05-19-2025, 01:57 PM
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. ==
"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. ==