Posted by Ensign Myrok (Scientist) in XO’s office

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Cochrane (XO) in XO’s office

Posted by Ensign Myrok (Scientist) in XO’s office
Posted by… suppressed (25) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Myrok stood outside the XO’s office door he gathered himself before he chimed the door,thought to himself” I am A Vulcan in Starfleet time to act as such.”

Ensign Myrok Scientist

“Come in.” came a voice from the other side and the door slid open to reveal an office decorated with items and mementos from a career spent in service to Star Fleet and the Federation. In a bookcase sat more than a few actual texts in various languages: Klingon, Romulan, and Vulcan being predominate, but a smattering a few others were noticeable. Unlike most other offices, the desk in this one was set at angle in one corner giving the human male seated behind it a view of the room and out the window into space. As the doors opened, the man looked up. He had a striking look. His eyes were were a shiny, icy blue intensified by the jet black hair that adorned his head. His gaze was piercing, but not unfriendly. As he took in the figure in the doorway, he said simply “Yes, Ensign? May I help you?”

Cochrane, XO

Mrok glanced around the room quickly,then turned his attention to the XO with hands clasped behind his back” Pardon the interruption sir but I was contemplating this for some time....speaking to you that is. I have heard you have an open door policy with crew, I was hoping to speak with you about my new ship and it’s crew” Myrok held himself at a poised state waiting for confirmation to stand down.

Ensign Myrok Scientist

“Of course, Ensign. Take a seat, won’t you?” the XO replied and, setting aside the PaDD he was reviewing, motioned to one of the two chairs in front of the desk. “Ensign… Myrok, correct? What’s on your mind?” he asked.

Cochrane, XO

Mrok chose to remain standing intrigued by the environment that surrounded him but stayed focused on his XO ” I know this may sound strange coming from someone as familiar as you with the ....ship sir, but my goal is to excel in all aspects . I have observed certain tendencies that trouble me, an advertance to protocol, or as you may say to comfortable. I know it’s not my place sir but I would like to interact if I can.” Myrok stayed intensely at his XO.

Ensign Myrok Scientist

Cochrane’s brow furrowed slightly and he said “I’m not sure I am following you, Ensign. Are you saying that you feel there are protocols being ignored? If so, which ones and by whom?”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok tilted his head and thought for A moment ” Upon further thought sir I realize I am new and not at the Academy any longer. My concerns may be unwarranted, but I would like to know how if in anyway I may be of help. Please tell me how you handled your first assignment.”

Ensign Myrok Scientist

Cochrane looked at the Ensign for a long moment. “Ensign, take a seat. If we are going to have a constructive discussion here, I need to not get a cramp in my neck.” he said with a chuckle.

“My first assignment was nothing like this. I was assigned to the System Patrol Ship Balmorra. She was a tiny little thing compared to the Ark Angel. And we would be out for days, not months, at a time. So I don’t think comparing the two is quite accurate. What I can tell you is that I applied myself and volunteered for everything I could. I made sure my duties were done efficiently and correctly. And I tried to be a good crew mate to the rest of ship’s personnel. That was the key, I think. It wasn’t that I was trying to be everyone’s friend, mind you. But everyone knew I could be counted on to assist if the need arose.” As he spoke he watched the Ensign closely, trying to figure out what issue or concern brought the young officer to his office. “So what is it that concerns you, Ensign? And what do you need from me? I’m happy to help if I can.”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok reluctantly took the seat but stayed firm and upright in the chair. He calmly spoke to his XO being as open as he could at the moment.” Curiously sir I was merely attempting I suppose at being a bit too aggressive pertaining to my duties. My HOS told me to relax and have....fun. I regret fun is something I am not familiar with, I have been so focused on being assigned and beginning A new part of my career , I have not had time to place my attention elsewhere. I do much more listening to what is going on around me that I do not place much importance on myself. I suppose sir I just need A bit of advice from you if at all possible.” Myrok never looked for advice he was taught to problem solve on his own but knew that if he was to be a vital part of the crew he must.....bend with the circumstance.

Ensign. Myrok. Scientist

Cochrane’s mouth curled at one corner in a slight smile. “You know, Ensign, I started off in Security. Learned how to read people pretty well. And I can tell that was difficult for you to ask. I appreciate you coming to me, and I will offer you any advice I can. Can you be a bit more specific about what advice you want? Otherwise I may just start guessing and I don’t think that would end well for either of us.” he said with a full grin.

Cochrane, XO

Myrok seemed a bit perplexed at his XO’S humor, he was being as serious as he could…at the moment. He wanted to be a part of the mechanics of the ship and besides speaking to the counselor , whom he respected but was completely hesitant to open up to, no sense in opening old wounds just yet, he looked seriously at the commander” In retrospect sir I suppose my discomfort comes from feeling new. I was given the training on Vulcan and at the Academy to…lead, be A thinker not A follower. I find myself though realizing this may be where I actually …earn my keep. I have few friends in life but would like to remedy that. My parents would not approve but they are not here, I am, besides integrating myself I would require your assistance in blending in.”

Ensign Myrok Scientist

Cochrane took a long look at the Ensign in silence. After a few moments, he said “Why do you want to blend in, Ensign? I mean, theer is nothing wrong with that. But blending in makes one… hidden. If you want to make friends, I would suggest trying to stand out. Make your self known. Start conversations with others, like you did by coming here. Invite people to a meal. Volunteer your time with the families on board as a tutor. I am sure your scientific knowledge would be a huge asses to the teachers on board. And if you weren’t a ‘thinker’, Ensign, you would not be on this ship. We prize thinking here… it keeps us on pint and on task for our missions. Now. As far as ‘leading’ goes…” and he leaned back and set his hands on his lap.

“Leading is not about the training one has, although it is part. True leadership comes from motivating others. Encouraging them, supporting them. To do all those things require that the individuals you lead trust and respect you. And they can’t trust you if they don’t know you. And respect isn’t a matter of rank or status; not really. I know Admirals that I have no respect for; and I know Junior Officers that I hold in very high regard. To truly lead, you have to invest yourself first. You have to show that you will be there for your people. To lead others, they have to want to follow you. Otherwise, one becomes nothing more than a petty supervisor who has no recourse but to scare their people into submission. And crews like that don’t last long. And their end is most often tragic. Does that make sense to you, Ensign?”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok pondered the statement for a moment understanding each word,at that second he realized his purpose and for the first time in awhile was ....happy” Yes sir it makes perfect sense,I look to assert myself in many ways,ways I have never attempted before.Each quality you spoke of is in me,I have those to give.My peers on Vulcan never understood me,lookedat me as some kind of anomaly, only because I chose to feel and take risks. My father never stood up for me he thought I was rejecting the old ways and customs. I was merely just being myself ,not conforming to the relentless,overbearing teachings of....” Myrok stopped himself and realized he felt…anger…and then confusion…and then embarrassment,he gathered himself stood upright and gazed at his commander ” My apologies. …sir,I appreciate your candor, I never meant to....” He faded off and clasped his hands behind his back” Sir your comments were firm and to the point thank you.”

Ensign Myrok scientists

Cochrane cocked his head to the side slightly and looked at the Ensign with a slightly furrowed brow. “Well… ok, then. Is that you needed, Ensign? I have no pressing matters that need to cut this conversation short, but if you feel you have what you need…” and he let his voice trail off, leaving the statement as more of a question.

Cochrane, XO

Myrok stood once again and walked over to the window that looked out into space letting himself calm and center just A bit” No sir I suspect it is far from ....it....as you say, I am just beginning this journey of mine and look forward to getting to know everyone well. I can see that I was placed in an assignment that needed my set skills. I look forward to the time ahead.” He turned to face his commander and raised one eyebrow.

Ensign Myrok Scientist

“Well, we are certainly glad to have you aboard, Ensign. I’m sure that your section, and indeed the ship in it’s entirety, will be better off for having you with us.”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok felt more at ease, for A moment his control was in question within himself. He nodded his approval towards his XO ” My sentiments exactly sir, it seems that your advice is valuable. I do see why you have such A reputation of being easy to talk to.”

Ensign Myrok Scientist

Cochrane chuckled. “It’s the hair. Makes me more approachable.” he said with a laugh.

Cochrane, XO

Myrok looked at the commander and stated” No sir I do not believe its your hair that enables people to talk with you openly”

Ensign Myrok scientist

Cochrane shook his head “Ah, Vulcans. Gotta love them.” he thought to himself. “Ensign, I was being facetious. trust me, you’ll learn to recognize sarcasm the longer you are in the fleet.” he said and grinned at the officer. ” I know a few Vulcans who have even mastered the art of being flippant without showing emotion. They are great fun in meetings with the higher-ups.”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok nodded in agreement” I shall endeavour to become my own self and maybe flippant as you say sir. My upbringing did not allow for such frivolity but I see it can be useful.”

Cochrane smiled and said “Just be yourself, Ensign. Let the rest just happen on it’s own. Friends come and go. But you will find those whom you will come to treasure, I have no doubt.”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok still standing observed his commander at ease with his comments, he took more of a standard pose and addressed him” I am sure you know of T’Par of the Uss Denver she is.....my great great grandmother. We pass our lineage modestly and that’s good I suppose but I never wanted to be recognized for her. He stammered A bit” Please forgive me sir I feel that I have taken too much of your valuable time, I will conform.”

Myrok

OOC: SORRY

OOC: Pasting in my previous response. Make sure that if you edit a post you do it after any other responses, otherwise those responses get cut off. Don’t sweat it, though. Happens to everyone every now and then.

James

IC: Cochrane smiled a bit and said “I think ‘conform’ is a strong term, Ensign. And I have personally never found it to be all that appealing.” and he chuckled a bit. “I heard of her. That’s pretty amazing, Ensign.” and he paused and then said “So you have a historical figure in your family tree as well, eh?” and he stood up and walked to the bookcase that stood against one of the walls. Pulling an old leather bound object from the shelf, he opened it and flipped a few pages. Finding what he was looking for, he turned the book and held it out to the Ensign. “So do I. Not as well known as your great-great grandmother, but he is known in certain historical circles.” The book, an encyclopedia of military history from Earth, had an entry for one Ralph Cochrane of the British Royal Air Force. During World War II, Cochrane was instrumental in designing and deploying a bomb specifically designed to destroy dams. Cochrane’s bomber group was considered one of the elite forces of the war, and Cochrane himself was seen as a hero of the British efforts in that conflict.

Cochrane watched the Ensign as he looked at the book. “I was named for him, actually. Him and another relation who was a British Admiral in the Napoleonic Wars.”

Cochrane, XO

Myrok turned the pages delicately and viewed the photographs in front of him, he saw things from the past that he knew must be very important to the Commander. He thought to himself for A moment then looked up from the leather bound book,” Commander I must tell you my upbringing was strict and at times very eventful, I was A part of Vulcans force to eliminate those who went against certain teachings, at first I agreed but then as I grew more knowledgeable I realized I was being used. I forgoed the process of being eliminated and joined Starfleet. My parents, mostly my father, did not approve of my leaving. But I excelled at the Academy and am aboard your ship. You won’t find much in records about my time on Vulcan, just general, abstract things. I wanted you to be aware ....sir. I have not expressed this to anyone else but you. I concluded that I must tell someone,before I resumed actual dities. My skills far outreach just a scientist. I lay my career at your hands sir.” Myrok looked at his XO intently with a serious and stern demeanor he was as prepared as he was going to get for the next outcome.

Ensign Myrok Scientist

OOC: Great posting here folks. But for heavon’s sake, save my poor scroll finger and trim your thread.

Thank you.

Robert “Ducky” Thompson