March 2007 - Post Selection (1)

ON: Security Brief

Day: 9, Time: 1702hrs, Scene: USS Dark Matter Security Office

Lieutenant V'Rra looked around the assembled security, and gave a long sigh. "Introductions then, I know who you are though I will be taking a chance to get to know each of you as and when I can. For now though, and for those who don't know, I am Lieutenant V'Rra, your new CSO. I appreciate that my name is difficult for some of you to pronounce so feel free to address me as sir, ma'am, Lieutenant, Vra, and so on as appropriate. Other than that I think it is important to state that I blame no one for the attack in the lounge. There was no forewarning of it, nothing to expected. Sergei(npc), you couldn't have prevented it and you acted correctly. I want it clear that there are no recriminations for this, understood?"

A chorus of "Yes'm"'s echoed back from the group, and V'Rra nodded. "Good. Now that that's out of the way I do have a few comments and additions to policy. From now on, all security carry phasers set to stun at all times, even off duty. If a situation comes up where we're needed I don't want people running back to quarters or in here to collect weaponry. I'll speak to the Captain about this to get his view but I am not willing to have my people defenceless should we be taken by surprise again. If that woman had been carrying something other than a knife it could have been a lot worse."

Again she waited for acknowledgement from her officers, and allowed herself a smile as she received it.

"Now then, the last piece of unpleasantness to sort out. Obviously you've formed a good team and some of you may feel that I'm coming in to usurp that. I have no intention of trying to change things purely for the sake of change. I'm impressed by the way you work and you all seem competent. However there are a few things I do want to bring in. I have booked two slots in the holodeck each week, for an hour apiece. Each of you needs to make one of those two slots, one where you are not on duty. These sessions will be for training and practice in the basics, particularly teamwork and threat awareness. I have studied some exercises from various cultures and adopted some of the training they used to use, including something called 'paint-balling' and 'laser tag'. There are others, but these will likely be most familiar to the majority of you. If you think you have something to add to this, please let me know."

She waited for a moment, then shrugged. "Feel free to add suggestions later if you wish. Other things to note are that shift patterns will not be changing, I will be adding myself on a rolling shift pattern to provide extra cover on the busier shifts. If any of you want to take a shift off, let me know and I'll arrange something."

"Finally, and I hope this isn't going to be an issue but I have had problems in the past, if any of you feel that because of my species or my build I am unsuitable to command you, please address them to me in private and I will do what I can to dissuade you of them."

As her officers left the office to go about their appointed tasks, Ensign Munro(npc) approached her. With an internal sigh she turned to address him. "Yes Ensign?"

Surprisingly his Tennessee accent was actually noticeable, a slight drawl as he spoke. She hadn't noticed it before. "Well ma'am, nothing against you or your species, but you're somewhat known for being rather..." he trailed off, trying to work out how to put his concern without being offensive.

"Pacifistic? Yes, I know. I have my own reasons not to be which I may one day discuss with you. However if you doubt my ability to perform in this role because of my species' reputation I would like to point out that before they became...civilized, my ancestors were hunters. I am quite capable of necessary violence, despite the indoctrination all Caitians receive during childhood."

Ensign Munro nodded, still looking uncertain. V'Rra gave a quiet sigh. "I have an appointment with the counsellor in a short while Ensign, then a cardio check-up with medical, however if necessary I can take a few moments to demonstrate to you that I am quite capable in security."

The ensign looked almost relieved. "Sorry ma'am, its not personal but I was always brought up that you put up or shut up." He broke off as he realized what he had said, but V'Rra gave a purring laugh.

"A good philosophy, as far as it goes. Shall we adjourn to the holodeck for a short demonstration?"

OFF:

Lieutenant V'Rra
Chief Security Officer
USS Dark Matter