Chris had returned to the mirror in his quarters over and over again in the last hour but this would have to be his final check. He was looking for any sign of imperfection, but not one of the brown hairs on his head were out of place and all traces of stubble had been clean shaven away. He took in his slight athletic frame, turning sideways briefly in each direction hoping for a fuller look and caught himself wondering if he had gotten too scrawny. He let out a sigh and felt a wave of nerves escape with his breath. “The uniform sits well on you, ensign” Chris reassured his own reflection.

=/\=Alpha shift, five minutes.=/\=

His shift assignment hadn’t been communicated yet but Chris had orders to report in to this new department head at 0800.

Taking in the single pip at his neck a smile broke out across his lips. He didn’t need any more reassurance from the mirror. Chris tapped on the console and his reflection disappeared from view. Returning to his bunk he stuffed a final morsel of hasperat in his mouth and picked up a PaDD sitting on his pillow before making for the nearest turbolift.

“Deck 29” he called as the doors shut on a busy corridor and he found himself alone. Looking down at the PaDD in his hand he scrolled away from his assignment orders and reopened a saved message. “Go well darling. You’ve got this!” he said, reading to himself. Chris had received the note from Ensign Ruba, his wife, two nights ago and knew taking it with him would calm any nerves. The academy had drummed most of that out of him, but for a first assignment he couldn’t help remembering that the Chimera would be both a dream posting and a challenge to live up to.

The door opened and as Chris walked down the corridor he didn’t have to feign anymore. His stride was more confident, he had settled into himself and he brushed down his uniform assuredly as he approached the Security Office, stepping in and taking a moment to appreciate that he had actually made it.

He crossed the busy Squad Room, noting that the alpha shift looked full. “Pardon me, will the lieutenant be in her office?” he asked to no one in particular and more out of politeness than need. Reassuringly a couple of ensigns looked up from their desks and pointed past the interrogation room to the COS’ office. Another, got up with a smile and made her way over.

“Ensign Jill, pleasure to meet you,” she said with a smile and an outstretched hand.

Taking the handshake Chris responded warmly, “Christopher Francis, and yes, Chris is fine. I’m new here.”

“Oh, we can tell,” Jill replied teasing the prim English ensign. “Lieutenant Lokaa just stepped into her office. She’s new here too.”

“Great, I’d better report for duty,” Chris responded, recognising the natural advantage of joining a new ship at the same time as your department head. Everyone would be figuring things out together.

He moved off in the direction everyone had pointed, leaving Ensign Jill with his thanks. “Watch yourself though…” he heard her call as he walked away. Chris shot a dismissive and confused smile back over his shoulder, not knowing what she could mean.

As he approached Lieutenant (j.g.) Lokaa’s door he steadied himself one last time and quietly exhaled the very last of his nerves. Tapping the door chime, he gripped his PaDD. He waited for a call to enter, unaware that he had forgotten to return the PaDD to displaying his assignment orders after reading his wife’s note.

Ensign Christopher Francis - Security

OOC: Thanks to Kat for letting me join you all on the Chimera. Good to be here -Wail