Sharing the Burden

Writers: Paula, Chelle
Date Posted: 18th March 2011

Characters: P'nal, G'nir
Description: G'nir asks P'nal to do some of the wing evaluations.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 13, day 5 of Turn 5

G'nir

"Ah, P'nal, please get in and take a cup of klah," G'nir greeted and
gestured towards a side table where a klah pitcher sat with a pile of
clean mugs. The Weyrleader had asked his 'Second to come for a meeting.

The brownrider made himself a mug and put some cream in it, swirling the
liquid. He sat down, making himself comfortable. He and G'nir had been
working together for months so he felt like he knew the
man quite well, though he would never assume familiarity with him. Things
had been going well so far and he finally had a good idea of his riders'
experience and skills.

"It's the time to do the wing's evaluations for the past turn. Since I'm
also doing evaluations for the other Wingleaders too, I thought I could
assign some of the Azure's evaluations to you." G'nir went
straight to business.

"That would be fine sir, whatever you need. However, since I wasn't leading
for most of the Turn, I'll need to get your notes." P'nal had read some of
the Wing records, but it wasn't the same as G'nir's personal observances.

"Same here," G'nir nodded. "There are still riders I know only by name."

"Well I'll do what I can with the records and things. As it is, though, I
don't think it'll be a complete evaluation due to that fact. So, what was
your plan? Do you have certain questions that need to be brought up?"
P'nal took a sip of his drink.

"We need to improve the Wing's overall performance," G'nir said seriously.
"We lose in comparison in all categories to Cyan Wing. Of course, Azure
has had changes in leadership while Cyan's situation
has been more stable. So, the questions are: how can you improve your
performance as well as asking suggestions from them. Some of those
wingriders have been here longer than two of us, so they might have
valuable input," G'nir was making notes while he talked.

"I think the changes have been the biggest thing and the riders are still
trying to figure out how they fit into it all. Once we settle, a lot of
the problems will take care of themselves. I have been talking to the
older riders and we've come up with some ideas, but I wanted to put the
changes in slowly. Too much at once will mess everything up." P'nal
scribbled on his hides.

"True. Getting through the Falls without many injuries should be our first
priority," G'nir said. "We'll have new riders graduating soon, any of them
got your attention?" he asked.

"Well I've been doing those lectures that I'm supposed to do and there's a
greenrider-O'ryn-that seems good material." P'nal was careful about the
weyrlings since he was more familiar with the younger group.

"Let's keep him in mind," G'nir said.

"Discipline has gotten better, though. We've had less tardies and injuries
than before. At least the numbers are going in the right direction there,"
he perused the hides he had brought, which G'nir would use to report
from in the Wingleaders' meeting.

"Yes, that's a good thing. We have to keep up the positive development.
Creating a bit of we-spirit wouldn't hurt too."

"Very true. I think the sweep schedules will help with that. Like we talked
about before, I haven't been rotating the groups as much so they're with
the same riders for a few sevendays before they get switched.
It's making them see each other more often." Their weakness, in P'nal's
eyes, came from the change in staff and the fact that the riders were
getting used to a different style.

"I believe things will get sorted out if we keep things logical and
constant," G'nir said.

"Allright, then I'll do these..." P'nal checked some of the rider names on
the roster. "Any others?"

"I think that should be enough to keep you busy. Then there's your
evaluation," G'nir replied and actually smiled.

"That's true. Do you want to do it now or later?" He didn't care either way.

"How about now, if you're not in a hurry?" G'nir said.

He made a gesture to say that was fine with him as he drank his beverage.
The brownrider was aware that he had only been in his position for a few
months at this point. The learning curve had been steep since he had no
real leadership experience. With that in mind, he had done pretty well.

"I have to admit you've done well as my 'Second. Your performance in Fall is
steady and reliable. You are independent enough and prompt. You still have
a few things to learn, but so do I," G'nir said.

"Thank you, Weyrleader," he said, meaning it.

"I'm satisfied with you, so keep up the good work!" G'nir said and that was
all pep-talk he was willing to give.

"I will do my duty." P'nal wasn't the type of man to need dozens of
complements. He knew with G'nir, less was more.

"Then, we're done for the today," G'nir said.

Last updated on the March 21st 2012

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Sharing the Burden