Cleared for duty by the Chief Medical Officer, Thalos departed sickbay without ceremony. There was only one remaining obligation before he could formally assume his role as Chief of Security aboard the USS Merrimack—a meeting with the ship’s commanding officer.

He moved through the corridors with measured strides, expression neutral, posture composed. To any casual observer, he appeared entirely at ease. Beneath that exterior, however, a low current of tension coiled quietly—controlled, contained, but present. It was not fear, nor doubt, but the weight of responsibility settling into place. Command expectations. A new crew. A ship he did not yet know.

When he reached the captain’s door, Thalos stopped.

For a brief moment—no more than a heartbeat—the instincts of the Imperial Guard stirred. A flash of readiness. A reflexive assessment of angles, exits, threat vectors. His muscles tightened imperceptibly, antennae drawing forward as if preparing for a challenge rather than a conversation.

He recognized the response immediately.

And suppressed it just as quickly.

This was not an ice field. Not a command tent. Not a rival clan leader across a dueling line. This was Starfleet—where authority was earned through trust, not dominance. The tension eased, folded back under discipline, leaving only calm resolve behind.

Thalos straightened slightly, his antennae settling into a controlled, respectful posture. He raised his hand and pressed the door chime.

He hoped the captain had concluded their meeting with the XO. This was not a formality to be rushed, nor one to be witnessed unnecessarily. It was a conversation best held privately—measured, direct, and precise.

A clandestine meeting, in its own way.

Thalos waited, silent and composed, ready to step fully into his duty aboard the USS Merrimack.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack