A Talk with the Weyrleader

Writers: Cymiri, Emma
Date Posted: 23rd April 2014

Characters: Reeva, K'sedel
Description: Reeva takes her concerns to the Weyrleader
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 6, day 12 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: K'lvin, Bahji

K'sedel

Reeva paused a second, wondering if the man's bronze would have let him know
of her approach or if the beast would have missed it. Then she rapped
smartly on the Weyrleader's door.

She stopped a few paces short of his desk with a curt formal bow.

"Weyrleader, I would appreciate a few moments of your time- as I am sure you
can deduce."

"Take a seat," K'sedel pointed to a comfortable looking chair opposite his
desk. "How can I help you?"

"It is simple, my Lord. I understand for some of the riders, a woman in my
role is still unacceptable to their minds. To be honest, I care very little
what a person thinks, so long as they do the right thing. Bronzerider K'lvin,
however, has not done the right thing. He has offered me disrespect- but
disrespect I can live with. He also offered me interference, and that I cannot
tolerate m'Lord. Not when the decisions I or my fellow crafters make hang people's
lives in the balance. I would not interrupt or seek to impinge myself on a rider
in flight against thread because it is your calling and your expertise. I expect
the same courtesy- for my patients' sake if not my own. My hesitations can kill
as easily as yours might."

She bit the edge of her lip. She would not go into the cause of the incident
without her patient's permission if the leader was unaware of it himself-
and her patient was in no state to give it- but that which had bothered her
most had to be addressed.

"I understand stress can make fools of anyone unexpectedly, and perhaps it
was nothing more- but if one is at a loss, one's role is to stand back and
allow those whose role it is to act, not to offer snide remarks and delays
for the sake of one's ego. A crisis is about the sufferer, not those
incidental to-and responsible for- the situation." She breathed out softly.

"In the end, sir, all was as well as it may be under very difficult
circumstances, but I would appreciate it if you would undertake to remind
the bronzerider that the dignity of a man in his powerful role hangs very
much on how he chooses to treat those around him- and their opinions will be
formed by it. Your riders would not fare very well without my craft- I would
like to think that the respect between workmates, at least, is not
unreasonable to ask for."

K'sedel pondered her words for a moment. "Might I offer you a glass of
juice?" he asked as he poured himself a beverage. "Have you spoken to the
Weyrhealer about this before coming to me?" It was something that the Master
in charge of the Weyr's healers should know about.

She snorted softly in amusement, recognizing an- admittedly accomplished-
stall when she saw one.

"Yes Sir, I have. Though my own Master is...sometimes busy, as we know. I
was advised to speak to you."

Getting too old to keep up, she didn't say out loud. Not did she mention
that she suspected he'd privately hoped she wouldn't have the balls too- or,
more charitably, that perhaps he suspected she did where he didn't.

"I desire nothing more then you have a reminding word with K'livn, my Lord.
I simply fear the...pressures... that may face, say, a young journeyman were
he required to dictate to a rider of considerable rank above him- as
bronzeriders are- if riders were to feel that such personal
...impingement... has become acceptable in the Weyr's eyes. A healer has
to be accorded the respect of final say over their patient and of the crises
in hand regardless of their rank or anyone but the Craft's opinion- or it
may literally cost lives. I *am* a master, sir, and have been for a long
time. I am also the mother of boys who were once more then rambunctious, and
no one has ever accused me of an unwillingness to say my fill. People who
interfere with my practice of my craft may expect to be told which corner of
the room in which to go stand and what to do with themselves while there.
Not all of my craft fellows have the privilege of high rank and a brazen
nature, however."

"I see," K'sedel nodded gently. He needed to know he had all the facts
before speaking. And also to know that it wasn't a crafter's fit of pique at
the differences between life at the Weyr and elsewhere on Pern. "As
Weyrleader, discipline of riders falls within my remit. From what you say,
it does sound like the man has crossed a line, and as you suggest, needs a
reminder of how things should be. Consider it a task I will undertake, you
have my word."

"Your word is enough, Weyrleader, and I appreciate that, sir."
She rose with another small bow, leaving her glass barely touched.
"My duty to you and Nikornath."

"And mine to you." K'sedel was making a mental note to have a discussion
with his wingleaders and their seconds. Perhaps this was not an isolated
incident, but whatever, it needed to not happen again.

Last updated on the May 13th 2014

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A Talk with the Weyrleader