Marcus stood in his ready room, hands clasped behind his back, face turned towards the view of Cardassia out his tiny window. He’d stood to take a break from writing his report to Starfleet, and to take a look at the planet below. Now he was lost in thought, reflecting on their shakedown cruise.

The Truckee had been given the simple task of delivering some diplomats to Cardassia. Along the way, they were supposed to gently test the warp core and a few other systems that had been upgraded in the shipyard. Marcus had expected to blast a few asteroids in deep space, maybe scan some benign stellar phenomena. Instead, they’d pushed their core the limit before it was ready, engaged in combat with a pirate ship, and used a nebula to hide an ally to gain a combat advantage. Technically, they had fully tested all the systems they’d needed to test. Also, technically, they hadn’t performed any of their shakedown tasks according to proper procedure. This was not the type of report Starfleet wanted to receive from a brand new captain.

Marcus sighed. Nothing to be done about it now. He certainly wasn’t going to lie on his first report as captain. He’d stick to the facts, which to be fair, were at least on his side. All systems functioning properly. All crew alive. Pirates apprehended, turned over to allies. Diplomats delivered. “I suppose,” Marcus mused, “it could be worse.”

The door chimed.

“Enter” Marcus called out, then turned to face the door as it slid open and his XO walked in.

Commander Aldiib nodded a curt hello as he strode up to the captain’s desk. “Here are the final reports from each department head, regarding the shakedown testing. In the future, you’ll have them sooner than this. I gave some… training.” Peldun’s pause and inflection caught Marcus’ attention.

“What kind of training?” Marcus asked, taking the PADDs from Peldun’s outstretched hand.

“Well, as you know, your department heads are all new to their position. Some are quite green. I simply gave them some guidance on how I wanted their reports written and structured. In the Romulan navy, it would’ve been discipline. Here, I believe it’s called ‘professional development.'” Peldun allowed the briefest of tight-lipped smiles. “Trust me on this one sir, you’d thank me if you saw some of the first drafts.”

Marcus nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll take your word for it, commander. Thank you.” He took a seat, then gestured to the other chair. “Sit down a minute, let’s talk.”

Once Commander Aldiib had settled across from Marcus, he continued. “We had a very abrupt introduction commander, what with the pirates and all. I just wanted to take a minute to get to know each other.”

Peldun nodded, but said nothing, so Marcus continued. “Obviously, we’ve read each other’s service jacket. My guess is that we have different leadership styles. We also come from very different backgrounds. To be honest, that’s exactly why I requested you as my XO. I think we can compliment each other’s strengths, and shore up respective weaknesses. Some of this crew, as you mentioned, is a bit green. They need to see leadership from a few different angles. We’re going to give it to them.”

Peldun considered Marcus’ words before speaking. “Is there anything specific you’d like from me, captain? You didn’t object to my training of the department heads, so I’ll continue in that vein. Other requests…?” Peldun trailed off.

“No, not at the moment. I did appreciate your quick insight and ideas with regards to the pirates back there, though. That was good work. That’s exactly the kind of help I need. We’re not at war for the moment – thank goodness – but there are still dangers out there. I’m going to do my best to keep us out of trouble, but your experience will be invaluable in getting out of any trouble we find.” Marcus took a moment to think about what the next military hurdle the Federation might face. He shuddered to think.

“Very well captain.” Peldun stood. Apparently, he thought the conversation had run its course. “The diplomats have beamed down to Cardassia and reported that they are settled. Our mission here is complete. Should I set a new course?”

“No, not yet. Allow the crew to rotate to the surface if they desire – and if the Cardassian authorities don’t object. But keep them on a relatively short leash. We’re still waiting on our next assignment, but I don’t want to wait long for the crew to recall if it’s something urgent.” Marcus stood to match Peldun. “Oh and, in private, you may call me Marcus. Well, if it’s casual conversation. I mean, just not a professional argument. Or, ” Marcus sighed at his verbal stumbling and stopped. “I think you know what I mean. I’m still your captain, but I want an open dialogue between us.”

Commander Peldun considered Captain Beardsly’s words silently, then nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. Respectfully, I prefer ‘commander’ for now. If that is all sir, I will draft up a liberty rotation for the crew.”

“Very well. Dismissed, commander.”

After Peldun had exited the captain’s ready room, Marcus shook his head slightly. Had he misjudged the commander? Marcus expected former Romulan navy officers to keep their superiors at arms length, potentially distrustful and for fear of a knife in the back, but Peldun Aldiib had been in Starfleet for 17 years now. Surely he would have let some of that go? Time would tell. Marcus hoped to have the close relationship with Peldun that he’d had with his captain back when he was XO. He had benefited greatly from her guidance and leadership, and Marcus liked to think he’d earned his keep as well.

Marcus sat back down in his chair, and turned back to his computer console. Picking up the small stack of PADDs he’d received from the XO, he began to read. He loaded them as attachments onto his official report to Starfleet Command, made a few edits to his own writing, and hit send. Done. His first mission report as a captain of a starship. Marcus felt better already. Surely, admirals are less nitpicky about captain’s reports than they are about their aides’ reports? Marcus had thankfully dodged that kind of assignment, but he’d heard horror stories from his friends who spent a rotation or two back at Starfleet Command, working for the top brass. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough,” he mused…