The crew lounge aboard the USS Manhattan was enjoying one of its quieter periods. Most of the off-duty personnel occupied scattered tables, carrying on low conversations while stars drifted silently across the large viewport that dominated one wall.
At a table near the viewport sat Lieutenant Saxon Kreeger, Chief of Security.
The tall security officer had chosen a seat that afforded him an unobstructed view of both the room and the entrance—a habit developed through years of service that persisted even when he was officially off duty.
Before him rested a simple meal. A perfectly cooked medium-rare steak occupied the center of the plate, accompanied by golden fried potatoes and a serving of steamed asparagus. Beside the plate sat a large mug of black coffee, the dark liquid sending thin wisps of steam into the air.
Kreeger cut into the steak with practiced precision, taking a bite before washing it down with a sip of coffee. His expression remained calm and unreadable, though there was a faint sense of satisfaction in finally having a few moments away from security reports, duty rosters, and the endless stream of departmental concerns that accompanied command of a starship’s security division.
The lounge’s ambient lighting reflected softly off the viewport as distant stars stretched into brilliant lines whenever the Manhattan altered course. Kreeger’s gaze occasionally drifted toward the stellar panorama before returning to his meal.
A nearby table of junior officers laughed at some private joke. Across the room, a pair of engineers debated a maintenance schedule over their dinners. The familiar sounds of shipboard life filled the lounge.
For the moment, there were no alerts, no investigations, no disciplinary issues demanding his attention.
Just a hot meal, strong coffee, and a rare opportunity to enjoy both in peace.

Lt. Saxon Kreeger
Chief of Security
USS MANHATTAN