Somewhere in between lower decks and high ranks lies a mysterious land, full of Lieutenants and Lieutenant Commanders. They make up the backbone of the Fleet, leading departments, joining task forces, and giving Lower Deckers a hard time. However, they have been overlooked by interviews recently and don’t often get the credit they deserve. This new series Rising Through the Ranks aims to change that!
These interviews will focus on the journey, growth and character development that happens as Lower Decks is left behind but Command is not quite in sight yet. We will also be taking this opportunity to find out what it’s like to write for particular duty posts, lead a department, write without the training wheels of mentorship, and make plans for career advancement.
Today we’ve asked Lieutenant Divya Tam, a female Barzan and the Assistant Chief of Tactical & Security on the USS Astraeus to share their experience.
Marsh: First, enlighten us. What are the biggest differences between being a Lower Decker and being higher in the rank structure? How does it change things both in and out of character? Do you miss anything about being a lower decker?
Tam: The biggest difference is the PADD work. Interviewing new Ensigns and making sure they have their footing has me more connected to the crew, and far more protective of them.
Now that you’ve got some experience under your belt, how would you say that your writing style and your approach to simming has changed? Do you still rely on your mentor or have you moved into being a mentor yourself?
I’m flying solo at the moment as I have graduated from having a mentor but have not become a mentor yet. I find that I am I thinking more about where the plot is going and how to contribute to the overall feel of the mission. Before, I didn’t know enough about how missions are laid out to consider those things. I worked more off describing what my character was feeling and go through. I hope to find a balance between these two methods.
Divya is a Tactical & Security Officer. Tell us what it’s like writing for that position. What do you do to help your writing feel genuine and lore accurate? Do you have any specific advice you can share with other members who may be writing a Tac/Sec Officer?
I have been focused on the Security side of the position due to the scenes I’ve been involved with. I had to find my motivation for being a Security officer as I am not personally drawn to police work. The mindset that has worked for me is to concentrate on the protective side of the position. I have Divya think about possible risks and work with her crew to make sure they are safe in whatever they need to do. This mindset lets her step to the forefront of scenes when it makes sense, hang out in the back as a lookout, and to have fun with the crew the opportunity arises.
How have you found the transition of becoming a Lieutenant? What sort of added responsibility does that come with? How has it impactedDivya in character?
Shortly after achieving the rank of Lieutenant I became the only Security/Tactical officer on the ship, mid-mission. I’m not sure how to separate the rank difference from the responsibility of being the only one. At first, I tried interacting with other crew members the way I had with the Security/Tactical officers. It didn’t go well because they were focused in other directions. Divya because more serious very quickly. I am still working on getting back to her lighter side.
Finally, what steps did you take to achieve the rank you’re at now and what are your career plans for Lieutenant Tam moving forward?
I worked with the crew and friends to understand how the ship works. My biggest hurdle was putting myself out there and SIMing with different people so I’ve accepted every invite to write. The crew has been wonderful and welcoming.
It has been a quick ride so I am happy have Divya stay where she is for now and take her time getting used to the responsibility and learning how to take care of the ship.
Thanks for your time, Lieutenant Divya Tam!
You can read more about Lieutenant Divya Tam on the wiki.
