Posted by Captain Johann Dvorak (CO) in Captain’s Quarters - Meeting the CO

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Stephen Stous (XO) in Captain’s Quarters - Meeting the CO

Posted by Captain Johann Dvorak (CO) in Captain’s Quarters - Meeting the CO
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻

SNIP

Johann’s accidental double entendre went completely over Stephen’s head until he clarified his meaning, which ironically made him even more concerned by the fact that the Captain felt the need to do so. This concern quickly dissipated as Dvorak continued, as it was replaced by the anxiety-inducing thought of being in command of a ship. As with all the trials he expected to face as an XO, Stephen had no doubt he could do it, he was simply unsure if he wanted to do it and, moreover, why he in particular would be selected for the job.

Nonetheless, it was encouraging to hear that Dvorak did not mince words about the higher-ups - a remarkably admirable quality, in Stous’s view. “The life of a senior officer, I suppose. Needing to be careful of the weight your words carry. I’m glad to have the privilege of your more open side.”

He paused, again wanting to say something more, and again unsure. This time, though, he took a breath, forcing himself to speak. “Sir, I… your plan of attack for new officers like myself is remarkable and I look forward to it. But… I hope you’ll excuse the question, but what do you expect from me throughout that? How much is training, and how much is actually commanding the ship?”

~ Stephen Stous - XO

Johann paused a moment, not sure what to make of this question.

“Well, when you’re up to it, I’d typically expect you to take at least one shift on the bridge each day. Also to lead Away Missions. Have you done anything like that before?”

– Johann Dvorak, CO

Stous realized his query might have been confusingly worded, and took care to respond as clearly as possible.

“I can’t say I have. I’ve analyzed plenty of Away Missions, and have been on a few. I’ve also stood duty on the Bridge plenty of times, though never in such a role. I’m confident in my ability to command, though, sir.” He paused, thinking of how to clarify. “So I assume you want me to get started soon? This training you mentioned, that’ll mostly be in the day-to-day?”

~ Stephen Stous - XO

“Yeah, that’s how I typically do it,” he said quickly before elaborating more normally. “I don’t usually do it in a super-formal fashion. I try to take a sort of mentorship-style approach, where I let you do stuff and maybe extemporaneously explain the finer points. The goal really is for you to learn how to think about things, and later develop your own style. You know, take what you like from me, take what you like from other captains you’ve had, kinda figure out how you want to smush it all into a blender.”

“But in your case, I think I’m going to give you some homework. Usually someone’s at least taken the night shift on the bridge before. It’s a little psychologically spooky sitting in that big chair the first time, so it’s good to make sure you’ve got the more mechanical points of it down. I’ve got a library of simulations that you could run on the Holodeck when you’re otherwise not engaged in something.”

He waited to see what Stephen thought of that, despite not actually asking the question.

– Johann Dvorak, CO

“That… would be fantastic, actually. I’ll get started on those as soon as I’m able.” He thought of Dvorak’s other comment, about the psychology of it all. Like anyone on a Starfleet vessel, Stephen had considered sitting in that chair before, but the considerations had never felt quite serious to him - he’d never really put much thought into them. Though he knew the time would come soon where he’d have no choice but to think about those considerations, he made the decision to block it from his mind for the moment.

“I like your methods, sir, and look forward to learning whatever I can from you.” His eyes darted behind him, in the direction of the door. “Where would you like me now? If you have nothing else I can get started on those sims.” He hoped he wasn’t being too forward, but treating the Captain as a semi-peer still felt oh-so-foreign and he wasn’t quite sure of how to handle it just yet.

~ Stephen Stous - XO