, she had no doubt, but she wasn't so sure about the acting captain. She'd continue to give the woman a chance, but so far, she'd seen little to give her any real hope. She inclined her head and went back to her office to make sure all was in order for their arrival.


OFF:

Lieutenant Commander Marisa Sandoval
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

CMDR Scarlet Blake
First Officer
USS Galileo-A

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