Lt. Haukea-Willow: Age vs. Experience
Aly Drolet
((Starbase 118 Command Center, Chief of Security Office, Deck 8))
Haukea-Willow, like many security chiefs before her, was a stickler for a pristine security file. As such, Torin Javel’s was limited in only one capacity, it was void of the all too important photographic identifier. Which could have saved them in a pinch, or more likely in the case of stolen identity. Yet, for Haukea, internally, it was about control.
Given the individuals, actions and emotions she had been witness to over the course of several missions, control was a minute detail, parsed, grasped, and held onto for as long as possible. A fixture in her shift-work that was crescendoing exponentially. And with further unresolved questions, this was at least one she could get a straight answer on.
Therefore, hunched over the large wooden desk provided for the security chief, Torin Javel’s security file available to her, PADD revealing of haphazard dents and scratches, Haukea’s leg shook, unknowingly. She sincerely wished Starfleet required more thorough security file reviews before duty was allowed. Yet, once again, here she was confronting such a lapse in protocol.
Willow: ::Door chime sounding:: Yes?! Come in!
As Torin Javel entered into her office, he appeared a man of likely 6’, senior to her, at 42, with curled salt & pepper hair, and deep-set frown lines.
Torin: You requested to see me?
Willow: Torin Javel, I presume?
Under normal circumstances the chief, having availed herself of an individual’s security file, would have found easy identification; the photographic identifier equal to the individual. However, with Torin’s being absent, her initial words could be justifiable.
Torin: ::Brow furrowed:: That would be correct, yes.
Willow: Please, make yourself comfortable. This is not a disciplinary visit.
As if prompted, Torin proceeded to situate himself across from Haukea, who remained at her desk. Torin’s posture however appeared tense, stiff, as if anticipating discipline, despite the chief’s words, hands folded in his lap.
Torin: May I ask what the reason is then? If it is not disciplinary…
Willow: I simply wanted to get to know you better. Make sure your security file is in order.
For new crew, Starfleet almost routinely required initial meetings with an installation's commanding officer, first officer, along with a physical and psychological health review. While an intense security review was largely conducted with civilian consultants with limited Starfleet records or qualifications.
For a brief moment Torin had a confused expression filtering across his face.
Torin: My file? Is there something wrong with it?
Willow: No, nothing alarming, just some missing details.
Technically, by the chief’s standards, once Torin provided her with a picture, the entire security file would be complete. Though personally, she wondered if further details would reveal themselves once she understood Torin Javel better. Nevertheless, Haukea could visually see the way her choice of words, while not disciplinary in nature, could cause Torin additional confusion due to the movement of his brows.
Torin: What kind of details? I swear, I did everything right on my end.
Willow: Yes, the file is in order, it simply requires a photograph.
Torin: ::Sighing:: That is… rather strange. I admit, I am surprised that I was let onto duty without it, or that it went this far without being noticed by anyone.
Willow: For items as simple as a photograph, sometimes the following text provides adequate enough information regarding identification, that we can forget one needs to be provided.
Torin: Beyond that, are there lapses in the information itself? I know I’m older than the typical cadet and ensign that goes through the Academy, not sure if that was what caused issues.
Haukea knew for a fact that going through the academy at an older than average age, as she herself had, having graduated at approximately 40, did not affect the security file, or the abilities of Torin as an officer. Though she certainly could understand the difficulty in social acquisition among academy peers, due to the significant gap in age. Yet, once posted to a Starship or Base, age tended to matter significantly less as experience was more often sought after.
Willow: Being older than average is fine. I was one of those individuals when I graduated myself.
Torin: Response
Willow: Our Commanding Officer likewise is significantly older than average. Plenty of experience. ::Though she would be unlikely to say such a thing in front of him, if to be polite:: All I’m trying to say is, we value you, older or younger, it doesn’t matter.
Starbase 118 Operations Commanding officer Gogigobo Fairhug was, as his own security file stated, 74, though began his career in his late 60’s. Bardeezans’ though had a lengthy life.
And likewise, while having been an older cadet herself, attending the academy in her mid-to late 30’s, for a Risian, a species with a notably lengthy life span, that was considered average. Yet, coming into the course with a degree of previous security experience, it made the course work equally challenging, having to acclimate to Starfleet protocols and standards.
Torin: Response
Willow: Come now. Tell me about yourself. What led you to join Starfleet?
Torin: Response
Lt. Haukea-Willow
Chief of Security - Crisis Response
Starbase 118 Ops
M239512BG0
Ad Astra Per Aspera/To The Stars With Difficulty - Una Chin-Riley
