ZE/D01 - Ready Room

[Paul]

==

[Morad Ameen]

>> Bridge >>

The relative quiet of the ready room was a stark contrast to the focused bustle of the bridge. Here, the immense power of the Zephyr at Warp Nine resonated – less a distinct sound to the casual ear, and more a deep, sub-sonic thrum that vibrated faintly through the deck plating. Yet, to the trained senses of an engineer like Ameen, and undoubtedly to Commander Keir, that thrum was a complex language: the steady rhythm of the warp coils, the subtle stresses on an older spaceframe at high velocity, a living pulse beneath the quiet. It was, for both, a constant reminder of their urgent journey.

Ameen gestured for Keir to take a seat as the door slid shut behind them. Instead of taking a seat himself immediately, Ameen moved towards the viewport, his hands clasped behind his back. He gazed out at the mesmerizing streaks of warp travel for a silent moment, his reflection a faint overlay on the rushing stars.

"Commander Keir," Ameen began, his voice a low counterpoint to the near silence of the room, his gaze still on the star-streaked viewport for another moment before he turned to meet hir directly. "Thank you for joining me. There are several pressing matters concerning this ship, the crew, and our assignment that I wanted to discuss with you more candidly."

First, the operational realities...

"Your initial report from Engineering indicated readiness for mission start, but pushing an older vessel like the Zephyr with an entirely new crew to Warp Nine for forty hours straight warrants continuous close attention. What are your immediate concerns or any performance quirks you anticipate from the engine room now that we're truly underway?"

He paused, letting that sink in before broadening the scope. 

"Beyond the engineering specifics, there's the overall operational picture. This crew is a patchwork, pulled from various postings. As my acting First Officer, your insights on their integration, morale, and any initial departmental challenges will be crucial. We need them to become a cohesive unit, and quickly."

Ameen then shifted his weight slightly, his expression becoming a fraction more guarded. 

Alright, Morad. Best to address this directly...

He paused, and for a brief moment, ran his fingers rather sheepishly through his hair before meeting Keir's gaze again – a familiar habit when broaching something uncomfortable.

"There is also that other delicate matter, Commander," he began, his voice perhaps a touch more hesitant than before, "that I need to discuss with you as my First Officer." He took a steadying breath. 

"It concerns Lieutenant Amila Ra'an, our new Chief Science Officer. Prior to this unexpected assignment, and before I was placed in command of the Zephyr with Ra'an subsequently serving under me, Amila and I... had one personal social engagement. A single date." He stated it factually, without embellishment. "Given our new command structure, Starfleet regulations are quite clear on the necessity of disclosing such prior personal connections to the First Officer. While the relationship, such as it was, predates this command hierarchy and thus falls within accepted parameters, full transparency with you is required. I trust you understand my intention is to maintain the highest degree of professionalism on the bridge and throughout the ship, and I expect the same from all officers involved."

Ameen paused, allowing the Lieutenant Commander a moment to process the official disclosure. He then continued, his tone becoming a shade more personal, though still measured, choosing his words with care.

"To be entirely candid, Keir," he added, perhaps looking for a sign of understanding from hir, "that one engagement... it was recent, and it is my personal hope to explore whether that connection with Amila might develop further. Naturally, this would be under appropriate off-duty circumstances and with the utmost discretion, adhering to all regulations regarding professional conduct, especially given our current command structure. I felt it was important for you, as my First Officer, to be aware of this personal dimension as well as the procedural one."

There. It's all laid out now. The professional necessity, the personal hope, and the inherent complications...

He waited for hir reaction, ready to discuss it further or move on to other pressing ship business. The silence of the ready room, save for that barely perceptible thrum of the warp engines, seemed to amplify the unspoken dynamics.

== Tag K. ==

[Keir 77]

<<Bridge<<

Keir might have been the youngest member of the crew having only recently celebrated hir 20th birthday; but that was the burden and privilege of being Hermat. Having entered the Academy just before hir 4th birthday and spending time on active duty as an Engineering officer and twice now as a First officer; youth was not a burden for Keir.

Though there was no outward sign that this was more than a normal meeting between CO and FO, there seemed to be an undertone in the initial conversation which despite the legitimacy of what was said; it felt like there was a bigger reason.

And s/he thought it might be something outside of policy and procedure; and took the proffered seat, waiting...

The first question was a legitimate one and s/he addressed it. "I have ordered that an experienced Officer and an NCO be on duty at all times such that should there be any unforeseen issues they can act and also alert me. Ensign Singer and myself went over all relevant systems during my visit and both of us agreed that all showed no likelihood of failure, but we remain vigilant."

The next concern seemed a trifle forced but still relevant. There is more here, is he stalling?, thought Keir

"Security, Helm and Medical all appear to be well experienced and practiced in their duties and responsibilities so no issues there and clearly I do and will have a solid hold on Engineering. Ra'an is an experienced officer and clearly sufficiently skilled in her departmental skills, however she does lack Away team exposure, but this mission will hopefully be rectified that; so no, I am comfortable with your choices."

Keir mused; okay now he seems to be on edge. The Captain appeared nervous and even without hir superior olfactory senses it was all too evident.

The details spilled out of the Captain; and not in a nervous rush, but clearly he was on edge about the topic and sadly it was exactly what Keir had been privately concerned about. S/he had a relatively long-term relationship with hir wife and despite being on the same ship their departments rarely crossed; this however was an entirely different matter.
Hir time spent with Samantha had taught the relatively young officer a lot about reading people and as s/he listened the nervousness appeared to be muted as if he had made up his mind already that there was nothing amiss.

He is not entirely correct on that the First officer silently mused

Keeping hir tone of voice level Keir addressed hir superior, and with a level, measured tone suggested: "Why don't you take a seat Commander. You are almost looming over me and while I respect that you are highly invested in this topic I think I would prefer that you sit so we can have a measured discussion, can you do that for me?

Continuing; Keir met the Commander's eye and maintained that contact. S/he had learned that many of the other species’ s/he had served with sometimes felt threatened and were off guard when a predator; such as a Hermat held that gaze and s/he wanted to be sure that what he had said about this not being an issue was in fact something that he; himself did in fact; believe.

Assuming he does.

"Well,", there was a pause as the Second Officer regarded hir superior, and continued. "As I see this there are two different aspects to what you have just revealed to me and I will get to the one that I feel you are most concerned with, but we will address that one, next.

I will say that I believe that your stated interest in Lieutenant Ra'an could put you in the position where personnel other than myself could construe future actions and interactions with the Lieutenant were not entirely motivated by your professional judgement and infer from that a possible bias. And while I do NOT share that opinion; having read through your service record I do not think you would allow that to happen and that your orders and interactions with the Lieutenant would in fact be guided by the best interests of the ship and crew."

S/he paused..."However that might not be the opinion of others; both superior to you as well as those under your command. This situation has the potential to create inferences which might be difficult to dismiss and could impact your relationship with the crew and your superiors. As of now we do not know for certain who else might be aware of your relationship.

To that end it is my considered opinion that for the first mission you place the Lieutenant under my command. You could still issue orders to her, but they would pass through me and as such would be filtered in such a way to buffer that implied prejudice. Once we have had a mission completed, then I could discuss with you; at that time offer my professional opinion on this matter.

I am certain that you feel you can remain unbiased, but this is about perceived impressions; not factual ones. What do you think Commander?"

==Tag Ameen==

[Morad Ameen]

Ameen listened intently to Lieutenant Commander Keir's assessment, hir words measured and insightful as always. S/he had, with characteristic Hermat directness, cut to the core of the potential issue – not his own conduct, but the perception it might create. He appreciated hir candor and the thought s/he had clearly given the matter. When Keir suggested he sit, Ameen gave a slight nod and finally took the chair opposite hir, the PADD with ship's status momentarily forgotten on the desk.

"You're right, Commander, I was... on edge, as you put it, when bringing up Lieutenant Ra'an," Ameen admitted with a wry, almost tired smile. "It's not a standard item on a new CO's briefing list for their First Officer."

He leaned forward slightly. "My primary intention in disclosing the situation with Lieutenant Ra'an was to fulfill my regulatory obligation to you as my First Officer and, by extension, the ship's personnel officer. It's a matter of procedural transparency, first and foremost. While I always value your counsel, I wasn't necessarily seeking a specific solution for the personal aspect at this juncture, though I appreciate your proactive approach."

But s/he is right...

Ameen paused, considering hir words. "Your point about perception is entirely valid, Keir. It's often the unseen current that can steer a ship off course, regardless of the rudder's intent. I do not dismiss that concern lightly."

"However," he continued, choosing his words carefully, "while I appreciate the intent behind your suggestion to place Lieutenant Ra'an under your direct command as a buffer, I have reservations about that particular course of action. My concern is that singling out Lieutenant Ra'an for such a... distinct command arrangement, however well-intentioned, could inadvertently create the very scrutiny and special perception we wish to avoid. It might be interpreted as a lack of trust in her professionalism, or mine, or indeed, suggest a situation more complex than it is. It could, frankly, backfire and draw more undue attention."

He met Keir's gaze steadily. "As the First Officer, Commander, you are already the natural intermediary between myself and all department heads, Lieutenant Ra'an included. The standard chain of command, and our mutual commitment to professionalism, should serve as the necessary buffer for official matters. I expect all interactions to be above reproach, and I will ensure they are. Lieutenant Ra'an is a capable Chief Science Officer, and she will be treated as such, with the same expectations and professional courtesies as any other department head."

My hope to explore a personal connection with Amila remains, but that is, and must be, entirely separate from my duties and hers aboard this ship. It will continue with discretion and while we are off-duty for now. Keir needed to know the potential existed, not to manage it for me, but to be aware...

"I trust your judgment, Keir, to observe and to inform me if you perceive any actual issues arising, either in perception or reality. Your role as First Officer inherently involves that oversight for the entire crew, including how the command team interacts. For now, I believe adhering to standard procedure and demonstrating unimpeachable professionalism is the most straightforward path."

Keir's perspective on these matters, especially the operational ones, will be vital. But for now, there's an immediate task for hir as acting FO...

"One other thing before you return to your duties: Doctor O'Fee mentioned on the bridge that she had some initial observations regarding crew members she'd like to speak with on a counselor basis. As First Officer, please liaise with her at your earliest convenience. Get her assessment, see if there are any immediate support needs we should be aware of, and report back to me. We need to ensure this crew feels supported, especially given the abruptness of this assignment."

That should be all for now, I could use a minute alone in here to collect my thoughts...

He straightened slightly, a subtle cue that the meeting was drawing to a close.  

"Let's leave it there for now, Commander. Keep me informed."

== Tag K. ==

[Keir 77]

Dismissed, how disappointing!

 Keir had been prepared for a number of possible reactions to hir suggestions but to have them and hirself dismissed in such a quick and cursory fashion was more than a little deflating to the new First Officer.

 Keir rose from hir chair as it seemed that the Commander had said all that he was going to. Despite the apparently high opinion that Ameen stated he had in hir, the conversation apparently was over as if all he had really wanted was to meet a StarFleet disclosure policy and then send hir packing. Keir already was aware that monitoring crew and officer behavior and morale was one of hir most important roles yet he reiterated that as well. As if he felt it necessary to go over the most basic of my responsibilities.

 Gathering hirself Keir, nodded hir head in understanding and acknowledged his commands.

 "I understand Commander; I will speak with Lieutenant O'Fee  and get started on that."

>>Bridge>>

[Morad Ameen]

The door slid shut, and Lieutenant Commander Keir was gone. Ameen let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. 

That conversation... it had been necessary, but not easy. Keir's smart, and hir points about how things might look with Amila weren't wrong. But putting her under Keir's direct command? No, that felt like it would just make things more complicated, shine a spotlight right where we don't want one to shine. And my hope to maybe see where things could go with Amila... that's for off-duty, if the chance ever comes. Keir knows now, that's what matters for Starfleet regs...

He walked over to the viewport, looking at the warp streaks. This veteran ship, the Zephyr, tried and true, was pushing hard for Trill. Forty hours. A lot can happen in forty hours. He needed to get his head straight, focus on the mission. The crew seemed to be stepping up, but they were still a new team on an unfamiliar ship. Just as he was thinking he really needed that second cup of coffee, the door chime sounded.

Who could that be now? He wondered, a little surprised. He thought he'd have a few more minutes for himself.

"Come in," he called out, turning from the viewport.

The door opened and a young woman in a Command maroon uniform, her rank insignia indicating Petty Officer Third Class. stepped in. She was a blonde with blue eyes, hair tied up in a neat high pony tail and she was holding a small stack of PADDs.

Well, hello. She's... very pretty, Ameen thought, just for a second. Classic beauty, almost. Like something out of an old Earth movie... Then Amila's face, her green skin and bright violet eyes, flashed in his mind. 

Right... ahem... Focus, Morad. Keep it professional now...

"Commander Ameen, Sir?" the Lieutenant said. Her voice was pleasant, with a friendly kind of accent, maybe from the American Midwest on Earth. "I'm Petty Officer Hannah Jensen, your assigned Yeoman. Sorry to disturb you right away, Sir. I was just making sure your office was set up correctly and finishing up with the last of the crew transfer logs."

As she talked, she moved over to the replicator like she knew exactly where everything was. 

"I checked your officer profile from the Titania for your usual coffee, Sir," she said, tapping at the controls. "And I also had a quick word with Captain Fields' Yeoman before we left DS9, just to make sure I had the latest. Colombian arabica, medium roast, splash of cream, no sugar. Is that still your preference?" She glanced at him, but it felt more like she was just confirming what she already knew. The replicator made a soft whir. Ameen grinned, amused.

Okay, so not only looks, but also brains. This one's on the ball, I'm impressed. She checked the official files, then double-checked with a person that knows me well. Good initiative. Very good...

Jensen got the steaming hot mug, put it on a coaster on his desk, and then offered him the PADDs.

"These are the first departmental readiness reports that have come in since we left, Commander," she explained. "And there's some standard transfer paperwork that needs your signature. I've marked the urgent ones on top."

She paused, and her professional manner softened just a bit. 

"Sir, we have a forty-hour trip to Trill. With all due respect, Commander, you'll need to get some rest if you're going to be at your best when we arrive. That's part of my job too, to help manage your schedule and make sure you're healthy and not overwhelmed. I can filter non-essential comms, if you'd like."

Morad was going to protest, but thought better of it. This was not a battle he was going to win...

She definitely knows what a yeoman is supposed to do, Ameen thought, taking the PADDs and then the coffee. The smell was perfect. Proactive. Already thinking ahead. Maybe this part of having a new command won't be so difficult after all... heck it may even be pleasant...

"Thank you, Yeoman Jensen," Ameen said, the warmth of the mug welcome in his hands. "Your thoroughness and care are appreciated. Welcome aboard the Zephyr."

"Thanks! " Hannah replied with a satisfied, cheerful smile. "I still have a few things to sort out with the support staff, but please don't hesitate to holler if you need anything." 

With a nod, she turned and exited the ready room, leaving Ameen, once again, alone with his thoughts.

Well, that was a pleasant surprise, Ameen mused as Jensen departed. A proactive, efficient yeoman that is also friendly and easy on the eyes... Might make a point to chat with her and get to know her properly later as we will be working closely together... 

His eyes fell on the PADDs. But first, this mountain. He sighed. The less glamorous side of command... ugh...

Some time later, the PADDs finally dealt with, Ameen leaned back and stretched, wincing slightly. He checked his chronometer. 

The shift is almost over. I guess it's time to get some rest like Hannah said...

With a sigh that was part fatigue, part resolve, he got up and made his way out of the ready room.

== Next Post: Bridge ==