Posted by 2nd Lieutenant Stefan Burcham (Marine) in Reporting for duty

Posted by Colonel Jaxon “Hawk” Hammond (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in Reporting for duty

Posted by 2nd Lieutenant Stefan Burcham (Marine) in Reporting for duty
With the medical evaluation complete and his clearance officially recorded, 2nd Lieutenant Stefan Burcham exited Sickbay with a small nod to the staff. The sterile scent of the medical bay faded as he made his way down the corridor, boots striking the deck in a steady rhythm. He felt a quiet relief—routine or not, medical checks always left him slightly on edge. Still, he was fit for duty, and that was all that mattered.

The corridor widened as he approached the hangar bay, the distant echo of maintenance crews and shuttle diagnostics reaching his ears. The scent of coolant and plasma fields clung to the air—a familiar comfort. Technicians moved between small crafts and cargo crates, their voices half-lost in the ambient hum of systems being powered up and cycled through. Stefan paused just inside the threshold, eyes scanning the activity with a watchful gaze, automatically assessing the readiness of the deck.

Then he saw them—his commanding officer standing near the main launch console, reviewing a padd with a focused expression. Straightening his posture, Stefan approached with purpose, crossing the deck with calm confidence. Whatever the CO was here for, it was important. Stefan cleared his throat lightly to announce his presence without disrupting the flow of orders already in motion.

Stefan Burcham
2nd Lieutenant
USS Chimera Marine
It certainly was not hard for Stefan to spot his CO, a black Caitian stood out like a sore thumb among all the human and vulcans. The Caitain’s gold eyes locked on the butter bar, his new pilot was here, early I like that he thought. “I’ll be with you in a moment Lieutenant”

“Capptian, Kalvic,” he said, his voice a soft, “Have the squadron ready for holo at 06:30 tomorrow, dismissed.” he said turning to address the new officer.

Major Shraan ‘Shifty’ M’alek
Wing Commander USS Chimera , CO Black Knights

Stefan straightened instinctively as the Caitian’s gaze met his—sharp, golden, assessing. It was a look he’d grown familiar with during flight school: the quick read of someone sizing up a fresh face, measuring potential against expectation.

“Yes, sir,” Stefan replied crisply, offering a respectful nod. He didn’t flinch under the stare. Instead, he held position just off to the side, hands clasped neatly behind his back.

He took in the surroundings while he waited—the quiet buzz of the hangar deck, the rhythmic hiss of pressure doors, and the subtle scent of coolant and polished metal. Familiar. Comforting, in a strange way.

His eyes returned to the CO. Even from a distance, the Caitian radiated authority, his stride precise, tail flicking once as he concluded whatever conversation he was wrapping up. Stefan remained still, letting the moment settle. First impressions mattered. And he was here to make this one count.

Stefan Burcham
2nd Lieutenant
USS Chimera Marine

He turned and looking up from his PaDD at His newest pilot , wondering what his next move would be.

Colonel Jaxon ‘Hawk’ Hammond
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)