The Shepard and the Centurion (Part 2 of 2)
Posted on 11 Aug 2024 @ 9:45pm by Commander Morgan Tarin & Lieutenant JG Hovar Kov
Edited on on 11 Aug 2024 @ 9:45pm
2,066 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
Episode 20 - Reconstruction
Location: USS Galileo-A - Deck 2, Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD 02, 1743 hrs
Previously, on The Shepard and the Centurion (Part 1)...
"I ask you Captain, what value do you wish me to preach to the crew?"
The man's initial nihilistic reply was pure and somber, and correct in one sense of galactic understanding. Their present knowledge of the cosmos - as primitive as it might be - understood that all which existed would ultimately come to an end. Every planet, star system and civilization had its own expiration date. How significant was it if neither she nor he would be alive to witness it? What responsibilities did they have to the present which would eventually become the future?
"A harsh truth and an honest objective observation of our reality," Tarin softly spoke while prefacing the answer to his important question. Her gaze remained on him. "I don't claim to be a member of any faith; I was never raised in such an upbringing. When Earth was attacked during the Dominion War while my entire class was entering our final year at the Academy, there wasn't a higher power or authority which assisted us. Hundreds of thousands died. We continued that war and were victorious because of our own personal fortitude and defense of Federation ideals. That's why we all wear this uniform...for each other and our shared vision of the future."
A short pause followed along with a silent sigh. "What value do I prioritize and what message? Duty. Honor," she gestured to the Klingon officer, "veracity, and service to the Federation and its fundamental ideals. I don't believe in fate or predestination - our futures are ours to create. We accomplish that by affecting the present. The here and now."
And Now, the Conclusion...
[ON]
Hovar nodded slowly as he learned more information about his Captain than perhaps she wanted to give him. First, she gave him clues about her philosophy, which was going to be one out of sixty that he would need to take note of. The second, she made it very clear that her philosophy tied in directly with Star Fleet, somewhat on a pious, but not an extremist level. Third, for the most part, if she ever came to him for counsel, he would not need to use anything biblical to offer counsel.
After giving the Captain a gentle, silent nod, Hovar wanted to make sure that the skipper was fully understood. Actually, of everyone on board, he wanted his first interaction with the command crew to be as fruitful as it can be.
"All theology and philosophy aside, Ma'am, there is one thing that I request. I would prefer if I am not addressed by Lieutenant. I hold one of the few positions in Star Fleet where I am allowed to be addressed as Chaplain or even Padre. That is one of the perks of being a member of the Chaplain Corps. Of course, how I am addressed while under your command is entirely up to you."
Hovar then narrowed his eyes as he thought of something, and then he nodded knowing this might, might, rub any skipper the wrong way.
"I do not know if I mentioned this final things. One of my duties as Chaplain is clergy-penitent privilege. I cannot be compelled by you, the Chief Medical Officer, or anyone else to disclose what is shared to me in confidence. I do have a duty that if they are a danger to themselves or others, I am not to leave them alone and try and minister to them as best I can, including convincing them to report their intentions to the Counselor or Security forces."
Looking outside the window again, Hovar couldn't help but make the comment.
"The universe is a beautiful, curious place, and I want to support this ship's mission to satisfy those curiosities."
He looked back at the Captain.
"Even if it means I have to remember that I was born a Klingon to...compel them to seek assistance, if you understand what I mean."
The first hint of his biological people's unique form of humor finally came to the surface and Tarin smirked with a small grin which tugged at the corner of her lip. "Compelling a ship full of scientists to prioritize their mental and spiritual health is the equivalent of containing a tribble infestation aboard a starship. A former captain I served under once said to me, 'Scientists are insane. Functionally so because their pursuit of the unknown demands it; amicable souls yet nevertheless still mad.' I'm inclined to agree with her ever since experiencing life aboard Galileo. This will be a challenging assignment but I assume that's why you're here. As long as you don't forcefully haul my crew into Confession and respect their theological boundaries, you have my permission to perform your job in any way you see fit."
"I'm also familiar with your ethical Powers of Confidentiality and I have no objections," continued Tarin before straightening her seated posture somewhat firmly. "But...if you ever encounter a situation in which you obtain information that this ship or any of its crew are in jeopardy, I expect it to be reported up the chain of command immediately. Don't attempt to work the problem solely on your own. Our lives and our mission are the highest priority and if something goes wrong out here, the nearest Starfleet vessel will - at best - be days away to respond. Understood?"
A grin! Hovar saw a grin! It wasn't a big one, it didn't last long, but he was happy with his little accomplishment. Hovar chuckled softly as he nodded in understanding. With that, there was nothing else that Hovar could bring up at the moment.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Captain?"
There certainly was. The duties of every new crew member were many, for the small vessel didn't afford the luxury of extensively-manned operational departments. The majority of the new chaplain's onboarding between he and Tarin could wait until a more opportune time presented itself. The next several hours would be a continuation of this administrative whirlwind she was presently dealing with.
"One important item of note," she replied, retrieving a large PADD from atop her desk and handing it over the table to him. "This contains your rate's new task assignments. You'll find many common daily duties similar to those you performed during your training. But this isn't the Academy anymore, and everyone on board this ship pulls their weight. I've assigned your Alert duty station to the security department based on your aptitude scores and recommendations from your instructors. I also expect you'll find small arms and personal combat training to be a stimulating change of pace from your traditional duties." He was a Klingon, after all.
Hovar glanced through the PADD as he read through his orders. He was not going to lie, Lieutenant Junior Hovar Kor the Klingon being part of the Security detail when the ship went into Red Alert gave his life meaning. He remembered very well not only his general weapons and hand to hand training when he was in the Academy, but also the fact that he was born, raised, and still trains, in the way of Klingon combat. He kept his bat'leth, d'k tahg, and his mek'leth. He recalled the training every second God sent for him to hone his craft of killing, no, of protecting those who could not defend themselves.
Then again, perhaps unbeknownst to the Captain, his ability to drop bodies for Jesus and wish them good fortune in the afterlife came in a very, very close second. Sociology actually came in second. His priestly duties came in first.
"I will make an appointment to check in with the Chief Security Officer as soon as possible to figure out the specifics."
Tarin subtly raised her eyebrows and maintained her default stoic body posture. "As soon as I find my new CSEC, you'll be one of the first to know. Along with your arrival - and many of the new crew - I'm also processing several transfer orders from departing Galileo officers and NCOs. Things are a bit chaotic around here for now, as you would imagine." The understatement of the day if she was being honest with herself. "Have you introduced yourself to our chief counselor yet, Lieutenant Carlisle?"
Hovar shook his head, the name being the only thing that registered.
"I shall report to her today. I believe she knows I am coming so the ice has been hopefully broken."
"Make sure you see to it as soon as possible. This is a Nova-class assignment which means you'll both be sharing an office. And consider yourself lucky if you aren't assigned a rackmate." She'd yet to review the new quarters assignments since many were still being processed, but it was uncommon aboard this small starship for a junior officer to obtain solitary living arrangements. "Now, any questions? About the ship and our upcoming deployments?"
Had a suspicion that he would need to share an office. However, he had no idea if he would be sharing quarters. Even if he was, it would not bother him in the slightest. Personally, if he had to bunk with the enlisted, it would not bother him in the slightest.
"Only if there is anything I should know about the crew during their last mission and how it could affect their next mission."
The previous mission? Tarin inadvertently shook her head which revealed a morsel of her private feelings surrounding the cold station investigation. None of it was good or appropriate to share, she quickly decided. "That information's classified. Be grateful you weren't on board or a member of our expeditionary teams which encountered..." her voice trailed off. She'd said too much already. Especially to a man whose entire faith could potentially be destroyed by such a revelation. "For now, the crew is...doing well in accomplishing their duties."
Every pastoral counseling flag in Hovar's brain rose up and screamed at him.
"I am glad they are doing well in accomplishing their duties."
Something was not right, and Hovar took note of seemingly Tarin's lapse in her outer shell: the cold, hard, almost imperious shell of a Star Fleet Captain. His eyes narrowed slightly as he wanted to investigate something that could affect his duties of not only a counselor, but as a chaplain. Of course, this seemingly minute fracture did not happen, and he would not force her to expand on that if she was not ready. He recalled the words of his instructor: "Chaplains are shepherds, not inquisitors."
With that mindset, he spoke as Lieutenant JG Hovar Kor:
"I hope that I did not take up too much of your time. I really do appreciate your time. I will check in with the Chief Counselor and coordinate with her about how we will manage."
He spoke up once more, this time as Father Hovar Kor:
"I am, of course, always on call."
"I'm sure the crew will appreciate your availability," remarked Tarin before pushing her chair back and standing to her full, tall height. "Make yourself useful after you get settled. We're still on the clock despite appearances and have several resupply evolutions to perform over the coming days. Time goes by fast out here." She then extended a hand to the Klingon man to formally shake. "Welcome aboard Galileo, Chaplain Kov. You know where to find me if you need anything. Dismissed."
Hovar stood up, the physical differences becoming extreme the moment they stood up. He took his PADD, which contained his orders and his duties, and tucked it into his left arm. He also noticed that there was a very human offer of a handshake extended to him. Being raised with humans when his parents were on Earth, he extended a very human handshake back, looking into her eyes.
"Likewise, Captain. Likewise."
With that, he moved out from his seat and he made his way to the door. Nothing else needed to come from him. All will come in due time, and the potential adventures that the Klingon chaplain will experience have only just begun.
[OFF]
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CMDR Morgan Tarin
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo-A
Chap (LTJG) Hovar Kor
Chaplain
USS Galileo-A