Airing of Grievances

Posted on 18 Aug 2018 @ 7:37pm by Commander Juan Zamora (Dec [CDO]-Jan 2389 - TRSNFR to Gorn Dip.) & Lieutenant Junior Grade Saatynn (Jan 2389 TRNSFR After Second Battle of XFY)
Edited on on 19 Aug 2018 @ 5:52am

Mission: Ka Hakaka Maikaʻi - The Good Fight
Location: XO's office
Timeline: Shortly after Scientific Minds

Saatynn was livid, he had been assigned by Starfleet to be the assistant chief of Science and he got here and a damned logical Vulcan demoted him to Xenobiologist. Sure, that was his primary specialty, but he had spent years doing that, and this was his chance to change that.

That very event was what lead to him standing here in front of the XO's office, waiting for the man to answer his pressing of the chime

Juan was working on his third coffee for the day, processing personnel files. At the sound of the buzzer he slid his PADD into a drawer and announced: "Enter." He glanced quickly over to check his appearance, reflected in the window, and seeing everything was in place, clasped his hands together on the empty desktop.

Saatynn entered, coming to attention in front of the desk. He tried to put on his best emotionless Vulcan face, but he was ultimately failing, and had a little smirk on his face. "Lieutenant Saatynn, sir. I need to discuss the actions of my department chief with you."

"You do?" Juan hid his surprise, though perhaps it would still be apparent in the order of his statements. "At ease Lieutenant" he said, before gesturing to the chairs in front of the desk. "Take a seat and explain to me what brings you here today."

Saatynn took a seat, "I went to report in to Commander Tolkath, and simply because I could not fully explain the position of assistant chief, he relegated me to Xenobiology. If you remember my transfer orders I was transferred here to be the assistant chief."

"I remember Lieutenant" Juan assured. "However, Commander Tolkath does have authority to structure his department. And, I must admit, being unable to explain the duties of a position you are about to take up is rather concerning. In addition..." Juan reached into a drew out the PADD he had just set aside, fishing up Saatynn's record, "You are seemingly short on experience. 4 years as a general science officer in a single posting isn't exactly an extensive set of qualifications. I can perhaps see some of Mr. Tolkath's reasoning, but, somebody seems to have had enough faith in you to approve you for the position on you transfer. So," he looked a question at the junior officer, "What do you have to say in your defense?"

"I was able to explain it. He didn't like my explanation of the position apparently." Saatynn rolled his eyes, "typical Vulcan."

"I will agree with you on that matter, Mr. Tolkath is very much a typical Vulcan." Juan Replied. "As such, he is not likely to do something like demote a person without having a justification. For now we will set aside his actions, there will be time enough to review them later. Consider this your second interview for the position of assistant chief science officer, you have come to me asking for this position with two years less experience though half the postings of an average officer in such a position. And you apparently did not inspire the confidence of your supervisor. If you can give a solid explanation of an assistant chief's duties, show me. I want you to explain to me why I should bring you onto this ship as an assistant department head." He leaned forward slightly as he waited for an answer.

"The assistant chief of any department is much like the Executive officer of the ship. A department is, in that effect, much like a miniature ship. The job of the assistant chief is, simply put, to be a go between, between the junior officers and the chief." Saatynn said. "They need to be able to manage duty rosters, supply order statuses, as well as decide what need to be taken to the chief and what doesn't. They're also there to help settle disputes amongst the department.

Juan nodded along with Saatyn's explanation. "True, true, that is indeed a reasonable overview of an assistant department head's role, but rather generic. What added aspects might be expected for the assistant head of the science department in particular."

"Managing assignments of various projects handed down from the command team and helping to distribute them to whoever might be most effective. As well as helping to man the bridge station, and being the one in charge of the department during battle stations."

"You Seem able to do your research Mr. Saatynn." Juan Stated. "That is mostly correct, among the more important duties of the assistant chief Science officer is overseeing the department's current projects, and providing for the maintenance of ongoing experiments. And you gave this same full explanation to Mr. Tolkath, He won't contradict you when I ask for his version of events?"

"I gave him the more generalized version, as he didn't explicitly ask me to name science related duties. I pulled a Vulcan on the Vulcan, as the saying goes, gave him exactly what he asked for.

"I see." Juan said, arching an eyebrow. "Now, Can you tell me how it is you came to land in this position, despite being seemingly under-qualified for it? Outstanding scores at the academy? A theoretical breakthrough? You pulled all the right strings? What was it that brought you to the Hawaii in the first place?"

"I might've had a few favors to call in. I know a few admirals, scored well enough to get some senior officers on my side in the transfers department." Saatynn chuckled, "my unique emotional philosophy has also garnered me some attention."

"No doubt" Juan commented. "As a member of the diplomatic corps I can recognize that it takes skill to use influence."

"It wasn't too hard myself, just a couple of calls, maybe a word or two."

Juan felt that was perhaps a touch smug, he'd been to loose with his praise. "It may take some skill to use influence properly, but in this situation I wouldn't be too proud of it." He admonished. "Can you assure me your scientific skills are up to standard. This ship is going to war, and we can not afford to carry around an officer who who can't pull their weight."

"If they're not, feel free to drop me off at the nearest M class planet." Saatynn joked.

"I'll take you up on that." Juan said. "Produce a report for me on the weaknesses of Gorn physiology, one I can give to our Marines to study. If it lands on my desk in 10 days or less and passes muster, I'll reinstate your position pending a review at the end of our current mission. Does that sound workable?"

"Yes sir, it does. Permission to be dismissed to begin working?" Saatynn sounded somewhat eager to get to work.

"Good to hear, permission granted." Juan replied.