Evaluating Big Red

Posted on Sun Jul 21, 2019 @ 10:48pm by Commodore Michael Aravan & Captain Madelina Weisz

Mission: Refits and Reviews
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD 7 || 0900 Hours

It had been a week since the Triumphant had been at Deep Space 10 with the crew on rotations for shore leave aboard the station. Unfortunately, that was the extent of their shore leave since the ship was being refitted and Michael couldn't afford to let them go to Bajor or through the wormhole near Deep Space 9.

After reviewing another refit and the problems associated with it, the Commodore put his terminal on standby and reached for a PADD. It was that time for his crew and he knew they weren't going to like it. Especially the first one.

Michael tapped his combadge. =^=Captain Weisz to the ready room, please.=^=

Maddy stood on the bridge when the call came through, overseeing some repairs that were being made. "On my way, sir," she said to Michael, then looked at those present. "Keep working, and I expect to see some progress made by the time I return." With that, she turned on her heel and moved to the ready room, but instead of tapping the chime and waiting to be granted entry, the redhead walked inside. After all, the Commodore did summon her, which meant she was expected to show up. "You wished to see me?"

"I did," Michael said from his seat at the table where her personnel file with everything from her Academy days to the present were listed. "Would you like a cup of coffee or something else to drink, Captain?"

A stiff drink would be nice, she thought, but shook her head. "No, thank you. Have we gotten our orders already?"

"No, we haven't, but it's evaluation time again and you're at the top of the list, Maddy. Have a seat and let's begin. Please state your name, rank and Starfleet ID number for the computer."

Maddy resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She knew exactly what she'd been called in for. Was it time for crew evaluations already? Given that he'd summoned her, that would be a yes. "Madelina Weisz, Captain, SC1-978-897563."

The Commodore could almost see the eye roll that his XO must have been resisting. "We both know what time it is and that this is only a formality, Maddy, so please don't bite me or throw your pips at me again."

He began to review her record, only pausing to ask relevant questions once in a while up to the mission with the Thasian. "Where Zahara is concerned. Do you feel you did the right thing?"

"Which part are you referring to, Commodore?" the redhead asked in return. "Because, I recall a few things that I did during that time, and nearly dying is the one that stands out to me the most. I'm fairly certain that isn't the thing you're speaking of, though."

"No, but that was one of the more memorable instances," Michael allowed. "I refer to you convincing me to not expel her from the ship permanently."

"I do feel I did the right thing. After all, Zahara hadn't interacted with any species on board this ship before that moment, and deserved the opportunity to redeem herself. Do you feel the wrong choice was made?" she countered.

"Not at all or she wouldn't be an acting Ensign on the ship," Michael responded. "Now for your evaluation of my decisions. Feel free to speak freely."

"You're asking me to evaluate you?" Maddy asked with an arched brow.

"You're my Executive Officer, Maddy," he said. "Part of your role is to grill me in my decisions. Have I failed you or the ship as part of my decisions?"

"I don't think you've failed any of us, though, I have disagreed with some choices you might have made. It isn't because they were the wrong ones, however, but more because I've become jaded over the years. Life in space has made me a skeptical individual."

"I think it's in your nature to be skeptical, but it's a good trait for an Executive Officer to have, Maddy," Michael told her. "And I value you highly as my Exec."

"Perhaps it is in my nature, but I wouldn't say it's a good trait to have," Maddy stated. "I'm leery of everyone. Sometimes, even our own crew."

"In light of recent events with the Chameloids, it's understandable," Michael said as he finished his coffee. "What do you feel should be the next steps we should take to improve moral and efficiency?"

"Improving moral is better suited for our Morale Officer, isn't it? I mean, I can't see myself stepping into such a role given how the majority of the crew views me," the redhead replied. "However, I'm all for trying to toss out ideas to see what may, and may not, work."

"What about efficiency ratings? I know we're doing good in that department, but there's always room for improvement," he said. "Do you think we should do split shifts? Work four hours on, four off and switch with the second half of the shift."

Maddy looked thoughtful for a moment. "I really don't see a need for split shifts on a regular basis. If things are chaotic, and the crew are working round the clock, then split shifts would be required to allow everyone the opportunity to rest."

"Valid points all, Captain," Michael responded. "Do you have any recommendations that you'd like to make?"

"Yes. I'd like to recommend that Lieutenant Tetanal be promoted for her stellar performance," the redhead replied.

"Agreed," the Commodore responded. "That was on the list of things I wanted to go over with you. What do you think of the other personnel?"

"Have you spoken to Major Petrova?" the redhead asked.

"Not since the wedding," Michael said honestly. "I'm sure there's reports you've given me, but I can't think of any specifics about her recently. Did I miss something important?" With his tumor removed and the attempt on his life which had killed him for a few moments and the attempts of Admiral O'Connell to take his crew, it made sense he didn't remember much.

"She's asked the Colonel for an extended leave of absence after what happened aboard the Apollo, and he's granted it. I've seen my fair share of things throughout my career, but I've never had to witness one of my people be vaporized right before my eyes."

Michael frowned. "I know that the Marines have their own chain of Command, but it would be nice to be informed when one of the ones on my ship decides to take a leave."

Maddy could understand where the head honcho was coming from. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I found out through a report. It's in one of the ones I'm sure you haven't had a chance to read yet."

"Thanks," he said. "Who's in charge of that position now?" he asked her.

"That would be your brother," she replied.

"Gage? He's only a Second Lieutenant and he's been put as the Marine XO?"

"Do you know anyone who would be better suited for the role? Major Petrova is the one who recommended him. She thinks very highly of your brother."

"I know, but he doesn't really have any command experience," Michael said with a sigh. He didn't want his gung ho little brother flexing muscles that he wasn't familiar with before it was time. He had just became an officer and now this? He'd have to sit down and talk with him.

Maddy understood where he was coming from, and knew he's handle a situation if one arose, but she had faith in the younger Aravan. "Don't think Major Petrova will just toss your brother into the deep end without some kind of guidance. She's smarter than that. And what better way for him to further his career than by getting some command experience under his belt? I believe Gage can do it, but we also don't know if he wants to do it."

"I know, but he's my brother and I promised our folks that I'd look after him once he wouldn't be talked out of joining the Marines," Michael said. "Any how, that's beyond the topic of conversation and meeting. You're a fine officer, Maddy, and I don't want to lose you."

His words caused her to raise a brow. "What do you mean you don't want to lose me, Michael? Where in the world did that come from?"

"I just had to put that out there," he said. "You're a damned fine Executive Officer."

"That was a bit too random for my liking. I know there was an Admiral sniffing around. I know that because he came to me while I was in Bake My Day a couple of days ago," she said. "And, he told me he spoke to Master Chief Barnes as well."

"I know," Michael said. "He ordered me not to say anything." The Commodore watched his redheaded second for a moment since she didn't tell him what had transpired between her and O'Connell. "Have you made a decision?"

"I figured as much, and I didn't want to bring anything up about it given your recovery," Maddy stated, tilting her head to the side. She'd get to the question regarding her decision shortly, but there was something far more pressing she needed an answer to. "How are you feeling?"

"Well enough to put on my uniform and ask the hard questions," he said as he watched her like a Argellian Hawk.

It didn't go unnoticed by her that he was basically staring through her. He wanted his answer, and clearly didn't want to wait for it any longer than necessary. Maddy needed to put the poor man out of his misery. "I have made a decision," she began, leaning back in her chair, taking a more relaxed position. "And, I have decided that I'm not going to be leaving the ship. I've already given Admiral O'Connell my decision on the matter. However, I can't guarantee my answer will be the same next time H.Q. decides to send someone my way. After all, there will only be so many chances I can shoot brass down before it becomes an order and I'm made to do it."

Michael relaxed his gaze and sighed. "Good, because I'd hate to lose you, Maddy," he said and meant it. "One day, you'll make a great commander of your own ship."

"And that day isn't today. So, does that mean you'll stop looking at me like I'm about to send your best friend out of an airlock?"

"I will and I just want to say that I love you, Maddy. You're a good friend and a great Exec," he said candidly. "I'd be lost without you by my side on the bridge."

"I love you, too, Michael. You're one of my closest friends. Hell, you're practically family, and I would do anything for you, Spencer and the kids," the redhead said, getting to her feet to move over to him. She took his hand in hers and gave it a tug in an effort to get him to his feet. "I plan to stick around for a long time to come."

"Want to go out for drinks after shift?" He asked her as he came to his feet.

Once he was on his feet, Maddy leaned in to hug him. Michael really was one of her best friends, and she couldn't leave him now even if she wanted to. Especially not after what happened. "Absolutely. You've got some things to fill me in on."

Michael smiled and returned the hug. "It seems you have some things to fill me in on, too," he said. "For now, let's start seeing what the condition of the ship is in and what we're going to do next."

Maddy gestured toward the door. "You lead the way, and I'll fill you in on the things that happened while you were recovering."

With a nod, he released her and headed for the door. "Computer, lock out any transports in and out of this office until further notice," he ordered with a grin and a glance at his bonsai tree which sat on his desk.