Fleet Captain Addison MacKenzie - Trust Is Earned
Addison MacKenzie
(( Brew Continuum - Deck 3, USS Artemis - A ))
With introductions out of the way and coffee in hand, it was time to get down to the business of really learning about her new strategic operations officer. There was no better place to start than her previous posting, especially since few officers get assigned to the Academy so early after their own graduation... So, naturally, the flag officer assigned to the Borderlands decided to call it to attention. Now, after admitting that she was new to the role of strategic operations, MacKenzie felt it prudent to see what the woman's own expectations of the role might be.
Brexis: I am new to Strat Ops. It would be helpful if you could tell me exactly what your expectations are for me. I take my place on the crew seriously and I don’t want any confusion on my specific duties.
MacKenzie purposefully held her face very still. Surely Starfleet wouldn't have assigned someone to a ship - her ship - without properly preparing her for the role. Any such assignment, especially in the role of strategic operations, would be a liability. Rather than jump into an accusatory posture, she decided to take the long road.
MacKenzie: Why don't you tell me what you think of the role, and how you think it might be applicable on the Artemis?
She took a swig of her raktajino while the woman answered.
Brexis: Strategic Operations to me, is multi-faced. A little Security, a little Tactical and a little operations. Something that gives me the opportunity to flex my muscles depending on what we need at the moment. ::Beat, then a small smile:: I do understand that some ships have a little bit of a variation when it comes to Strat Ops, hence why I asked about expectations.
MacKenzie: You are essentially responsible for coordinating between departments to make sure that the ship is running at peak efficiency, in addition to providing a certain level of oversight during certain unique scenarios that might come up during a mission, and coordinating between the Artemis, Deep Space 224, and the other ships assigned to the region.
Brexis: All things I am using this leave to familiarize myself with.
MacKenzie nodded slowly. That was a good start.
MacKenzie: So, based on what you know of the Borderlands and the Artemis how do you envision we might use your service in this position?
Charlotte uncrossed her leg from the other and sat forward, clasping her hands on the sides of her cup.
Brexis: I feel that my skills and growing knowledge of the area already make me an asset to the Artemis. As I was previously a security officer and along with the extra skills I learned while I was interloping around the Academy I know I can put all of that to good use. Fill in where I am needed, along with learning anything new that’s asked of me.
MacKenzie: Interloping. ::smiling:: Indeed. Well, tell me what you know already, and I'll try to fill in the gaps.
Brexis: I have already spoken with Commander del Rio on the Chesapeake and coordinated with multiple divisions on 224 to get a grasp on our current conflicts in the area. ::Realizing her hands were getting too warm and letting go of the cup:: I have also begun to check on the status of the Artemis’ emergency readiness and meeting with department heads when they’ve been available.
MacKenzie: That's a good place to start. Many of them have been serving on board for quite a while, so they'll be able to give you some helpful insight. I'm happy to reinforce whatever you're able to glean from them, or answer whatever questions you have after that.
Brexis: Now, if it’s okay with you. I would like to go over some of the expectations I have for you as my Commanding Officer.
Charlotte held her posture. MacKenzie, after holding the silence,, sat back in her chair, clasped her hands and rested them in her lap, amused.
MacKenzie: This should be good.
Brexis: As someone who constantly strives to do better, to be better. I do expect to know if I am not meeting your standards. I expect to be treated as an equal to my fellow officers, to be listened to when problems arise. Most importantly, I expect to be trusted. There is no point in me being here if I don’t have your trust. ::relaxing her shoulders a bit:: From what I have seen and heard about you, ::smirking:: I don’t foresee any of that being a problem.
Once again, she sat back into her chair and crossed one leg over the other. Her usual sign of self comfort after saying what others might find as bold or assuming.
MacKenzie: Well, trust is earned. I trust that you can do your job, but I make no assumptions. And you must not have heard enough if you think anyone on this ship manages to slip by with a substandard progress report.
Brexis: Response
She offered a reassuring, yet firm smile.
MacKenzie: Rest assured, Lieutenant, if you're not meeting the bar, we'll either make sure you do, or you'll be reassigned. It's that simple.
And simple, it was. She knew she ran a tough ship - in her mind, there was no other choice.
Brexis: Response
MacKenzie: Very good then, I'm glad we're in agreement. So, what questions can I answer for you at this point? No doubt you're just getting the lay of the land right now...
Brexis: Response
Tag, and TBC!
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A