Lt Alex Storm - Barefoot Conversations
Karen Morris
(( Library - Deck 4, USS Artemis-A ))
Alex’s eyes unfocused as she listened to the Captain’s unfortunate exploits, and thoughts ran across her face. Brows raised and then fell. Lips tightened into a line and then opened in an exhale. After a moment, she stood a little taller before finally meeting the CO's eyes once again.
Storm: I have no words for what you’ve been through. But may I ask a related and practical question?
The Captain offered a soft smile, raised her hands as if to say "what harm could it do," and then pushed her back flush with the rear of the chair.
MacKenzie: Go for it.
oO Okay Alex … what’s the best way to broach this? You’re already discussing phaser ethics, barefooted, in the library with your Commanding Officer. It doesn’t get much more out there anyway. Oo
Storm: Lt. Cole and I are getting ready to run a training scenario relatively soon. We are still finalizing the details. Once we’re satisfied with our plan, we’ll bring it to Commander Silveira for approval - once he’s back.
Alex released her arms from behind her and let her hands fall to her sides, slipping them into the pockets of her dress.
MacKenzie: ...That wasn't a question.
oO Busted. Oo
The Captain smiled - a gentle smile with no seeming subtext - a breath to wait for the rest of Alex’s thought. Alex raised the bottom of her bare foot and placed it flat against the end of the bookcase, shifting to the side as she continued.
Storm: So, if you were in that training scenario, would you hesitate to shoot someone on an opposing team - even on stun?
MacKenzie: No.
The answer was direct and matter-of-fact.
MacKenzie: But, if I was at a different point in my career, I might have acted differently... (beat) Before I had a very real understanding of what the consequences of inaction could entail.
Storm: How did you learn the consequences of that inaction - if you don’t mind me asking?
MacKenzie processed her question by crossing her legs and bobbing her foot.
MacKenzie: Why do you ask?
A high-timbered stuttering chuckle escaped Alex’s mouth.
Storm: I’m trying to look at our training scenario from all facets and understand possible differences of opinion.
Alex’s brows relaxed as she finished the statement, and MacKenzie invited her to continue.
MacKenzie: So tell me what this training scenario is about, then.
Alex brought her foot down and crossed her ankles as she started in. Her eyes took on a twinkle, and her teeth sparkled through her grin.
Storm: We’ve decided on a scenario where we get boarded, but the entities that board the Artemis can mimic the crew - but only the crew.
The Tactical Officer gestured to both the Captain and herself.
MacKenzie: Response
Storm: They divide the ship into sections using internal forcefields - Engineering, Sickbay, the Bridge, and Security. The creatures that board the ship will mimic someone from one of the other sections. So there is no way to easily know that they are not the real … Commander Munro or Lieutenant Imril might walk into Security or Sickbay for example.
MacKenzie: Response
Storm: But because the crew doesn’t know if the doppelgangers are their friends or not, they may have to stun them - until they come up with a way to verify who everyone is. Which could cause a problem for someone who wouldn’t want to stun a fellow officer.
MacKenzie: Response.
~*~
Tags / TBC!
~*~
Lt Alex Storm
Tactical Officer
USS Artemis
O240103SK2