59 replies to this topic

[Solok]

Hey, Parker, long time no see. For a moderator, I suppose I spend too little time here -- but I just noticed that you're listing yourself as Acting CO of the Victory. Congrats! Is it all you hoped for?

To keep this in line with the topic, and to avoid some grumpy moderator (like myself) from telling us to keep on topic, I'll also suggest the following, new, general conversation topic: What are our thoughts on moving PCs who've served primarily as Counselors or MOs into command positions? Playing the CMO of the Kodiak, I'd like to think it was a good idea -- but, then again, there are no canon examples (to my knowledge). Thoughts?

Congrats again, Parker.

[e-critter]

Thanks, it's great being the King ...

As for canon samples of doctor's taking command, Doctor Crusher did take command in the final episode of TNG. Her command was a medical ship, but it does show that it is possible.

As for Megan, I'm planning on her commanding a purely scientific vessel doing medical/science survey missions. Of course conflict will always be a part of our universe, but I want to put the science back into it.

And I'm sure you'll be getting a command some day too. Perhaps we can do a joint post with our two ships then.

[Captain Robin Phoenix]

I was counselor for the largest time of "my" career here at UFOP.
However, I have every intention of Captaining my "own" ship some day

And you know what that means... we have to start planning our joint posts j/l

[Solok]

And I'm sure you'll be getting a command some day too.  Perhaps we can do a joint post with our two ships then. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, Parker. I'm still keen on the Mercy vessel idea -- Olympic class medical ship -- so, if that ever pans out (not any time soon, I'm sure), there ought to be lots of ground for joint mission overlap.

I do remember Crusher-Picard captaining the USS Pasteur in the final episode of TNG, now that you mention it. Don't know how that slipped my mind.

By the way, Phoenix, I think Adml Hollis was a counselor for the bulk of his time before command, as well. Good luck on that route!

So, it's been established, both in Trek canon as well as UFOP history, that counselors and/or MOs can make it to command. Do we think that they have something special to offer as COs, however? While we might want to argue that EVERY post on a ship can offer something unique in a command situation, I'm curious both as to what, in particular, counselors/MOs might offer, and as to how what they offer might differ from what those other folks have to give.

[e-critter]

Not really sure on that one.

Engineering Officers have a better understanding of the ship and how it will respond, Tactical Officers are better equiped to handle combat situations, Operations Officers will make sure the ship runs at top efficieny, Science Officers will be keen on exploration.

Now Medical Officers and Counselors may be more in tune with dealing with people and how they will react and what they can and can't do. I think that would give us a unique advantage ... just my opinion.

Edited by e-critter, 11 January 2005 - 12:35 PM.

[Deran Beq]

My character of Deran is CO of a ship in another organization. Despite the UFoP placing her in a medical position on the Steadfast, she is a counseler character. She was counselor on the Einstein before becoming the CO and is currently serving as Station counselor on DS9 (another org).

Deran took the promotion after the former CO had to return to her home planet (the mun had to take care of real life). She was surprised by the sudden thrust into position, but she took it well and I believe the crew is happy that she has been given the Command of their ship. As a counselor, she does know how to work with people. All Starfleet Counselers are trained in Administration, great for knowing the officers and crew who work for them and an idea of what they do. They also, and this is important, must attend the class of Persuasion. This is helpful in dealing with diplomatic missions. It helps a CO to understand how to read people and how to basically influence them to Federation laws.

Edited by Deran Beq, 11 January 2005 - 04:06 PM.

[Solok]

Not to open an old wound, but ... individual differences aside, do you think that people trained in medicine and/or counseling would be generally more inclined to attempt to resolve conflicts without violence? I know that Starfleet is a largely peaceful organization, but there are many officers more than willing to rush into battle.

I'm reminded of the ancient Vulcan proverb, "Diplomacy for Kirk was a phaser and a smirk."

[e-critter]

Generally I'd have to say yes .. but each person will still have their own individual personalities. So anyone could be more hostile or passive no matter the background.

[Rocar Drawoh]

I think someone who's spent time saving lives as a medical officer probably became a medical officer to save live... thus it stands to reason they'd put lives first where as someone from a security background might put security first.

[Solok]

I am inclined to agree.

[e-critter]

I am inclined to agree.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With who?

[Captain Robin Phoenix]

Both of your stories have strong points.

There, how's that for a diplomatic answer

[Solok]

Nicely done, Phoenix. Diplomacy, all the way.

Actually, though, I was agreeing with RD (sorry, Parker). Although the warmongering physician is not inconceivable, it seems to me that there will be a higher percentage of persons concerned primarily with saving lives in medical, only secondarily concerned with other matters (such as security). That said, the MOs in UFOP all have different stories; some characters are doctors first, Starfleet second -- some are not. And far be it from me to tell other people how to play their characters!

[e-critter]

Hey, I said that first ... then I talked about individuality ...

[Solok]

Sorry about the plagiarism, Parker. But when you're right, you're right.

[e-critter]

Sorry about the plagiarism, Parker.  But when you're right, you're right.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And I usually am

[Lee2334]

As someone who saw a theripst as a teenager I had two "Counsellors" One wh I talked with and he helped me with problems then after his meeting he would go talk to another "Counsellor" who would then talk to me and prescribe medication.
I would guess that since starfleet normally has only one Counsellor per ship/base then they would be qualifed to do both.

[Captain Robin Phoenix]

Why should there only be once counselor aboard?
There are multiple cotors and nurses right? So why not a larger Counselor staff?

A counselor aboard a large ship (i.e.: Titan) should need help from at least one assistent. There is no way one person can guide and help 1000 people! Not alone.
To my ,humble, opinion the Counselor staf should at least contain of a primary counselor, at least one assistant (for apointments, and small stuff) etc.

Obviously the CMO would be in charge of handing out medication, even if the counselor would prescribe them. In my opinion,. the medical and counseling fall under one flag... namely the health of the crew. Hence, they would work together. look at Crushed and Troi, they worked together in more then one episode.

[e-critter]

Large ships may have more then one Counselor, and smaller ships may not have one at all.

[Cox]

Quote Solok: Although I've made some efforts in the past, I've never really been able to create and maintain a working relationship IC with the ship's Counselor. If anyone has done it, how did you do it?
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My character has just transferred to counseling (with some background in psychiatry and psychology) and has not had a chance to be counselor IC yet, but the MO (not CMO) and I have talked about having our characters consult with one another. To answer your question Solok: We are able to maintain a working relationship because, before that we were friends (IC and OOC)

And secondly (not trying to open old wounds and put salt on them) I think that Counselor Phoenix is right in saying " ...the CMO" [[and MO]] "would be in charge of handing out medication, even if the counselor would prescribe them." [[Since most all counselors on a ship would have experience in psychiatry. At least in my point of view.]] "In my opinion, the medical and counseling fall under one flag... namely the health of the crew. Hence, they would work together. look at Crusher and Troi, they worked together in more then one episode."

Ensign Joran Tavex
Counselor
USS Wallace & DS17