Unprofessional courteousy, and professional discourteousy

Posted on Thu Aug 30th, 2012 @ 11:53am by Commander Alexandra Vance & Lieutenant T'Lada

1,184 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Enemy Within: Lying in Wait
Location: Executive Officer's Office

T'Lada approached the office of the Executive Officer, quietly pondering how much more there was to the person, beyond what was in the official service record. In her experience, it was either everything about the person, or nothing about them. She pressed the door chime, and patiently waited for the Executive Officer to respond.

Vance was leaning back in her chair taking a rare moment to relax since she had yet to do so following her voyage on the Type Six shuttle. A cup of tea still hot on her table top, with barely a sip taken from it. Her eyes looking into the ceiling focused upon nothing.

Her concentration was broken by the sound of her door chime. She leaned forward and scowled at the closed doors. The interruption was unwelcome.

"Enter". she called out in a slightly irritated voice.

T'Lada stepped through. She inclined her head briefly. "Commander Vance, Peace and Long life." She said, with a very serene look on her face. "A proper introduction, perhaps. I am Lieutenant T'Lada, Chief Science Officer."

Vance smiled as she was welcomed to the sight of professionalism. Alexandra always respected the vulcans for their demeanour. Their ability to supress emotion and see a situation objectively had been a great asset to the teams she had led. The vulcans always proved her best officers.

"Good day, Lieutenant. As you know I am Commander Alexandra Vance the new Executive Officer. Please have a seat can I get you something to drink?"

"Italian Espresso. One third espresso, one third milk, one third whipped cream, please." T'Lada said, nodding.

Vance walked over to the replicator and retrieved the Lieutenant's drink placing it across from her as she seated herself at her desk behind her still hot tea. "What can I do for you today?" Alexandra said starting off the conversation.

"I believe it best to at least attempt to place a working relationship between other members of the command staff, and myself, prior to an emergency situation, so that we know what to expect from one another." T'Lada said. "However, in all truthfulness, I admit to a certain level of curiosity. Some members of the crew do not seem to appreciate your presence, especially if Captain Raine is around."

"Those members will accept it whether they appreciate it or not. My job is not to make friends it is to ensure the successful completion of our mission and keep people alive. Social relationships are a luxury that comes secondary to all else. I expect a level of professionalism akin to that of a Starfleet Officer, anyone deviating from that will be dealt with accordingly. I am the Executive Officer now and Captain Raine is merely based here. He will be given the respect of his rank, but the crew answers to me." her words were cold as rolled off her tongue. Just like the [i]NIagara[/i] she would set the tone right away.

"For which, it is only appropriate. Perhaps I misspoke my curiosity; it was more out of scientific curiosity, than anything else. Sociological studies are intriguing to conduct, at random times." T'Lada stated. "For example, are you aware that the previous three chiefs of security had affairs with persons under their direct command?" She added, for effect. "One ponders the significance of this, when they contrast the same statement with the fact that the Commanding and either Executive, or Marine Commanding Officer at the time, was conducting themselves in similar fashion. Regardless, of that topic, however, I begin to wonder whether or not you have any appreciation for hypothetical discussion. I meant no offense, when I broached the subject."

"I've been here less than 6 hours Lieutenant even with my training I could not have ascertained such details. Such facts are not significant until they begin to affect the work of those involved in which I assure you I will quash such relations immediately. Much like your department I explore hypothesis' to determine fact. However not every theory is worth exploring and it is my job to cast those aside for those that actually hold significance. If it is your stance that there is an epidemic of social misconduct with this crew, I will certainly work to remedy the problem."

While her face did not convey it, her blood boiled as she began to wonder if Starfleet was using her as a rental babysitter to monitor and remedy it's 'troubled' vessels. It was beginning to wear thin on her and leaning her towards a return to the intelligence world.

"However, it is, my job to explore every hypothesis, because it may, at some point in the near future, become necessary." T'Lada said. "The only epidemic of social misconduct in this crew is yours."

"Excuse me Lieutenant? I believe you may have misspoke once again." Vance replied gritting her teeth.

"To the contrary, I spoke the harsh truth which most humans have issues handling." T'Lada noted. "You, and I both are not of this ship's family. While you may think that such a harsh, and blunt force method to introduce yourself to this vessel, and it's crew, a large portion of them have just gone through an exceedingly tragic, and trying ordeal. Sociologically speaking, your methodology is akin to the British Empire's invasion of North America, using blankets deliberately exposed to European illnesses. It should also be pointed out that maintenance of the Ship's morale is part of your job. This discussion is a polite request to cease your rude, and impertinent behavior, towards other members of the staff, who will be asked to leave their lives in your hands, and likewise, to guard your life, with their own."

Vance stared coldly into the vulcan's eyes. "I think you are forgetting that I am a Commander and you a Lieutenant and there is a reason this is so. I do not need junior officers lecturing me on how to lead, I've done things and lead people places most humans would not see in their worst nightmares. I KNOW EXACTLY what my job is and I can assure you that despite whatever this crew has gone through they have ALL been cleared for duty. Our line of work does not always allow us the luxury of holding back or a lull in tempo. I do not care what the British or anyone else DID, I care what I do and what my crew do. If you ever question my devotion to this crew again I will be sure you are educated as to how dedicated I am. Have I made myself inexplicably clear Lieutenant?"

T'Lada nodded. "I came here as a courtesy. I was told by a rather wise person, that you would not take the time to understand my meanings, or motives, no matter how clearly, or politely they were phrased. Logic dictates we shall accomplish no further. Permission to be dismissed, ma'am?"

"And so we agree on something, Lieutenant. Permission granted." she replied with a relieved smile.

------

Commander Alexandra Vance
Executive Officer

Lieutenant T'Lada
Chief Science Officer

 

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