Concerning Ship Morale

Posted on Fri Jan 27th, 2023 @ 11:28am by Lieutenant Bela Swain & Commodore Samantha York

1,489 words; about a 7 minute read

Bela waited patiently as everyone exited from the meeting. Another would take place in 24 hours but Bela had concerns about the Reman incursion and Calypso going to battle and from what Bela could tell, while the crew trusted the Captain, there was concern, as well.

The Risian walked up to the Captain and lightly placed her hand on Sam's elbow. "Are you OK?" Bela asked concerned.

"I'm fine. I assume you want to ask me about my comment on the Remen." It was obvious to Sam that the counselor was concerned about the numbers. "Would you like to talk here, or in my Ready Room?"

"Whichever would be more comfortable for you," Bela responded courteously. After all, the more comfortable the Captain was, the more likely she would be to share her thoughts.

As the ready room was smaller, Sam opted for that. When they walked in, she decided to use the conversation area in the back instead of her desk and sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs. "So, what do you want to ask?"

"You assume I want to ask something, why is that?" the Risian replied cryptically, her head tilting slightly indicating her interest and curiosity.

"You are not one to ask to speak to someone for casual conversation," Sam countered. "I was under the impression you had a question or concern about something said in the briefing."

"Oh, I don't know about that Commodore. I have many casual conversations. We just have not had time for them, me and you. We will have to fix that at some point," she mused. After a brief pause the counselor continued, "Yes, I do. The crew trusts you but your presentation regarding the Remen, well, that leaves many with questions, concerns, and a lot left unsaid."

"Because there are still a lot of questions that need answers." She knew that she'd left things open. But she did so in order to give the others room to do some digging. "At the same time, I am confident of the outcome. Commander Munich found communications that indicate the Remen were originally brought here by a member of the colony to help him create the ion storm in order to control the colony. They decided they wanted to take over the planet and brought in more Remen. Everything we've seen indicates they are prepared for a ground war, not a space one. They do not have the equipment or firepower to take on a ship of the line. We can outmaneuver them and out gun them. I am going to do what I can to get them to surrender because I don't want to fight unless I have no other choice."

"Why did you not tell the crew any of this in the meeting?" Bela asked curiously.

"Because the purpose of the meeting was to ask questions and then have them bring answers. Tomorrow, we'll go over details. And I did tell them that if it comes to a fight, the Remen are ill-equipped to deal with a starship."

"But not why," Bela countered. "And remember, Starfleet generally is about exploration and discovery. Talk of fighting can be disconcerting on a crew." She thought for a moment before continuing, "There are times when less is more. I do not think this was the time for it."

Starfleet officers were also taught how to deal with combat, but Sam wasn't going to bring that up. "Your opinion is duly noted. However, part of tomorrow's discussion will be how to best approach the Remen and what to do if they refuse to cooperate. I don't want to just tell them what we are going to do. I want to hear suggestions and ideas."

"And that is wonderful, Commodore. It is wonderful to get a variety of ideas, but were you being open enough with all of the tactical information to get ideas that would be helpful?" The counselor tilted her head slightly and concentrated on Sam's body language.

"Clearly you and I do not agree." It didn't take a telepath for Sam to see that. Then again, they didn't see eye-to-eye on a number of issues, so why should this be different?

The counselor shrugged. "If everyone in the universe agreed, it would be a far less fascinating place, would it not?" She approached the Captain and placed her fingers lightly on the Captain's arm. "Besides, it is those differences that help the Federation build strength."

She smiled up at the Commodore, "If we only knew how to look at problems one way, we might never find solutions. Is not the definition of insanity doing the same thing and expecting a different result?" She giggled lightly. "So, by being different than you, I serve an important function, even if you are the one going to make the ultimate decisions. And, more importantly, barring any conditions that render you unable to do your job, you have my support. But I will talk to you privately when I feel it is necessary, to give you more to think about. I would not embarrass you before the crew. That would harm morale and I would not do that in good conscience."

"I appreciate that." For a short time, Sam had a first officer who felt that her job was to protect the CO from any and all danger--real or imagined. She questioned every decision Sam made and felt that she, as the XO, had to represent Sam and the ship when interacting with others. Even when Sam was clearly the best person for the job. It was incredibly frustrating. She had no desire to work with a counselor who felt it was her job to also question all of Sam's decisions.

Bela noticed that Sam's body tightened. Something was bothering her. Could it be her touch? Bela withdrew and looked up into the Commodore's eyes. "Something's bothering you," Bela stated concerned.

Sam sighed and decided to be up front with the counselor. "Yes. It's the way you're approaching this...discussion. Advice is always appreciated and welcome, and I like different perspectives. However, you appear to take my not agreeing with you as my not understanding what you're saying."

Bela put her index finger to her cheek, thinking. "Hm," she intoned verbally. "I wonder, Commodore, how would you have preferred that I approach this conversation?" For the moment, she ignored the accusation. She was not going to get drawn into a dispute that the Commodore seemed to want to have at some level of her psyche.... Bela started to formulate that she had to demonize someone in order to justify her reactions to any sort of disagreement.

"I remind you that I'm a telepath," Sam said as the counselor was thinking rather loudly. "I don't demonize people, and I don't need a victim. What I'm trying to say is that I don't appreciate it when others appear to be telling me how I feel or what I think. I thank you for your feedback, and I will keep it in mind, but I don't agree that my crew is ill-prepared for potential combat. I don't think there will be much--if any--fighting, but I am sure the crew will be able to handle whatever happens. I've worked with some of them for years and I know their capabilities."

"I do not believe that I have ever told you how you feel," Bela replied with her hand lightly coming across her chest. "I am very sorry if you feel that I have ever suggested that." Bela thought back to their conversation and was firmly convinced that she was correct on that count. The Captain obviously had been bothered by someone in her past and if Bela became determined to assist the Captain in working through her distrust and hurt. "I'm more than certain that the crew will perform admirably, no matter your orders or situation. I'm just here to help," she offered again with a warm smile.

"I know, and I appreciate the intent. As I said, right now, we have a situation, and we need answers. I'm confident the senior staff will have some tomorrow."

"Well," Bela replied with exhaled relief. "I will try to consider some solutions, myself, being part of that staff." Without hesitation, she walked up to the Commodore and gave her another hug and released it after a couple of seconds. "If there's nothing else that you require right now, then, Commodore...."

Sam smiled. "There's nothing right now. Thank you. And thank you for bringing this to me." She really did appreciate the counselor's concern, even if she didn't share it. I'll make sure to ask for questions tomorrow."

Seeing the Commodore smile put a spring in Bela's step. "You're always welcome. All that is mine is yours." With that, the Counselor skittered happily out of the room.

____
OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Bela Swain
Chief Counselor
USS Calypso

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