Command Evaluation - Kaylen Pt 1

Posted on Fri Jul 9th, 2021 @ 6:23am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Remal Kajun

It was funny how after a day of relaxation the universe seemed to throw a curveball that took all that relaxation and good vibes and turned them on their ear. As Captain Rhenora was used to a hectic lifestyle, always something on the go or someone who needed something, yet when the attention was focused on herself, she was uncomfortable. The thought of the recert and psychological evaluation was enough to send shivers through her body, a silver thread of dread that coursed through her veins like a poison. She knew the feeling was unfounded and that every officer with bridge officer status would be undergoing the same testing - but still it felt - harsh. Then again war takes an unseen toll on many many people, making them question their judgement, even their sanity sometimes so she could understand the principle and the rationale behind it.

With a deep sigh and a small hint of trepidation she went to find Remal and fill him in.

Their day together of quiet relaxation, walking, talking, that was yesterday done and gone. This new day brought with it, 3 crew members with PTSD, 2 with marital problems, 1 with an odd obsession with anthromophisising their tricorder and 1 who just wanted to talk about their cat. It was a strange bit of sessions, but he was always there and always happy to listen when they wished to talk.

It was nearing the end of the day as he filed away his data PADDs with all of his little notes, when she walked in. He looked up with a crooked smile, “Did you schedule a session?”

“ Not me personally, but it looks like Command have… several in fact” She smiled ruefully as she handed him the padd that contained all the data. “ It appears the entire command team is up for evaluation and recertification”

He took the PADD and read over the orders carefully before addressing any issues, “Looks pretty straight forward, though slightly unnecessary. I don’t believe we’ve had anyone on board who has failed in their task as a Command officer. I do immediately have one concern though.” He left his statement open ended as he continued to peer at the PADD and not her.

“ And….?” She prompted, fearing that his unspoken fear may be about her slightly wonky and sometimes barely functioning moral compass.

He cleared his throat, “I see here this is to be performed by the primary counselor on board and overseen by your XO. But with Aurora on leave and your XO slash counselor already in place, that leaves it up to me. I can manage everyone else I think, but I’m not sure if it poses a conflict of interest for me to oversee your eval.” He knew he could be objective, even with her, but he had never had to for an official record before.

She pondered the situation for a few moments “ I can ask Commander Savar to oversee the evaluation before we submit it - to ensure there is no conflict, or ask Aurora to sit in maybe?” She pondered “Command have never had an issue with it in the past though”

He sighed, “I would be happy to be your impartial counterpart. When is this supposed to take place? I’ll have to brush up on the regulations and any rules that we should abide by.”

“ They want everyone done by the end of the week, I can forward a full set of the requirements and rules to you. I’ve scheduled one evaluation per day to allow for adequate preparations and the like” She continued, handing him another padd with all the details on it.

“So, who is on the docket first?” He looked up at her from his desk, knowing full well the answer was probably her.

“ 0900 hours tomorrow morning, one slightly salty, possibly somewhat maybe a little wonky wife of yours” There was a moment of conflict that flashed across her features, she wanted to get it over and done with to set a good example yet was dreading it at the same time.

“Fair. At least you will have had your first cup of coffee before we begin.” He smiled a warm smile and stood. “I will get with Savar about how we go about setting up an evaluation fit for your particular talents.” He walked around his desk, his work done for the evening. “Hungry? Walk with me?”

“ Always hungry, I had no idea something the size of a rice grain could sap so much energy” She snorted, looping her arm through his and falling into step with him

As they casually strolled down the hall he thought it prudent to ask a few lead-in questions. "First, I think you should be aware that while a few of the 500 plus members of this crew were shaken by the fighting with the Dominion, most are handling things pretty well. I, of course, can't speak for everyone, including yourself."

“I’m very glad to hear that. Sometimes a rehash with an old foe tends to reopen wounds most people thought healed” Rhenora admitted sadly.

"And second," he continued "as a member of her crew I would like to know from our leaders if this is to be an everyday thing or do you feel this fight was a one time thing? You know, for the comforting of the psychologically damaged among us."

“I believe it to be a one time, we were sent to ascertain the status of the Dominion empire post war, I think we can safely say that they are in smaller numbers, and are prone to the odd skirmish. We can advise Starfleet to consider this region off limits which should prevent most future altercations” She hadn’t realised that she’d slipped back into Captain mode, rather than a conversation with her husband about the welfare of the crew.