Posted by Crewman Guy Fleegman (Security Officer) in Reporting for Duty - Alt Sim

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves (Senior Security Officer) in Reporting for Duty
The USS Merrimack hung in orbit like a disciplined sentinel—Mariner-class lines clean, functional, built for endurance rather than spectacle. Docking procedures had been smooth, efficient, and uneventful in the way Starfleet preferred. No drama. No surprises. Just arrival.
Lieutenant J.G. John Reeves stepped off the transport shuttle with practiced composure as the airlock sealed behind him. The transition from civilian shuttle to starship interior always carried a subtle shift in atmosphere—filtered air, controlled gravity, the faint hum of systems working in layered synchronization.
He took in the corridor ahead without hesitation.
The Merrimack was not a new ship. It carried the quiet weight of service: scuffed panel seams, slightly worn junction plating, and the faint scent of recycled air that had passed through too many duty cycles. To Reeves, that meant reliability, not neglect.
A junior yeoman approached from the reception station.
“Lieutenant Reeves?”
He nodded once. “Yes.”
“Security Division intake is two decks down. You’re expected in Ops for assignment briefing.”
“Understood.”
No further questions. No unnecessary delay.
Reeves moved forward at a steady pace, hands clasped loosely behind his back, posture straight but unforced. He didn’t rush. He didn’t linger. He simply proceeded with intent.
The turbolift arrived almost immediately—efficient ship, efficient timing.
“Security Operations,” he stated.
The doors closed with a soft hiss, and the lift descended.
—
Security Operations was already active when he arrived. Tactical displays flickered across consoles, duty officers exchanging reports in clipped, professional cadence. The environment felt structured—controlled pressure rather than chaos. Exactly where he expected to be assigned.
He stepped through the entry threshold.
A brief pause.
Reeves came to attention in the center lane of the room.
“Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves, reporting for duty,” he said evenly.
No embellishment. No hesitation. Just arrived, delivered cleanly into the system he had joined.

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

Guy turned to look at the new redshirt. He was surprised, and he would freely admit, more than a little shocked, to see that John Reeves was a jgLT. Unusually, for a redshirt, Guy had been around so long that despite being a lowly crewman, he had almost been the most senior officer in the Security department. It was unusual, because it was now hundreds of days since the last phaser malfunction. Guy would now have another additional senior officer to answer to, and another more valuable officer to help to avoid danger, by getting struck first by some mean ugly alien gloop, or by the poisonous thorns of some walking plants, or from a phaser coolant accident, or…

Guy didn’t show his shock, but his basic training kicked in without him even thinking, and he immediately stood to attention. “Guy Fleegman, SIR!” he replied.

“Yes! Right! The Chief may be working out in the Gym, Sir!” Guy replied. “Or, he may be on the Bridge, Sir! He has only just arrived on the Merrimack himself. Can I be of assistance to you? Have you stowed away your kit to your Quarters? Do you want to inspect the Armory now, or the Torpedo Launch Rooms first? Of course, Sir!”

• Guy, Sec

John Reeves returned the salute with a quick nod, looking mildly overwhelmed by the rapid-fire stream of information.
“At ease, Fleegman.”
He adjusted the strap of the duffel slung over his shoulder and glanced down the corridor as if hoping the Chief of Security might magically appear.
“I haven’t even found my quarters yet, so no, my kit isn’t stowed. And I’d rather not get lost on my first day aboard.”
His expression softened slightly.
“Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves. Recently assigned to Security Division. From the sound of it, you’ve been aboard long enough to know where everything is and where everyone hides.”
He offered a faint smile.
“So let’s start with the basics. Show me my quarters, then the Security Office. If the Chief turns up, you can point me in the right direction.”
He glanced toward the nearest turbolift.
“And Fleegman?”
He lowered his voice slightly.
“You don’t have to call me ‘sir’ every third word when we’re not standing in front of the Captain.”
The smile widened.
“Lead the way.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346