1stLt Samuel Woolheater – Coffee Talk
Radamio
1stLt Samuel Woolheater – Coffee Talk
(( 08-0101, Deck 8, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
One of the many good characteristics of Klingons; one always knew where one stood with a Klingon. That is not to say that there were not devious ones, deceitful ones. But, overall, especially ones who excelled in Starfleet, as the Lieutenant Commander has, one never had any doubts.
But Sam was expecting just a Klingon coffee for a drink and not the whole, intense “pot”.
T’Korva: Marine, you will join me. ::using her foot to kick out the chair across the table::
That was unexpected. A brief pause, then he steps over and takes the seat. He wasn’t hurried by her direct approach. In a way, it was refreshing. He was not reluctant either. Klingons seemed have a sixth sense about uncertainty and indecisiveness. No, Sam was just deliberate.
Woolheater: Aye, Commander. ::sits, posture easy but upright, hands resting loosely on the table:
He saw that she had a padd ready to go. She read off from it
Woolheater, Samuel
Rank: First Lieutenant (O-2)
Current Assignment: Octavia E. Butler (240206.10)
T’Korva: You were assigned here on 240206.10? By choice I presume? ::her eyes moving from PADD to officer as she inquired::
Woolheater: Yes, Commander. Transferred and reassigned.
Sam set the golden marble aside for the moment to give his full attention to Commander T’Korva.
T’Korva: What is your general assessment of this ship & it’s crew?
Well, there it is. Right down to brass tacks. A small beat as he considered her question. He wondered if she was one of those “efficiency experts”. Come from higher up the chain with an eye for getting them all ship shape. Sam answered with an even tone, unbothered::
Woolheater: Aye, a professional crew. Different departments run different tempos, but they close the gap when it counts. I’ve seen nothing that suggests otherwise.
T’Korva: Would you say this ship operates efficiently based on that assessment?
Another short pause, eyes steady, not challenging, not deferential either but present and engaged.
Woolheater: I would say that I measure efficiency by outcomes. Butler’s operational where a lot of other starships might be debris. The crew’s alive. Command decisions have kept the ship operational and the crew intact. That’s the metric that matters to me.
While he was speaking, she picked up her drink and took a sip and Sam added,
Woolheater: Is there a specific concern you’re looking into, Commander?
T’Korva: This is not. You are welcome to depart at any time. I am assessing how this crew functions to adapt my leadership approach. Your insights are invaluable, Lieutenant.
As soon as she said that he knew that this was serious. Starfleet did not send out Lieutenant Commanders out on fact-finding missions just so they’d have something to do.
Woolheater: If you’re looking for departmental specifics, Commander, I can speak to Security and Marine coordination. Outside that, I keep my lane.
T’Korva: Response?
That sounded much more reasonable and far less drama filled. And it seemed that her line of questions, or at least the opening salvo, was done. And while junior officers typically did not set about questioning a senior officer, Sam was off duty and curious. He also knew that Klingons preferred direct lines of thought. So did he.
Woolheater: What was your previous posting Commander?
T’Korva: Response?
Sam listened and found that bit of information surprising and interesting. T’Korva really did have a lot of experience.
Woolheater: How are your accommodation? I know of at least one other Klingon on the ship, maybe two. Doctor Ragh is one of our newest arrivals. He may share some of his observations with you regarding crew quarters.
He was trying to be somewhat helpful. Klingon or not, integrating onto a new ship for any tour of duty can be challenging. He listened as she spoke.
T’Korva: Response?
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Scout Sniper / Infantry Officer
MARDET, Starfleet Marine Corps
USS Octavia E. Butler NCC-82850