A very interesting topic, I have a few questions/observations:
1) We know that Jellico was brought in because of his ability to negociate with the Cardassians. Given his success at that I think we can take that as given. However, was it ever stated why this required him to given operational command of the Enterprise? (ie Riker would remain in command the day-to-business of the ship, Jellico would be in command of the mission. cf what happened later with Adm Pressman).
2) A poster commented earlier that a 4-shift system would give the crew more time off and expressed surprise that they would object to that.
A) They might object because Jellico was asked them to increase productivity while giving them 25% less time to do it in. However, I don't believe this is likely, if anything I think the reverse is true.
As I understand it, most military watch systems work as 'on, 'off-but ready', sleeping'. Basically the 3-shift system Riker seems to prefer.
B) Assuming any shift change was to increase working hours, then we have two options.
i) All crew work the same pattern, with a twelve hour block on watch (possibly at two different department, implied by Geordi), 6 hours on 'standby', and 6 hours sleeping. Or
ii) The crew 'dog' their watches - 6 hours on, 6 off/standby, 6 hours on (again, possibly at a different post), 6 off.
Am I completely nuts?
Shamrock Holmes
