#25 Taking control

Posted on Mon Aug 24th, 2020 @ 4:55pm by

Mission: Character Development
Location: Security Dept.
Timeline: current

ON:

Walking into Security proper Liza was not surprised to find most of the staff standing around trying to decide who was going to do what. I did this yesterday, so you get it today, blah-blah-blah, stuff like that. "Hey guys, I'm new here. Where do you want me?" She decided to play a bit.

The man who had been arguing about patrolling the far lower decks gave a grin as he tapped on a PADD and then tried to hand it over to Kahn. "We need you to do a walking patrol of the machinery areas in the lower decks."

"Who's in charge," asked Liza.

"Currently, that would be Lieutenant Kordell." A female ensign answered. "He's checking out an internal sensor node on deck seven. WE got what you need, Miss...?"

"Lieutenant Kelliza Kahn, assigned as Security-Tactical Chief," answered Liza. She produced her own palm PADD and handed it over for them to verify. "Please, move with your usual speed. That way I know who I need to replace." All their eyes bugged out a bit having been caught doing things 'their' way rather than the Starfleet way. Liza was not opposed to a personal approach to Security, and not opposed to bending rules when circumstances called for it. However, this Security department was in need of a serious refit. Systemic; top to bottom.

"Ensign Sarah York, Sir." One identified.

"Lieutenant JG, David Washburn, Sir." That's two.

The others introduced themselves in order around the room, left to right.

"This is the saddest Security department I have ever seen. Jim Kirk is rolling in his grave, people." Time to start off strong as a leader before becoming chummy as the respect for her grew. "And yes, I knew him personally." A brief memory flitted through her mind and she gave a half grin. "All you ladies ever heard about Kirk...true." There were female chuckles around the room. "The man knew how to please." Another snide grin backed by more chuckles from everyone. Liza switched gears to get back on track. "I want this department to shine, folks. All of us, every one, will train hard and improve our reaction times and combat skills. Less than 80% on the phaser range you sit at a desk. We will all cover patrols, in pairs, when our number comes up. That includes myself. As the Chief I will be busy most days with command staff, hence my red shirt. As a department head I am Command Division. Anyone have issue with that?"

Washburn spoke up. "Makes us feel like you don't wanna be here, Sir. Like you're looking to rise elsewhere."

Kahn gave him a look as her head tilted. "Seriously? That's how sensitive you are? As a department head I am Command Division, according to all Starfleet protocols. I could wear gold, sure, but I've lived that route several times. Now, I choose red even as Security Chief, since I've earned that right. Not only now, in this host, but as the CO of the USS Sovereign. I got used to the color." She then stepped in toe-to-toe with this Washburn, having to look up into his eyes since he was around six feet tall. "I will never treat you lot any different as your supervisor. If I won't do it, why should I ask someone else to?" She stepped off and spun a slow circle to address all who were present. "This is how I will dress. Get used to it, accept it, or ask for a transfer. It is not an affront to you folks as Security. I wore my gold in Engineering, Operations and Security. Not to mention red as a Flight Control officer, and then commanding a starship. Can we alla ccept that?" She looked around at the faces, finally resting her gaze on Washburn.

David Washburn shook his head and chuckled. "Since you put it that way, Lieutenant, I'm sure I can adjust. Apologies if I offended."

"No offense taken, Lieutenant Washburn," answered Kahn, with a half-smile. "I am going into my eighth life and did my time in the mud and blood. Thank you for making this transition easier. All of you," her eyes went around the room as she nodded to them all in greeting and acknowledgement. "There will be changes, you will be exhausted, but in time we will hone this precinct into a well-oiled machine. I don't want to see marines doing our jobs for us. Any Security they do, from now on, comes through me or it doesn't happen. It is our job...no, OUR DUTY to keep people safe, and we will do that with all due professionalism. Whatever assignments have been handed out please go and do your duty. The changes I have in mind will take a few days to implement, so at that time there will be shift changes and new duty rosters. Thank you all for your patience." Walking towards her office Liza tossed back over her shoulder. "Lieutenant Washburn, see to duty assignments." She went into her office and disappeared.

OFF: