<USS Avalon> Command Training 101- Dr. Felicity Roan (1st in a Series)

Command Training 101
-- a log by
Felicity Roan

Author's Note:  The information contained in this log should not be construed 
as Star Fleet official responses on any policy listed here.  This is only the 
innocent rambling of a poor Canadian girl who became a doctor and then had to 
face lots of people.

       Felicity finished her shift and prattled off the details of it to the 
relieving officer and made her way to the holodeck for her Command Training 
courses that were required by StarFleet protocols.  She had hoped to skip them; 
however, Captain Ketchum had insisted.  She was just thankful she didn't have 
to debrief the Captain during her shift.  She was terrified of his opinion.

       She approached the control console.  "Computer, load Command Training 
101.  Passcode Roan Beta Theta 12."

       The computer chirped, "Passcode accepted.  Please enter when ready."

       Felicity walked through the arches to a standard Star Fleet Academy 
classroom.  There were desks and a large table for the facilitator.  She found 
a 
seat and took out her course materials, "Computer, add students, facilitator 
and begin course."

       Sister Charisma appeared just then with 8 other students.  She had a 
maniacal grin on her face.  Felicity panicked.  "Computer, please change 
facilitator to a male, 30'ish with blonde hair, green eyes and less catholic 
attire."

       The computer compiled and the facilitator spoke.  "Good morning class, 
I'm Wesley Gunther and I'll be your instructor for the next 6 hours.  We'll 
be covering all of the information necessary for each of you to become bridge 
instructors.  There will be an exam at the conclusion of the course, so I 
suggest you take notes.  Any questions on the course or materials you were 
given 
before the course?"

       Wesley studied the room.  "Very well.  Let us begin with the basic 
guidelines.  Your role as a bridge officer is to act in the absence of Command 
Staff or to be Command Staff depending on your role and rank in a given 
situation.  You are not the Captain in most situations and as such, you should 
not 
decide to be The Sundance Kid and flagrantly disregard protocols.  Are there 
any 
questions on this rule?"

       The students silently shook their heads and Gunther smiled then 
continued.  "Let us begin the tactical portion of the course.  Have you 
memorized 
all 202 evasive patterns that are accepted under Star Fleet Protocols?"  He 
paused then laughed heartily.  "Umm, well I should hope not.  Each of you 
should 
adopt perhaps 10 to 15 that will best suit most situations.  Depending on what 
quadrant and what star system, if previously explored, these 10 to 15 could 
vary.  Make sure you are ready to adopt new ones quickly.  Also, should you 
find 
yourself in the Beta Quadrant, and for that I'm truly sorry, there are 
currently only 8 accepted patterns.  You should have these memorized at all 
times."

       Felicity glanced around and saw a lanky, man, building an airplane out 
of paper.  She sighed, realizing that she still had 5 hours and 56 minutes 
left of the torture.

       "Here is a holo projection model of the current accepted Evasive 
patterns for the Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma Quadrants.  Should you have to 
travel 
through a worm hole, no evasive pattern is available, just pray that the 
Profits don't pick you to be the next linear being of joy."  Again he laughed 
at 
some joke that was not present for the students.

       "Okay then.  That covers tactical patterns.  Next is when to attack 
versus when not to attack.  Any good theories on this one?"

       "Mr. Gunther, could you give us some parameters to use in making our 
theory?" said Sheila Timerson.  She was an eager to achieve type of Cadet.  You 
could see the thirst for power in her eyes.  Felicity sighed, wondering how 
to speed time up. 

       "Well Ms. Timerson, you find yourself in the Gamma Quadrant facing an 
alien that you've never faced, in a language you don't understand and they 
have powered up weapons.  What do you do?"  Wesley smiled at her.

       "Umm, well I would defer to the Captain of course.  Then, should the 
Captain not be available, the First Officer, followed by the Second Officer..."

       "Enough of your dazzling wit regarding Chain of Command Ms. Timerson, 
how about a decision.  In a real situation, you don't have this much time.  
Let's see if we can get you some assistance.  Mr. Lukely?"

       The gangly airplane builder look startled, "I would continue sending 
First Contact Messages in a rotation of languages and fire a warning shot of 
their port bow but not fire up the main weapons."

       "I see.  Well Mr. Lukely, when your crew is dead, they will thank you 
for at least trying to initiate First Contact.  Anyone else?  Ahhh, the good 
Lieutenant Roan, you've seen battle once or twice I imagine, what would you 
do?"

       The class collectively turned their glance to her.  She cursed her 
luck.  Why did she wear her Lieutenant Pips to the course?  What an idiot.  She 
just wanted to blend in.  With a gulp she opened her mouth to speak.  "Mr. 
Gunther, every First Contact situation is different from my experience.  In 
general, continuing to try and communicate with new races can prove 
unsuccessful 
unless you can find a median ground and language.  When you do, having 
something 
to offer them can prove effective.  Also, being at the ready with Shields and 
Weapons is always an advisable mode of operation from what I've seen.  You can 
never underestimate the capability of your enemy, even if they are not your 
enemy yet."  The polish on her boots was in need of redoing.  She sighed again.

       "Ahh, I see.  Well you have offered some interesting banter and 
theory.  While it's not the more accurate of responses, I'm inclined to allow 
it, 
since you have field experience to back up your words.  In general, the policy 
is to NOT fire on new races until communication has been established, unless 
you are fired on first or cannot establish their weapon technology.  Any 
questions?"

       She felt the glare from 8 Cadets on her back.  Would the torture never 
end? As soon as these courses were over...

(To be continued...)

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