Chris made his way to the holodeck after finishing his duties, dressed in comfortable training clothes rather than his usual Security uniform. He had always believed that staying physically fit was only part of being good at his job. A Security officer needed to be able to think clearly when tired, react quickly when things went wrong, and make the right decision when there wasn’t time to think things through.

He stepped inside the holodeck and approached the control panel.

“Computer, load Security training program Taylor-One.”

The empty holodeck shimmered around him.

The sterile walls disappeared, replaced by the streets of a sprawling city at night. Buildings rose on either side, their windows illuminated against a dark sky. The sounds of traffic, distant conversations, and music drifted through the streets. It was remarkably convincing.

Chris looked around, taking in his surroundings.

“Begin.”

A brief message appeared on his wrist display.

TRAINING SCENARIO: URBAN SECURITY RESPONSE
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: LOCATE AND APPREHEND TARGET
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES: ZERO

Chris smiled faintly.

“Simple enough.”

He started walking.

For the first few minutes, nothing seemed particularly unusual. Then his communicator chirped.

“Security response requested. Possible armed suspect in your vicinity.”

Chris immediately changed pace.

The program began testing him.

A pedestrian suddenly stepped into his path. Chris adjusted his direction without breaking stride. Moments later, a figure emerged from an alley, causing several civilians to scatter. Chris didn’t immediately give chase. Instead, he stopped, assessed the situation, and identified the individual who was actually carrying the weapon.

“Security! Drop it!”

The suspect ran.

Chris took off after him.

The chase carried him through several streets, up a flight of stairs and across a narrow walkway before the suspect disappeared into an abandoned warehouse.

Chris slowed as he approached the entrance.

The easy part was over.

He drew his training phaser and entered carefully.

Inside, the lighting was poor and the warehouse was filled with crates, machinery and simulated civilians. Movement caught his attention to his left.

Chris turned.

A holographic attacker lunged from behind the cover of a storage container.

Chris reacted instinctively, avoiding the strike and bringing the attacker under control rather than immediately using the phaser. Another figure appeared behind him.

He spun, blocked the incoming blow and drove the attacker back.

“Computer, mark first attacker restrained.”

ACKNOWLEDGED.

A weapon discharged somewhere deeper inside the warehouse.

Chris immediately moved toward the sound.

He found the original suspect holding a simulated civilian at phaser point.

Chris lowered his weapon slightly.

“Put the weapon down. You don’t need to make this worse.”

The suspect hesitated.

Chris kept his voice calm.

“You’ve got nowhere to go. Let them go and we can finish this without anyone getting hurt.”

The hologram continued to hesitate before finally dropping the weapon.

Chris moved forward and secured the suspect.

“Computer, scenario complete.”

For a moment, the warehouse remained around him.

Then the computer spoke.

SECONDARY THREAT DETECTED.

Chris frowned.

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

The warehouse disappeared.

The city returned around him, this time with an alarm sounding in the distance.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: RESPOND TO ACTIVE SECURITY INCIDENT.

Chris immediately took off running.

The program continued for another twenty minutes, forcing him to sprint, climb, fight and make rapid decisions while his body was becoming increasingly fatigued. By the time the final scenario ended, Chris was breathing heavily and sweat ran down his face.

The city disappeared.

The familiar holodeck returned.

Chris stood still for a moment, catching his breath before looking toward the control panel.

“Display results.”

A display appeared.

TRAINING COMPLETE

TACTICAL DECISION-MAKING: 94.7%
REACTION TIME: EXCELLENT
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE: EXCELLENT
UNNECESSARY FORCE: ZERO
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES: ZERO

Chris looked at the results and allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.

“94.7?”

He shook his head.

“Could have done better.”

The holodeck doors opened behind him as he collected his towel and headed for the showers, already considering how he was going to beat the score next time.

Ensign Chris Taylor
Security
Uss Athena