Captain Isara Aleron: Tell Me About Yourself
Isara Aleron
(( Overlooking both the USS Chin’toka and the USS Valkyrie-A ))
Isara shifted into a more relaxed stance, examining the First Officer as she took one of the crumpets from the refreshment table.
Aleron: It would be logical, indeed. So, I must admit, Commander, I’ve been waiting to meet you. I understand you were only recently promoted to First Officer, is that correct?
T’Ama: Yes. Twenty-two days ago.
Aleron: And how have you found the role so far?
T’Ama: I have already had to handle one major dispute. In addition to this unexpected announcement, I would characterize it as “challenging”.
Isara nodded and looked at the other woman as she took a bite of the crumpet and reached for a cup of tea.
Aleron: There are a few department shifts coming, Commander. Most notably Operations and Science. Do you have any recommendations for shoring up Ops until we can get a few more officers in the department?
T’Ama: It should remain well organized in the interim. Most of the personnel schedules and duties are regular and assigned by the computer according to my priorities. I can always assist in transferring the crew to the Valkyrie.
Isara listened to the suggestion and made mental notes.
Aleron: We’re also going to be taking on a Cardassian civilian who will be working in medical. I would like you to ensure she integrates well into the crew.
T’Ama: Of course.
Aleron: I will be holding a meeting of all senior staff once everyone has completely transferred over. I’ll go over the departmental changes at that time.
T’Ama: As you wish. What was your last command like - or is this your first?
Aleron: Well, technically this is my second command, but I only had the USS Austin for a couple of weeks after the last CO retired abruptly. I’m actually very excited.
T’Ama: It appears Command wants to focus on diplomacy in the Expanse. First moving Commander Sherlock into diplomacy, now you with your diplomatic background.
Aleron: It does appear that way, doesn’t it. Although, our mission is going to be primarily in the Solerian Sector, which is a relative unknown. No one from Starfleet has been there for the last two decades, or more. :: she paused briefly :: Speaking of missions, what kind of successes have you had? What were your challenges?
She’s read the reports, of course. It had been part of her job in Strategic Command, but it was always interesting to hear it from someone who had been there.
T’Ama: Our last two missions were not particularly successful.
Aleron: That’s one perspective, Commander. As I understand it, however, your crew also managed to uncover a plot by the Romulan Free State, and while a bit rocky, you did make contact and set a situation for the Vulcans to come in and repair a history of hate and distrust. Considered from those perspectives, would you not consider that a success? Or at least a partial one?
T’Ama: Response
She was having a difficult time getting a read on T’Ama, which was somewhat unusual for her. Was the woman testing her to see what kind of Captain she would be? Or was she feeling defeated and adrift with all of the rapid changes? She’d just about said as much. Or was it something else?
Aleron: Commander, I am happy to keep you as my First Officer. Your record shows that you are more than qualified for the position. And I can definitely understand that you need to get to know me if you’re to be my Number One. But the same holds true for you.
T’Ama: Response
Aleron: It’s one thing to read a person’s service record. However, it only gives a limited insight into that person. I need to get to know you. I need to be able to know what matters to you, how I can expect you to react in various circumstances, and so forth. And the best way I have ever had to be able to do that is to get to know the person behind the position. So, tell me a bit about you. And not just a bio, Commander. Tell me about yourself. Just one thing about you that I might not be able to learn just from reviewing your service record.
T’Ama: Response