Lt. Toxin Arlill - What’s Next?
Toxin Arlill
(( Chief of Operations Office, Operations Center, Deck 6, USS Octavia E Butler ))
Toxin hadn't had a heart-to-heart with a senior officer in a while—truthfully, he never had. He was normally an open book and didn't see the need for candor. However, with Henri's constant presence in his mind and his fear of sharing this being with anyone else, this became his only avenue for expressing concerns to his former classmate, now superior.
oO My superior, when did that happen. Have I been so obsessed with my relationship with Lhandon and running operations that I’d missed opportunities for growth like Avander had obviously been afforded? Oo
The chief executed a similar move when Avander asked about Toxin himself—a dismissive sort of “well we’ve all been a bit stressed lately” but without much more beyond that surface-level reply.
Arlill: I dunno, I don’t see myself being Ops Chief for the rest of my career.
The words surprised even Toxin himself. Perhaps Henri had found a way to speak through him, or maybe his subconscious had finally asserted itself.
Promontory: Ah. A career shift? Perhaps a stint in Engineering?
Arlill: No, nothing like that. (beat) I just always thought I’d have a chance to be captain one day (beat) Maybe it’s stupid, there are only so many ships in the fleet and so many more starfleet officers.
Ok, this was new to Toxin, he might have been classmates with the XO but he’d never really been close enough for a heart to heart like this.
Henri: oO Where’s this all coming from? Oo
Promontory: Oh. (beat) Well, in that case, let’s get you involved with the command training program. (beat) Have you considered doing a stint at the Academy? They always need good trainers.
Arlill: I’ve not really considered the academy. I always kinda saw that as a cushy retirement job, not a stepping stone.
Toxin knew many academy professors weren't that old, but he often convinced himself that "those who can't do, teach or lead." Now, he was beginning to question that assumption.
Promontory: I think the best thing you can focus on for now is helping your staff. The most important trait in a leader is helping those below them to make it.
Henri: oO I’m sorry, what does he think you’ve been doing?! Oo
Arlill: ::visibly pausing for a moment:: I’m not sure I’ve ever put my staff as anything but a priority of my focus. (beat) I guess I just don’t want to lose sight of what’s next.
Henri: oO Maybe you're not being hard enough on yourself. You've accomplished a lot already, but that’s obviously not enough for them. Oo
Arlill: I know I've been doing well here, but... (beat) I can't help feeling like I'm stagnating. Like I should be pushing for more.
Promontory: Response
Arlill: (sighing) You're right, of course. I suppose I just need to focus on the present and trust that the future will come.
Promontory: Response
Arlill: I appreciate your advice, Commander. I'll give some thought to that command training program you mentioned.
Promontory: Response
Tags/TBC
Lieutenant Toxin Arlill
Chief of Operations
USS Octavia E Buttler NCC-82850
Writer ID.: O239910TA4LT