Ming mulled over his executive officer’s opinion of the Knights one Vulcan officer.  He recounted what he had seen of the Silver Sehlat’s piloting.  

He said, “I’m not sure I would say it’s totally uninspired.  It might be better characterized as being locked into a logic-based extrapolation of existing tactics.  Humans and Andorians use a combination some logic with instincts and degrees of fear, fury and/or passion. It’s zig/zags and corkscrews versus right angles with occasional climbs or dives.  In the four fighter flights I’ve been in as well as the pre-fighter shuttle runs I’ve served with a few Vulcans.  Humans, Andorians, Trill, a handful of Tellarites with other Federation species here and there.  My parents taught me that observation can sometimes be as important and on occasion more important than action. Know your allies well and your enemies better is another one they hammered on.”

He chuckled, “I read Sun Tzu well before the Academy and have heard many paraphrases before that.  I found it very hokey when I was younger but as I got older I’ve found some interesting uses for it.  I digress however.  My point is there are a few paths toward the same end.  I had a few seminar courses my third and fourth year at the academy. I ultimately liked those courses as there were some very interesting counterpoints.  Some arguments made more sense to me than mine.   It was a rarity but it happened.” 

Sh’iv just shrugged. “Perhaps I am allowing my people’s bias against the Pointed… the Vulcans to influence my opinion. I will never admit I am without fault. I have room to improve. I get hyper focused on an enemy and I get tunnel vision.  I am reluctant to admit defeat and pull out of a rapidly worsening situation.  But, when I am able to step back and see the larger picture I will be more conservative. It’s a contradiction I know. One I fight every day to find balance between.” 

“James Tiberius Kirk once said that he didn’t believe in no win scenarios.   Frankly I don’t either.   It’s a matter of seeing or not seeing all the options.  Bias, like many other things, is a mindset.  I was taught it was a lack of objective thinking. It’s an ability that doesn’t rid one of bias.  It allows one to step away from bias long enough to get a clearer view of things.  I thought it was philosophical bullshit when I was younger.  I was surprised as hell when I realized that it was a truth as well as a reality,” Ming said musingly.   

Marcus exhaled and shook his head.  He continued, “Anyway. that is something that we’ll be working out.  Flight debriefing at 1200 hours tomorrow in the pilots briefing room.  Barring a livelier discussion than I expect we’ll put theory into practice in drills. We don’t need to start thinking like each other however we need to become more in sync as a flight.  More anticipatory when it comes to our flight mates.    It may not be easy but it is doable.”

Sh’iv shrugged, “I’ll take your word for it sir.”

Ming had heard similar wording and tone.  It’s translation was in the ballpark of either “The old man is clueless” or “The boss is a complete idiot.”  He wasn’t hurt or offended.  It likely happened as far back in the Roman Empire and before.   

Looking thoughtfully at his XO he said, “Any other ideas on how to smooth things out other than exchanging out pilots?  Honestly there’s not anybody that has done anything near bad enough to warrant relieving them of duty as a Knight.  No negligence, the skill is there, the will is there but the cohesion apparently could use some work.” 

She thought for a long moment and with a slight shrug, “I don’t know sir.” 

Marcus looked at Sh’iv thoughtfully for a brief moment before saying, “We’ll set up some holodeck simulation drills for tomorrow at 0900 hours ship time to get more practice in and get some evaluations in.  If it turns out more work is needed we’ll get on it.  Otherwise some extra drill time to keep everyone on their toes won’t hurt. We’ll assess things as needed tomorrow though.  Any questions or thoughts on the matter before that gets set up XO?”

She tapped her chin, “Just unit cohesion drills.”

“That’ll be a focus if not THE focus.  For starters I plan to have you as element leader with Jenna and T’Kown in tow while I observe.  After the initial assessment I plan to jump in with Abara for flight drills with the whole team.  If things are as you say we can start working on fixing it depending on any patterns we see….or don’t see.”

“That sounds like a fair plan,” the Andorian pilot replied.  “Leadership is probably not my best skill so that will give me a chance to work on that.” 

“As the Terran saying goes, ‘You have to start somewhere.’  I will send out the communication out shortly.  Any other questions or comments on the matter?  If not you’re dismissed and I will see you in the morning,” Ming said amiably with a slight smile.

“No sir.”

“Very well then.  Barring any alerts you are dismissed until tomorrow.  Enjoy the rest of the day, XO,” Marcus said with an amiable but dismissive nod.   

Sh’iv snapped to attention.  “Thank you sir.” With a smart about-face she strode out of the office.